Amazing opportunity and a unique was to go abroad! Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication, Webster University) - abroad from 08/22/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Greek culture and society by living there! I met lifelong friends and incredible people! Athens is old meets new and worth a semester stay!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dina is fantastic and really helps run a great program! She will make sure you have an overall positive experience!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great apartments, perfect size for small groups. Might be a bit crammed for large groups though.

* Food:

Greek food is great! And they even teach you how to make some dishes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had to have unexpected surgery in Athens and the healthcare was great! I felt right at home and was thoroughly impressed (this was at the private hospital, not the public one).

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most of my money went towards travel because living in Greece was so affordable!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't feel like you need to buy a whole new closet. Everything is affordable, especially in moderation.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Nothing
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Joanna teaches the Greek language course and she's amazing! I wish I had taken all 16 weeks of class but even after 8 weeks I felt comfortable using Greek in basic conversations.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Understanding Greek culture
  • The location near the beach was great too!
* What could be improved?
  • Course offerings and professors teaching classes they are educated on.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the Athens campus! It's a new campus for Webster and the home campus did a terrible job of spreading information.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.