What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad to learn about another culture, and I had never been outside of the United States before. I felt that studying abroad would be a great experience for me.
Why did you choose Webster University Athens?
I chose the Odyssey in Athens Program because they provided multiple classes in my major (which is Sociology), which helped me to complete more credits towards graduation while I was studying abroad.
What was your favorite part about Athens?
My favorite part about Greece was how easily accessible everything was. If you wanted to shop or go eat everything was nearby. Even if you wanted to travel, transportation was also easily accessible.
Robin studied abroad in Athens, Greece.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The excursions that we went on made my experience abroad extraordinary, plus having a chance to travel to so many islands. My favorite thing that I did in Greece was travel to the islands and seeing all the different sights when we went on the excursions. My recommendation to future students would be to get out and explore and try new things. There is so much to do!
What is essential, need-to-know information about Greece for study abroad students?
Essential information about Greece is that in the fall semester of studying abroad (which is when I went) it was still warm outside so you may want to pack accordingly and bring options for warmer weather and for cooler weather once November and December arrive. Also, you may want to have a pair of walking shoes for certain days like when you go on excursions. There are so many restaurant options to try and different shops to see, and also the beautiful beaches are easy to access, which will be explained to you when you first arrive during one of the tours.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff were very helpful and they did so much for us, like showing us around Athens, providing us detailed information, taking us on excursions, and the professors were great. I am grateful for the amazing staff at Webster University Athens—they were so nice!
What do you think are the best ways of coping with culture shock?
I think some of the best ways of dealing with culture shock can be to learn more about the country, tour the city, ask staff or your friends questions about things you would like to know, and do things to keep yourself busy—like going to a new restaurant to eat, going shopping, or planning trips to go on during your time abroad.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
On a typical day while I was studying abroad I would get up and begin getting ready for classes, which began for me around 9:30 a.m., and then I would walk to class. The classes lasted about two hours each and my classes were mostly sociology classes; I also took a Greek language course. After class I would walk around and explore Athens, and then I would usually go to bed around 10:30 p.m.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed exploring Athens, going to the beaches, and traveling to the islands.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had an apartment and I liked how spacious the apartment was. My apartment had a kitchen, a bathroom, and a washer, and it also had Wifi. The commute to school was easy—just a short walk away!
What advice do you have for students studying abroad for the first time?
My advice would be to keep in mind that they may want to travel to other places while they are there as well, so be prepared for that and enjoy yourself. Also, the staff members are very helpful and informative.
Would you recommend Webster University Athens to others? Why?
Yes I would, because there is so much to do in Greece and Greece is a beautiful place.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is learning to be independent and experiencing new things.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has impacted my life because it taught me how be more independent. Living in Greece for a semester is an experience that I will always remember and I will always be grateful for.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means that you enjoyed the experience you have had.
