Program Reviews

Studying abroad presented a huge challenge because I am such a homebody. I wanted to see the world but I was hesitant to leave my family and familiarity. Since I chose an independent program, I didn't have any friends to accompany me in my travels. I was so nervous to be alone. I did not expect to meet people I didn't want to leave. I have friends from studying abroad that live all across the states. I've already visited them three times since leaving Italy! I miss Florence SO much. I'd give anything to be back in the streets that smell of panini and fresh bread. Studying abroad has made this homebody itch with the travel bug. I've kept an entire journal of useful tips! For those of you about to study abroad - get out every single day to do something new. That could just be trying a new café, but experience every little detail your country has to offer.

In the summer of 2017, I had the privilege of traveling to Tuscania, Italy for a month with Athena Study Abroad. I studied Wine and Culture where my professor Claudio Sarti, a wine sommelier, taught how various wines are made, differences between certain grapes, wine regionalism, and how to properly taste wine. I was even able to bring my new wine skills back to my home where I taught my immediate and extended family about Italian wine and tasting techniques. In addition, I was able to learn so much about the importance of getting to know another culture as well as stepping outside of your comfort zone. This is an important experience for all able students to undergo; because you learn how to communicate in alternative means if you do not speak the native language, build lifelong friendships, learn about the interconnectedness of the globe, learn about the history of a new culture through tourism, and experience a new culture through education. Not only are you fully emerged into Italian culture, but studying abroad provides for learning about the methods and teachings of international universities. Tuscania is such a unique program because it is located in a small town tucked in the Italian countryside. This experience is like no other because you form bonds with locals you may see every day at the town center. Furthermore, the staff at Lorenzo de' Medici are phenomenal. Every Friday the staff took us on an adventure around the region. We toured a winery, visited a park full of stone carvings, went to a cherry festival, and walked around an old town. The experience I had was incredible because I truly was immersed in Italian culture where most townspeople did not know English, therefore I was forced to communicate with a lot of hand gestures. Unlike studying in Rome or Florence where most people speak English, I was fully integrated into Italian culture. Because Tuscania is an hour from Rome and three hours from Florence, I had the opportunity to travel to both cities for fun weekend trips with the friends I made through the program. I now have a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of the world and how important it is to get to know a different culture especially because the world is becoming so much smaller through social media.

While I did enjoy the semester in Aberdeen overall, there were some unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that made it a bit difficult. Some were not any fault of the program, but the university and their professors, though there were a few issues from the program. I arrived late unfortunately, and was promised orientation materials that I never received, for example. Once the program had found out about my issues, however, they did work to help solve them best they could, and kept in contact with me, so I very much appreciate it. I loved the location of the dorm next to the park, even if it's a bit of a walk from campus, however it was a bit of a party area, so noise was a big factor. I also loved the proximity of the ocean to campus, the dozens of unique society opportunities open to me, and the museums/events around the city, not to mention the quick access to amazing castle ruins, and sports areas.

Thailand is beautiful and I am so glad that I was able to go abroad for two weeks to experience the wonderful country. I now wish that I had went for a full semester. However, even though it was only two weeks, it seemed that the program really took this into account and had something exciting to do every day. The field trips were well-planned and executed smoothly almost every time. I was very impressed. I am glad I went with Athena for my first time to Thailand, because I did not have to worry about planning excursions, and the teachers also knew the best spots to go. They had done it before, so they knew what to do and what not to do - sorta like a local. They were very knowledgeable about specific destinations (temples, local markets, etc) as well as the traditions and culture there. This helped my experience be more fulfilling. It was awesome, because our classroom was Thailand - and if we needed to sit at a table as a class, it was outdoors by the beach which was so peaceful. Overall, I really enjoyed this program and I am glad I went with Athena for my first time to Thailand. When I go back, I have the tools and knowledge to make my next trip even more amazing!

The summer after my first year of college, I decided to study abroad on Paros Island in Greece. Many thought I was crazy for going with a third party, not knowing any students on the program. However, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only was the program within my budget, but it was the experience of a lifetime. I was able to travel to several different islands and learn about each unique culture and history that still lived in the structures and the museums of the people. I ate fresh fish, dakos, and baklava by the completely clear, transparent water. I painted, wrote about, and photographed my beautiful island for my photography, creative writing, and art classes. Most importantly, I met the most wonderful people, both in my program and on the islands, who I am glad to still call friends. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if I had not studied with Athena in Paros. I would not have met my best friend Ming, a student on the program whom I studied abroad again with in Hawaii. I would not have met Lane, another student who met me in London while I was an intern and he was backpacking Europe. I would not have met Roxani, a local store owner who recommended that I visit her friend's restaurant on Kos while I was visiting after Paros. The list goes on and on... My life is daily impacted by my 2 months in Greece, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone who is prepared to fall in love with Greece more and more every day.

When I have gotten the acceptance letter from Athena Study Abroad, my heart and mind was racing fast. I felt so happy, I could not think of anything else that could make me any happier. I was wrong. I have not traveled much for the purpose of adventure, only for work, moving homes, or visiting family. I have traveled many times and not once, I have felt so relieved, carefree and so much self love. I was given the opportunity to expand my understanding of myself and others by being abroad. It forced me to be out of my comfort zone and become more independent. I am always excited to learn new cultures and meet new people so that I could understand how beautiful the world can be, and this trip intensified that. I also traveled all over Asia and have not been to Europe. Culturally and emotionally, this was a life changing experience. This was a great opportunity for me to explore other cultures than those of my own.
In addition, I also learned the ways and values of other cultures. For example, most Greek people was extremely welcoming and caring for my friends and I abroad. They taught us the language, showed how to get home and to other places, and ALWAYS treat us with such great hospitality. Before then, I only thought only family treat each other this lovingly. I guess family was the right word being in Greece.
The people was the best thing, but the place is most definitely second best. I get to travel and witness so many beautiful animals, florals, and lands. The places is so captivating, I have forgotten to take pictures! luckily, I have wonderful instructors and friends who did that for me.
I am also an Art major and my style of art can be enhanced by Greek's art tremendously. Being in a place where Art is Prominent will make me learn and understand more of my strength and weaknesses. I became more open minded in my artwork due to this trip. Being on Paros Island gave me the opportunity to become more creative and innovative in the way I interpret my Artwork. I feel that walking 20 miles is better than reading 20 books, for being in Greece made me learn more and experience more than I did in my hometown. Especially the instructors, when I came to class, I was greeted and treated with such great care and value. Once, I asked my instructor for help on an artwork and she not only taught me how to fix it, but she held my hand that was holding the brush and physically showed me the technique! I was so shocked and overwhelmed by the amount of understanding and care. Those teachers only come once in a lifetime and I felt extremely lucky. Also, I was excited and happy that I get to meet new friends from around the world who are studying the same classes as me. I get to hear about their life their stories and their love. We got to know each other and it felt like I was their friends since birth. It was amazing how we value same ideas yet are not afraid to share our own ideas and become inspired by one another. We cook and ate together most times, travel, and studied together. A place where everyone was my best friend and I was theirs.
By the end of this trip, I could thoroughly say that I have learned more, lived more, and felt more passionate. I wanted to let upcoming and undecided travelers know that this is not something to be missing out. We might leave behind the things we like, but we pick up the things we value. Your heart will change and your mind will bloom. The only time you should feel unsure is when you leave Greece, not enter. Be excited, be hopeful, and be active!

When I was pouring over study abroad options, I was so overwhelmed with possibilities. Once I found the three-cities tour, I knew it had everything I was look for. The chance to immerse myself in three totally different sides of Italy felt like a can't-miss opportunity to really understand the culture from multiple perspectives. The staff at Athena were so attentive throughout every step of the process, and I couldn't recommend their services highly enough. The Lorenzo de'Medici campuses were all so different, but the common thread was great faculty and even better support staff. I learned so much academically while I was there, but even more critically, I deeply learned about the Italian language, culture, and how to be a more independent person outside my comfort zone. With two ten-day breaks, the travel opportunities are insane, and I was able to get to 13 countries in Europe and Africa and 19 Italian cities during my short semester abroad. Since finishing the program, I have pursued a career in helping others to study abroad because the experience was so rewarding that I want to dedicate my life's work to facilitating those opportunities for others. I have now travelled to more than 35 countries and I am getting ready to study abroad again – this time in Copenhagen for a master's degree! So when I say the program was life-changing, I truly mean that it has shaped nearly every aspect of my life for the better, and I would recommend it to almost anyone in a heartbeat.

Life in Madrid was better than any idea I had before going. I was engulfed in the language and culture and learned more than I ever expected. Athena Abroad made all the housing and travel very easy because at first Europe’s metro can be very confusing. But after sometime in the city and the country, you adapt to the rich culture they have to offer, it is easier to make friends and you learn a little bit more about yourself and what challenges you can overcome. The program director, who oversaw us in Madrid, Arturo, was an AMAZING guide to the city. He was so helpful and became a great friend along the way! When I returned from my three months in Spain, I was a changed person. The program and experience made me a stronger, more independent person. It also made very confident when speaking to others in Spanish. I think about Spain everyday and miss it so much. Once having an experience like this, you crave another. The travel bug is real my friends.

I was very happy with my decision to study abroad with Athena's LDM Florence program. The best part of Athena's program is their commitment to the students they are helping. If you work with them, you are guaranteed to receive individualized attention and a strong support system throughout the entire study abroad process. The program at LDM was also great at setting up students with very helpful and knowledgable advisors for the time spent in Florence. The courses were both challenging and engaging and my professor ended up being one of my favorites from my undergrad. I was initially unsure about the Athena program because it was smaller and I was unable to complete the program I had originally wanted to do in Paris. However, they were so kind in working with me to ensure that I found another place to study abroad and made sure that I had an amazing experience. I would strongly recommend them to anyone.

University of Roehampton was the funnest place ever! The classes are easy, there are part events multiple times every week, and they have a lot of fun school events including a spring concert at the end of the program. Living in London was amazing! There is always something to do and everything is easily accessible. Traveling to around London or England or Europe is so easy from London and can be pretty cheap. It can be an expensive place to live but it is definitely worth it!