Program Reviews

Studying abroad in Florence was like a dream. The historically and culturally rich atmosphere made every moment fantastic. I can say that I also have a greater appreciation for various art forms, including architecture. Athena was personal in their support, both in pre-departure and during the program. One of the aspects that made living in Florence truly special was the amazing host family that I stayed with. Not only were they the most kind and welcoming people, they have also been hosting students for many years. I lived with and experienced a new city with people from all across the world. That in itself was valuable to be exposed to diverse global perspectives. I also really enjoyed the classes I took from LDM.

Athena Abroad's Dublin Program offers a unique study experience that allows the student to meet people and experience cultures from all over the world. Staying at Griffith College near Portobello and Rathmines in Dublin, you'll be staying with 3 other people from literally anywhere in the world. That provides a unique classroom experience as well, as discussion based classes really allow you to understand how students are educated differently, and how to look at your own culture in a new light. That's not to say you won't be exposed to enough Irish culture. The Irish experience in Dublin is extremely unique as well. Dublin's culinary map offers a wide range of restaurants from traditional pubs to European-influenced eateries and contemporary gastropubs. The city's nightlife is also a gem, you could spend your night hearing traditional celtic folk in one of Dublin's oldest pubs, or you could dance the night away at a hip club, bar or music venue. And on a beautiful day, there are hundreds of spots to sit and read and enjoy being in this beautiful city. One of the best parts about staying at Griffith College? You'll only be a 30 minute walk from the city center, where nearly every thing touristy you could want to see is easily accessible. And if you feel like staying close to home, there is plenty to do in the small area around Griffith. Another major highlight of the Athena Dublin experience is the opportunity to travel around greater Ireland, as Athena offers about 3-4 field trips included in the program. These will let you see much of the gorgeous island and get to know the people in your study abroad group in a very special way. My experience with every aspect of this study abroad was amazing, yours will be too.

Studying abroad was the best experience of my life! Athena Abroad helped every step of the way and made the process as painless as possible. Dublin was such a cool city for study abroad! The city is so much fun and the people are great! This program includes three weekend trips which are great for getting to know the people in the program. I would recommend anyone considering studying abroad to check out this program.

I was so scared, but excited about going to a different country all by myself for six months! When I got there, of course I got a little home sick for like two days, but I met some really cool people that hyped me up. London was a fun challenge to roam around in the city. They drove on the opposite side! I was able to go to many plays, old palaces like Hampton court, Cambridge University, and I also went up north to York! I formed strong bonds with some people who I still talk to and plan on visiting in the future. It was defiantly a life changing experience that I recommend every must do and Athena is a great program that will help you along the way to make sure that your experience is a fantastic one!

I am such a huge advocate of study abroad now thanks to these individuals. Brittany Reed was the best mentor; she kept me on track throughout the process and answered what seemed like a million and one questions. I am so very grateful for Athena Abroad.

I always wanted to study abroad in Italy! I went to my university's study abroad office and saw they only had one option in Italy. I wanted more out of my study abroad experience than my school was offering, that is when I came across different outside agencies to study abroad through. I found Athena Study abroad and I am so glad that I did!

Athena worker's truly care about the students they work with. My advisor (Brooke) addressed me by name, worked with me during the application progress, promptly called me back and responded to emails, and even helped me when I had a few struggles while I was abroad.

Athena also offered field trips to their students which was an amazing experience and bonus to see more than what my study abroad city had to offer!

If you're looking to customize your study abroad experience to the fullest, working with people that know what they're doing and are there to help you with anything that comes up, Athena study abroad is the way to go!

Studying abroad was my first experience flying in an airplane, leaving the country, traveling by train, using the metro, taking a taxi, showcasing my art in a Piazza and taking photos for a fashion show and more. I was living my dream and it was surreal to be living in Florence, the home of renaissance art. I am an art major and I loved being surrounded my historical artworks. I'm so thankful for the Athena Study Abroad program for making these experiences possible.

Studying Abroad was by far the best experience of my life and I will keep telling people that. I decided I wanted to travel to Greece years ago but it was not until last year that I decided this is were I wanted to study abroad. I found Athena Study Abroad online and they helped me figure out that Greece was right for me. I wanted to travel to the islands and not be trapped on the main land in Athens, and their summer program located in Paros allowed me to do just that. In all I visited six islands and the mainland in just a short month. Along with all of the traveling and sight seeing, we had class about 3 to 4 times a week, which was very laid back and let the students learn at their own pace. I really enjoyed that aspect because I decided to take a painting class, which I had no experience in, and the teacher helped me throughout it, not rushing me. Overall I could have not asked for a better location or program. The whole way through my planning and even my trip, Athena Abroad, was right there beside me, helping.

London is such an amazing and magnificent place. I was very lucky to get the chance to experience it. I felt I was really able to connect with the people and the culture of the city. Everyone I met was very nice. I even made some friends that offer to show me the countryside of London and take us to all the fun clubs and pubs. That was one of the best parts of London. I also really enjoyed the food. Fish and chips in London are way better than ones in America. I suggest for everyone to go to wagamamas...it is so yummy! I also liked that even though I was living on my own, I still felt like a tourist since I was visiting all these tourist attractions. London is just so much fun!

My time in Greece was absolutely spectacular. I had the experience of a life time. Athena Abroad and HISA did an amazing job of making sure the program was the perfect balance of exploration and learning. There was never a dull day in Greece; we were always on an adventure. The classes at HISA were also great. They were very personalized and small, which created a great learning environment. Overall it was an incredible program, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.