Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Greece is my second home Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Potsdam) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 05/11/2018 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to get in touch with my inner Greek and learn more about my heritage. I loved the atmosphere and locals that I met.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The laid back and relaxed feel of each class helped me feel more interested in the topics I was learning about. On the other hand, it could have used a little bit more structure in some classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't interact with my administration office very much due to everything being set up before I arrived.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only thing that ruined my experience was the housing conditions. There were too many people living in a small apartment that was falling apart daily. I never wanted to go home because of the constant problems and people I was around. Luckily, I had a balcony that was my mini escape and people that caused problems were moved out towards the end of the semester.

* Food:

I made my own food at home and went out to eat every once in awhile.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved everything about the culture! People were nice and easy to communicate with. After 3 weeks I felt right at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I contracted mono at the beginning of the program and had a doctor come right to the apartment. It was all covered by our GeoBlue insurance and I was refunded within a month.

* Safety:

I felt very safe the whole time I was there. You are kept up to date on current issues by our director and always knew where a demonstration would be taking place. As long as you are aware of your surroundings (just like any other major city) you would be fine.

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

The program gave me a new family overseas that I know I'll try to stay in touch with for as long as I can.

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)

I like food a lot so this can definitely vary. Luckily, our program director had tips for us anytime we asked her on how to save.

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? Talk to program directors and just ask them how they budget.

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

They would teach us new words everyday that would be useful to us in the city.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Learn the alphabet and sounds of letters before hand

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

  • International Students
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?
  • The locals
  • Archaeological sites everywhere
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to have to live in an apartment with 7 other girls.

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.