Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I could have stayed Past Review

By (Webster University) - abroad from 08/15/2016 to 10/14/2016 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and that I also don't need to know the language to survive in a country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dina Skias is an excellent Director of Student Affairs. She makes you feel welcomed and loved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The internet connection was poor sometimes, but the apartment was beautiful.

* Food:

I'm a picky eater, so it was difficult for me to find food that enjoyed at times. However, I did find some places I enjoyed and was able to prepare my own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel integrated until about week 5 of my time there. I think its a difficult adjustment, when the only people I interact with on a daily basis are apart of the cohort I traveled with. There should definitely be an attempt to integrate students sooner with local culture within the school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was phenomenal. When the wire of my braces became loose, Dina, helped find me an orthodontist immediately. She also scheduled the appointment and made sure English would be spoken. Additionally, the dental appointment was free.

* Safety:

One of the safest places I've ever lived.

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

My time in Greece was special. I was able to explore the history and engage in current politics that were directly related to my field of work. The program helped me to realize what kind of work I am interested in and provided a number of networking opportunities.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your food.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • 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?
  • Networking
  • Culture
  • Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Length of time in class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to International Relations
Course Department:
Instructor: John Nomikos
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was well designed and easy to follow. The location of the class was optimal. Dr. Nomikos was very knowledgeable and well - prepared. The assessment was short answer and not difficult, if you read the book for the course. The research paper allowed for me to delve into a topic that interested me and gain a better understanding.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Research Methods for International Relations
Course Department:
Instructor: John Dumont
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was beyond challenging. The professor made assumptions about what he thought we should already know. I don't think enough time was spent discussing content in a way that would be applicable and easy immediately grasp. The class location was fine. Participation in the class was often forced. Many times we didn't know answers and time would be wasted to pull answers out of the students, instead of teaching the topic in a different way so that we could better understand. There were two exams, however I did not feel prepared for either of them because I didn't feel the content was covered in class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No