College Year in Athens: Athens - CYA Photo

Athens: Education Myself

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:

Jenny L. (classical studies, Tulane University) on February 03, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-08-30
* End Date: 2010-12-21
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall experience was positive because I made it a point to educate myself and visit the local sights and museums. The program did not help with my education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very difficult to deal with. There were alot of internal problems that were made known to students which was really awkward and unprofessional. When I needed help I did not receive any. My apartment was not ready for me when I moved in, although it was the program's responsibilty. They put up a wall while I was living there and it took them several weeks to get us the internet that they guaranteed. The majority of my teachers were highly unhelpful although I did enjoy my onsight classes. I made the best out of the situation but I was extremely disappointed in College Year in Athens especially because I was so incredibly excited to get to Athens.

* Housing:

I had a nice apartment once the repairs were done and once the people who were breaking all of the rules moved out. It would have been nice if the program had helped us meet Greek families, especially since our Greek was not that good.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I actually got extremely ill several times but my program was not helpful. I was too ill to get out of bed but luckily my roommates helped me. I had caught a really bad flu virus. There were also incidents with safety.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Tulane 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep to a budget.

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

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? No
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? YES it was worth it. I made sure of it. I loved Athens and I am extremely passionate about classical studies. I was just disappointed that College Year in Athens was not there to help me on my journey. It was poorly run and organized. But I had an incredible time. I want Tulane students to go to Athens but perhaps there are different programs they can use.