Beautiful Views with amazing food and a great atmosphere Past Review

By (SUNY - Binghamton) - abroad from 07/22/2018 to 08/18/2018 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the different ways of living in another country. Learning to appreciate each day, and not rush through life so much. I learned that Greece has its problems just as America does, just in different aspects. It was definitely worth it to live in another country for a month.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely amazing. Hands-on and totally helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Big living space that was really nice and clean. A few broken pieces such as shower curtain or washer, but was fixed by staff

* Food:

SO fresh and cheap. Great for vegetarians, and a lot of sweets

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not as much interaction with the local people, unless you actively went out and tried to talk with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

pick-pocketing is a serious issue and I saw firsthand someone try to steal money from someone's bag. Also, harassment by beggars is big too.

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

I loved, loved, loved my time in Greece. The culture was amazing, along with the views and food. The classwork was a little bit much for a short-term abroad, and I also wished there were more students in the program, as it was really small. But other than that, everything was great

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks and other nonperishable items so you don't have to eat out or buy groceries as much. Prepare to shop for souvenirs but clothing and accessories could be bought beforehand.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food/Gelato
  • Islands/views
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • classes being more organized
  • more students on the trip
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to travel to other places and take advantage of the proximity of Greece to Europe. Plan to spend a lot on shopping, if you are into that. Cooking at home saves so much money compared to eating out.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.