Skip to content

UGA - Franklin - Europe: Unearthing the Past : Testimonials (Athens)

The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Final Reflection Questions
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
Being able to see history unfold before my eyes was incredible. You never truly know that feeling until you step out of the classroom and see it for yourself.
— David Bradford, Maymester 2017
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
Dr. Erasmo was a truly remarkable professor who dove into the history of ancient rome by allowing us to see some of the most famous and most historical places in the world. Biggest takeaway was a much better understanding of Ancient Rome's history and its influence on culture and people all throughout the world.
— Kyle Wohler, Maymester 2017
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
It was very obvious through this course how relevant the culture of ancient societies is to today's societies.
— Jane Yandel, Maymester 2017
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
This experience was not only culturally immersive, but historically significant and interesting. Learning about the impact ancient times has had on our current society is not only vast, but influences so much of what we know today. From Italian architecture and religion, to French art and sculpture, to Spanish places of worship, the Roman Empire influenced these and more.
— Taylor Burns, Maymester 2018
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
The most significant take-aways were the moments when we saw something incredible that we learned about in class in person. It was incredible to remember a painting, a statue, a building, etc and the history behind it and to actually get to see it when you least expected it, and then to be given an even deeper insight into the history, one that you wouldn't get in a normal class or be able to contextualize in a traditional classroom.
— Sarah Riggs, Maymester 2018
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
Having first-hand experience in the same areas as the people themselves lived allows great context to be applied while studying classical culture. It has helped me envision life in the classical world so much more vividly. I am much more confident in traveling and planning days overseas.
— Channing Brown, Maymester 2019
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
The amount we got to see in such a short time was amazing and a great experience.
— Taylor Forman, Maymester 2019
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
Program Testimonials
This trip was an incredible way to interact with history first hand. I was finally able to see so many artifacts and be immersed in so many historically relevant places that I've wanted to see since I was in middle school. It also allowed me to interact with multiple different cultures and languages, which challenged me to think in unique ways and stay on my toes. The course helped me make connections between history and science through the exposure to archaeology as well as making connections from the Roman empire to many of the following historical/art periods.
— Amy Kuhn, Maymester 2019
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
It's a great program! You learn a lot in three weeks and you don't sit in a classroom all day.
— Cassandra Bieri, Maymester 2017
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
Pack light, and don't be afraid to try new things. I spent most of my money on tours and local food, and I absolutely recommend you do the same.
— David Bradford, Maymester 2017
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
My words of advice are to plan for and budget accordingly and to take full advantage of all opportunities and possible experiences.
— Kyle Wohler, Maymester 2017
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
My words of advice would be to keep an open mind, have an appreciation for all of the sites you will be taken to, and get ready to walk! I'm still amazed at how many incredible sites we say in just a month. Traveling to 3 countries and 9+ cities was not only beautiful, but educational every step of the way. To make the most of this course, I would suggest knowing a little bit about the city before visiting because you want to make the most of your free time. Professor Erasmo covers everything you would want to see, but it's nice to have certain things in mind to make sure you visit before leaving!
— Taylor Burns, Maymester 2018
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
This is the best study abroad program out there - you get so much information in such a compact manor that allows you to experience far more than other programs allow for. You learn tremendously, not only in academic ways but also in practical ways, like how to navigate through a foreign city on your own with a paper map, how to operate through metro systems, how to communicate where no one speaks your language, and more. The most famous sites are incredible and completely awe-inspiring, but the smaller, lesser-known sites are the ones you really connect to.
— Sarah Riggs, Maymester 2018
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
Whatever major you are I highly recommend taking part in this program. Even as a business major I learned new ways that I can use artwork for inspiration and marketing. The Nike of Samothrace statue that the 91 billion dollar shoe company got its name from is a perfect example. You do not need to fear traveling abroad because Professor Erasmo will take care of you! Also, there is a wide variety of people that go on the trip so if you are worried about feeling lonely do not let that hold you back. If you decide to participate in this trip, you will have the experience of a lifetime, and you will develop a more profound affection for history and learn more than you thought possible.
— Christie Walls, Maymester 2018
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
Reading/viewing the materials and studying areas beforehand gets the most out of the experience. You will feel encapsulated by the history and not want to leave certain areas. Take classes at UGA to complement the study abroad.
— Channing Brown, Maymester 2019
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
I would encourage anyone to complete this program. It is amazing and I think anyone could enjoy this!
— Taylor Forman, Maymester 2019
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
Program Testimonials
This program is awesome! We got to see so many historically significant artifacts and sites, all with guidance and expertise from our professors. The sites are all beautiful, the people were awesome, and the experience was unforgettable.
— Amy Kuhn, Maymester 2019
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
I added classics as my minor and it made me want to travel more around Europe and the world.
— Cassandra Bieri, Maymester 2017
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
My knowledge of the world has expanded so much. I got to see art from another spectrum, and design from another side of the globe. It will never leave my mind.
— David Bradford, Maymester 2017
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
Yes, I was able to see and understand a culture that I had never experienced which has had a tremendous effect on my personal/educational goals as well as professional goals.
— Kyle Wohler, Maymester 2017
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
It helped me understand better cultural awareness
— Jane Yandel, Maymester 2017
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
This experience has opened my eyes to the many diverse cultures within Europe, and I've been inspired to learn a new language after visiting. Being able to communicate with different types of people seems like such a priceless skill that I'm excited to learn more about.
— Taylor Burns, Maymester 2018
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
Program Testimonials
This experience was the best experience I've ever had and has inspired me to learn more language fluency. It has also inspired me to return to Europe some day to re-visit the historical sites we visited and to see how the environment around them has changed with how culture is changing everyday. I am also inspired to travel more and become more knowledgeable of all of the many beautiful cultures there are in the world and the historical sites that each culture is famous for, as well as research just how many countries and cities still have ancient Roman ruins!
— Sarah Riggs, Maymester 2018