Athens: everything I imagined plus more! Past Review
By Caitlin Z (General Studies, Western Washington University) for
Western Washington University: Athens - Classical studies in Greece
I think traveling to any different culture is beneficial, as you see how other people successfully live with different traditions than our own. Greece was amazing to see as that's where everything started: civilization, democracy; education.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The daily class helped focus all the information we were receiving throughout the walks and tours. I appreciated the fact that the workload was done before leaving for our trip, versus having a massive amount to do while experiencing this brand new country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people within the administration were all extremely helpful and nice. They did everything they could to make our experience as pleasant as possible, as well as integrate us into the culture rather than continually act like tourists. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The tips on local dining were very helpful; it was really good to know where the locals usually ate versus tourists, as well as price options and atmosphere of eateries. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was the local dance troupe that performed which was an excellent cultural event which shed light on their entertainment style. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Towards the end there were demonstrations and a few riots which made us nervous, but the host administrators were very knowledgeable in which streets to avoid or days in which transportation may be down or road blocks may be up. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
A longer course would have helped, rather than 2 days of basic helpful words. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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