Student Testimonials

Studying abroad in Greece has thus far been the best experience of my life!

Athena Study Abroad was so helpful in preparing me for this trip and in helping me meet other people who were going as well, through Facebook. I took chances and lived like I'd never lived on this trip and I do not regret one minute of it!

I still relive my favorite moments every day – cliff diving, sea caves, getting my pictures critiqued, old Greek men. It all had a huge impact on me and I will never be the same because of it – but it's a change that has been for the better. I now see things in a different way and appreciate everything differently! I loved every single minute of that trip: new food, new experiences, and new lifelong friends.

~ Lezli Weis of the University of Wisconsin - River Falls (Paros Island, Greece)

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Athena Study Abroad has done a wonderful job in figuring out logistics, settling us into the city, and giving us a multitude of enjoyable opportunities for adventure and exploration. We certainly took advantage of every opportunity that we could and seized the day every day...

One can never fully experience Rome. I really believe there are lifetimes worth of experiences in the Eternal City, so it is best just to enjoy every moment while it is happening because your experiences are fully known only to yourself.

~ Brad Kuntz of The University of Southern California (Rome, Italy)

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I wish I could have brought my advisor back with me. She was sooo helpful and so friendly.

~ Chelsea Phillips of Chapman University (Florence, Italy)

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I found the classes to be very inspiring and motivating. Since they were so small and intimate, I was motivated to do all of my work, and since my peers were very talented and smart, I was inspired to push myself to do better and keep up with them.

~ Casey Farrington of Cal State Long Beach (Paros Island, Greece)

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Matt McKay was especially helpful with Athena. His prompt email replies, his enthusiasm and interest in the program, and our satisfaction were the highlight of Athena Study Abroad. My classes and especially my teachers were exceptional ...

...I feel that Tuscania is a hidden gem in this world. Studying in this idyllic town helped me to see the similarities that the inhabitants of this world possess, as well as the differences that make us all unique. I will never forget this month in paradise.

~ Stephanie Sutton of University of Nebraska (Tuscania, Italy)

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I cannot even begin to explain how much everything has changed since I went abroad. I have realized that it really is a necessity for all students to see the world from another point of view.

~ Marlena Crisafulli of Chapman University (Florence, Italy)

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My experience with Athena was fantastic. I was surprised by the level of great personal attention we received from the staff -- it was very clear how much they care about the students.

Even though the program went smoothly with no problems at all, it was nice to know we had someone to count on in case anything went wrong! We knew we were in good hands.

~ Shannon David of Chapman University (Florence, Italy)

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I am extremely happy that I chose Athena. Everyone was friendly and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process.

~ Mary Teeple of The University of Arizona (Florence, Italy)

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The classes were small, so there was a lot of one-on-one time with the professors. All of the professors seemed very interested in teaching us all of the knowledge they had on the course being taken.

~ Katie Gangi of Endicott College (Florence, Italy)

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Things over in Greece were fantastic. The island itself is beautiful along with the culture. Life is pretty good when lived between the classroom and the beach.

~ Graham Neale of Principia College (Paros Island, Greece)

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I had an amazing time abroad. I lived in Florence and traveled all over Italy, to Amsterdam and to Barcelona. Thanks for everything!

~ Eleni Menoutis of James Madison University (Florence, Italy)

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School Testimonials

Here are just a few reviews from the many pleased schools who have worked with Athena Study Abroad.

Since initiating our collaboration in January 2007, the Athena programs have eclipsed our most popular study abroad providers -- not an easy task! I fully credit this to Athena's dedication to the programs, the level of superior customer service afforded to the students and the impeccable professionalism in dealing with their institutional partners, both in the U.S. and abroad.

~ Katie Roller, Assistant Director and Study Abroad Coordinator, Chapman University

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We have significant experience sending our students abroad and we have found Athena to be among the best in terms of programming, price, and support. We have greatly enjoyed working with the Athena team and have been impressed by their responsiveness and follow-through on all administrative, programmatic, and personal questions and concerns of our office and those of our students and their parents.

~ Dr. April Burriss, Dean (School of International Education), Endicott College

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Parent Testimonials

Here are just a few quotes from the many pleased parents who have had their children go through Athena Study Abroad.

I wanted to tell you about what an amazing time Adam had last semester. He has made lifetime friends and had many unbelievable experiences. He loved the classes and the out of class experiences with the staff. He is a changed person (just as I had hoped). I appreciate all of your time and effort in helping us both in organizing everything for us. His sister is extremely jealous of his experience!

In fact, Adam has raved about the program so much that a friend of his from St. Louis is planning on attending next fall.

~ Leslie Rickard, Mother of Adam Goldberg of Emerson College (Paros Island, Greece)

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After making a generous donation to one of Athena's S.O.S. charities in our name, a parent wrote this letter:

I could think of no other way to thank you and the entire staff of Athena for all of the invaluable assistance you've provided Perry...

I hope Perry realizes what a tremendous opportunity you and your colleagues provided him. He seems more mature than when he left; and, is certainly more communicative. We have you to thank for that.

Thank you so very much.

~ Pat Lavin, Father of Perry Lavin of Naropa University (Florence, Italy)