Come to Greece for an amazing abroad experience!! Past Review
By A student (Saint Louis University) - abroad from 01/14/2019 to 05/11/2019 with
Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens
I learned that I can be comfortable in a totally new place very quickly, and that I can adjust to the pace of life here. I got to take time to do things that I rarely had time for at my home university, like reading for fun, painting, taking long walks, etc. It was absolutely worthwhile coming here. Getting to travel to other parts of Greece was fantastic. There are so many beautiful places here!
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. |
I've had really amazing professors here and also some that were not so great. I would highly recommend the Greek language course (it is probably one of the more challenging courses). But otherwise the classes are not very rigorous |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I've had no trouble with anything related to administration, and Dina, the program director, is an incredible help with anything you need! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the big apartment with 6 other women (at one point there were 9 total) and it did get a little chaotic at times but it really wasn't a big deal and we all got along very well! |
| * Food: |
There's no food provided by the program, so you have to cook, but this has been so much fun and it's a good way to experience part of the Greek culture. Going to the open markets is nice and it's much cheaper than eating out all the time! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel pretty integrated, especially since I've decided to take two terms of the Greek language course. It's nice to see people get really excited when you can speak a little bit of their language. I've also learned a lot about various cultural customs through other classes. Don't be afraid to talk to locals, everyone is very friendly! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally had no health issues, but based on what other people have experienced, it has been fairly easy to take care of any medical problems here. |
| * Safety: |
At first I was a little wary of going about on my own, but after a little bit I felt completely fine and safe! Obviously use caution and don't be alone at night and avoid bad areas, but I've never felt unsafe here. Another thing is that men are more likely to catcall you here, but I haven't experienced anything scary. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Greece is such a beautiful place and the academics weren't so difficult that I couldn't get out and enjoy it! I got to see and experience so many totally new things, and I met some incredible people |
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 got a Travelex card to pay for most of my expenses here. It seems like groceries can be a little pricey (excluding the open markets) and eating out can be as well (especially at more touristy places). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend mostly cooking at home! Also watch out for frequent smaller expenses that add up quickly |
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 |
The Greek language class isn't required for the program, but I think it is encouraged |
| 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? | Completed a minor in German |
| 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? | Definitely use your Greek at the market! Sometimes the vendors will be impressed and they'll throw in some free items for you. Try to order your drinks/food in Greek, and get used to saying Γεια σαs a lot! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will go by in 2 seconds, savor every day! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
