YOLO Past Review

By (Centenary University) - abroad from 01/14/2019 to 05/11/2019 with

Webster University: Athens - Odyssey in Athens

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Im more independent. I am glad i had the experience

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very laid back, some of them were too laid back. But it was okay because doing rigorous work during an experience like this would of been weird.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Deena and Tom were very useful and nice, they helped us with everything that was needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The area for the apartments were very nice, we were close to everything . Things were just a quick walk away or a metro ride. I didn't like the apartment though, there were about 4 rooms with 2 people. And 2 showers, and 1 half a bathroom. It was very cramped because it was a lot of us.

* Food:

Greece's food is great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By month 3 i already felt like I've integrated fine and was sort of a "local"

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick twice, and our head of the program went with me to the hospital and even cooked me soup. She was very nice and helpful. Seeing a doctor at the euroclinic was fairly easy, since my insurance handle it.

* Safety:

Everything was pretty safe for me, i usually didn't go out alone at night, i just went with a friend. But we walked late to the metro to go to the clubs and we were fine. You may hear cat calls but that happens everywhere. Just be aware.

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

Id do it again but id mango my money differently

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)

Things were expensive especially if you use a debit card or tried to take money out weakly. Budget your expenses

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? Budget, Plan trips and put money aside. Use a credit card because debit card fees add up and the exchange rate is annoying.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to locals specially at the club

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • food
  • trips
  • locals
* What could be improved?
  • Living
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should plan your trips before