Why did you choose this program?
I was impressed by the schools description when looking these up on the internet. There was something about the way they described their approach to leaning that appealed to me and I was not disappointed. I also liked the fact that it included the Greek culture and literature, I felt that was important in understanding where I was living.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The school provided an assessment of our learning prior to the school commencing, I attended this course with my partner. There was a good description of the accommodation available.
We had to organize our own transport to Chios and we chose a ferry from Kavala rather than flying. Unfortunately due to bad weather we arrived a day late rather than a day earlier. This meant we missed the welcome session and first morning but were soon put at our ease by the teachers.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would advise others to be clear in their own minds what they want to gain from their learning and to be honest about this from the outset. The teachers are there to help and guide you and I found in Chios that thir approach to facilitating learning was flexible and exemplary. I had had very hit and miss lessons prior to the course and knew I had lots of gaps.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The average day on the Chios course consisted of morning lessons, with a sociable coffee break where the different levels met up. In the afternoon there were opportunities for excursions to places of interest, with the opportunity of learning more about the Greek culture. The highlight of these for me was a visit to the mastic tree museum. Some evenings there was the opportunity of visiting local Tavernas with the other students and on the last evening a certificate was presented during dinner, a fun evening.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Going to a different Greek island was for me an exciting experience. I think though if I was traveling on my own, the chaos of arriving at a ferry port could be daunting. My advice would be to do a bit of research before about times, find out names and numbers of taxi drivers and book transfers in advance.
What do I need to take on this trip?
Well I took the wrong shoes, Chios is a beautiful island but the paths are not smooth, flat sensible footwear is advisable, my pretty heals never saw the light of day! Dress is casual but don’t forget your swimwear, the sea is gorgeous and afterwards eating in the Tavernas is a relaxing way to enjoy yourself, it is a good idea to have a phrase book and menu translator with you and most of all be prepared to enjoy yourself.