Best experience abroad! December 12, 2023

By A student (Social Work, Valparaiso University) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/16/2023 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained an awareness of Greek culture, made mistakes along the way (transportation, money, language, etc), and I made lifelong travel friends. I got all I wanted out of this experience and got to truly know Greece in a special way!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Three of my classes had a great balance of work and field studies. One of my classes was not academically challenging, but still a fun discussion course!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I loved how apartments for students were spread throughout the neighborhood. I wish that the housing accommodations were spread evenly with the number of students per apartment.
* Food:	CYA lunch was great! Menu posted weekly.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I loved living in Pangrati and being close to ruins, I wish I spoke to more locals during my time in Greece.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Google form and CYA always offered to help. Lots of pharmacys throughout the neighborhood. Only a few open on Sundays.
* Safety:	I felt pretty safe in Pangrati to walk alone at night.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Originally, I was hesitant to study abroad - I am so grateful I did. CYA was the only program that I believed would give me freedom, be close to ruins, and help me explore Greece. With the mandatory field studies, I was able to see Southern Greece, Northern Greece, and the island of Crete. Along with the optional studies, I was able to visit another Greek island and Rome, Italy. The convenience of transportation, accommodations, and an expert professor taken care of, I was truly able to soak in the experience! The accessibility of the Port of Piraeus and the Athens Airport made it easy to travel to the Greek islands and the EU. The town of Pangrati (in Athens) has the best local cafes, bars, and tavernas. Only a twenty minute walk to the Acropolis and Plaka - being able to steer clear of tourists. I loved this experience!

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)	2 - this really depended on the student. I spent about 220 a week on food/activities/travel. But I traveled almost every weekend. If you plan to spend majority of time in Greece, food is very inexpensive (2 euro coffee, 4 euro gyro, etc).
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	About 220-300 depending on travel.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Make a budget for food per week!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Duo lingo, Youtube videos

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	REL332 Orthodox Religion Course Greek Island trips CYA trips
* What could be improved?	Administration communication Professor professional manners More student events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	This experience will fly by! Have an open mind and say yes to going on trips with people - you may just meet lifelong friends!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.