Chance of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Human Resources Management, 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 gained some of the best times and experiences of my life while abroad. Being in Greece gave me the chance to be independent and gain confidence in myself while giving me a global education. I also made lifelong friends!

Review Photos

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes offered were rich in culture and give students a great opportunity to learn about ancient and modern Greece. The course load was very manageable and professors are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration on the campus is extremely helpful and welcoming. They are so sweet and are willing to assist with any issues you may have as a student! The Director of students even made soup and called us to ensure we were doing well!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great. The apartments come with closet space, a desk, a dresser, and a bunk bed. The apartment I was in could house up to 10 students, however we only had four occupying it. It was a great size for four, however if there were 10 it would have been a lot more cramped. Also, just know, in Europe you cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet and dryers for laundry are very uncommon. However, there is a washer in each apartment!

* Food:

The food in Greece is amazing and inexpensive. Also, local grocery stores and markets are very close to the apartments so students can cook themselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By taking the Greek language classes and getting out and doing things locally, it is easy to feel at home in Greece.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I did not utilize the healthcare amenities while abroad, I witnessed their medical care by witness the before and after results of a student who developed appendicitis while abroad. The medical staff was extremely friendly and most could speak English.

* Safety:

The city felt very safe since locals are out at all times during the day and night. However, do know that many protests happen close to the apartments and you may be advised to stay away from certain areas when those events occur.

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)

It is pretty easy to live on a small budget in Greece since cost of food is so low. Cost of travel is also very low, however, your costs will depend on how much you want to travel while you are there.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start early!

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Opportunity to work with Refugees
  • The immersion in the culture
  • The scuba diving course
* What could be improved?
  • More GCP appoved courses
  • Diverse courses that can go towards a major
  • More classes toward majors or minors offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how much I was going to travel outside of Greece in my free time so I would have saved more money and budgeted more accurately.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
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.