College Year in Athens: Athens - CYA Photo

CYA: The best time of my life

A Study Abroad Program Review For

College Year in Athens: Athens - CYA

Program Information

College Year in Athens (CYA) is a study abroad program focused upon the history and civilization of Greece and the East Mediterranean region.
Its mission is to offer each student an academically rigorous program of studies combined with the vibrant experience of day-to-day contact with the pe... More

Provider: College Year in Athens
Location(s): Athens, Greece
Year Founded:
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Nick C. (Biblical Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University) on January 13, 2012

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2012-01-24
* End Date: 2012-05-23
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The abroad program was less rigorous in some ways but more hands on which contributed greatly to my learning and comprehension of material

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

great field trips, knowledgeable professors, overall great

* Housing:

* Food:

find local greek fast food places or tavernas

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had two week long field trips that were both informational and one of my favorite parts of my abroad experience

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Athens was safe except when riots turn violent, but our program always let us know when riots were going on and when to stay in

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Point Loma Nazarene University prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? like maybe 50 euro a week?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to buy and make your own food if necessary. Stock up because things close earlier in europe. Not many 24 hour places

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Faculty
  • Friends
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Washing Machines
  • Dryers
* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? CYA is for someone looking to make great friends, experience Greece in its fullest, and make great memories all at the same time
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Being abroad broadened my perspective of people and cultures. It was nice to be out of the Christian bubble and interact with people who don't always agree with you. Saw and learned much