I chose this program because its website stood out to me and was very easy to navigate. I did some research and found some awesome reviews on their Facebook page, and I got so excited to learn more! I attend a small university in Ontario so the idea of studying at ACT was appealing to me because it is a small campus as well. Once I started researching all the fun things to do in Greece, I knew that I had to go!
Alumni Spotlight: Reilly Hutchinson
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Reilly is an active and outgoing university student who is passionate about the environment and loves to meet new people. You can find her enjoying the wildlife of Northern Ontario or daydreaming about her next big adventure.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The staff at my university contacted ACT directly for me and helped me to submit my application. Once I got accepted, the ACT staff started emailing me directly about what I needed to do in order to prepare for my stay in Thessaloniki. They even sent me a detailed Study Abroad guide that answered all my questions! All I had to do on my own was book my flight and start packing. I felt super comfortable asking for help on both ends, and they answered all my inquiries (I had lots) in a timely manner.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would advise someone going to Greece to make an attempt at learning some of the language. The locals really appreciate it, and although most people will speak at least a bit of English, it would have been helpful to know some Greek in certain situations.
Also, book your flights to other places early if you go during the summer. It’s tourist season, so lots of the prices get super high if you book last minute. Make plans in advance because your time will be over before you know it!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average week in this program looks like this: Classes ran from Monday-Thursday. Most people took just one course, but you can also take two! The afternoons and evenings were spent going to the beach, going for coffee (try the freddo espresso) to chat with friends and locals, and grabbing an authentic Greek meal such as gyros or bread and tzatziki for dinner! Then on the weekends, we explored exciting museums, cities, monasteries, and churches.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear heading into my time abroad were fears about travelling alone. I had to learn to be organized, keep my head up to watch where I was going, and make sure to be on time for all of my flights. Once I got to Thessaloniki, I knew that I would make tons of friends – and I did! After I had done it by myself once, it was a piece of cake. Travelling alone can be such a boost of confidence and independence, just do your research and make the plans early!