CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
CYA (College Year in Athens)
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
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(For American Students)
CYA has offered study abroad programs in a wide range of academic disciplines for nearly 60 years. With supplemental activities varying from archaeological digs to onsite courses, study-travel, and volunteer opportunities, students are able to act... read more
All Reviews
I learned so much from living in Greece. I immersed myself in the local culture, traveled around Greece, and even hiked up Mount Olympus. I had a fantastic time. A student - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
I learned to be more independent, flexible, and patient. It was 100% worthwhile. Emma - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained lots of friends and a world of experience that will live on in my memory (and my camera roll!). Liv Ingram - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
I experienced so much joy and a new found sense of independence while studying in Greece. My experience was cut short due to COVID-19, yet it was still truly a transformative once in a lifetime opportunity I will never forget. Sheridan - Oberlin College View Entire Review

CYA gives you so many opportunities. I was able to volunteer, go on trips around Greece, go on trips out of Greece, take field trips with my classes, and experience real Greek traditions. There is so much offered by CYA, and they truly make sure that you are having the time of your life. Jill - Emory University View Entire Review
It taught me to think more critically about power and governement A student - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned how to travel on my own and be very independent. This experience was very worthwhile and I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience a new culture. Sophia Musiak - Oberlin College View Entire Review
Learned to live more independently, had a more holistic learning experience A student - Cornell University View Entire Review
Studying abroad develops what our colleges have taught us in the classroom, by giving us the opportunity to build on our academic skills in the real world and grow personally along the way. It was the most exciting experience of my eduction so far and I would recommend studying abroad and CYA to anyone! A student - Bryn Mawr College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the cultural differences between America and other countries. It was definitely worth it. Lindsay Martinez - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
It was definitely a worthwhile experience - I became much more independent and learned how to plan and manage things on my own! Caroline - Rhodes College View Entire Review
I learned that studying abroad is what you make it. The bonds and memories you make are entirely up to you and it is important to challenge yourself to make the most of such an incredibly unique opportunity. A student - Oberlin College View Entire Review
I learned more about myself and about art and about greece! all sounds obvious but honestly it was truly awesome Liv Molho - Brandeis University View Entire Review

We saw castles, mosques, churches, and of course many cats. All of the places we went we were welcomed by the locals and treated like friends. Falling in love with Greece wasn't just loving the sea, mountains, forests and temples; but getting to know the people and living like a Hellene. Jessica Hopkins - Lawrence University View Entire Review
I learned so much about Greece, and I could not have learned as much in my archaeology classes anywhere else! Genevieve - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
This program was the best one I could have chosen. I am excited to Danielle - Grinnell College View Entire Review
My study abroad experience really "made the familiar strange", and allowed me to see the society I grew up in in a new light. It exposed me to life outside of the only culture I have ever known, and allowed me to gain a new sense of global awareness. Not only did I learn a lot about Greece, the world, and myself from my professo... Erin Hahn - Trinity University View Entire Review
CYA was the perfect balance of engaging academics and connection to place. Having the freedom to do other things than study gave me a chance to look inward at who I wanted to be, which is not something very many busy college students have the chance to do. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review

I loved being in Athens, having wonderful people and amazing food all the time was wonderful. It made me want to move to Athens and keep learning Greek and having a great time! Tessa Miller - Tulane University View Entire Review
I learned that playing it safe can decrease the rate of returns on investment of your time. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned so much about the Bible, early Christianity, and ancient Greece. Also, being abroad without my parents gave me so much self-confidence for traveling in the future! A student - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
I learned about Greek heritage and was able to travel to the islands of Rhodes and Crete. A student - Sarah Lawrence College View Entire Review
This experience really taught me about history and connected me with a close group of individuals. Vincent Gadioma - Fairfield University View Entire Review
My class (ARTH 356, a course on Greek Heritage) was taught by an amazing professor, our class excursions were immersive, and the friendships I built will last a lifetime! This study abroad was absolutely worthwhile, I'd do it over again in a heart beat! Morgan Fisher - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
Learned how to be independent, how to adapt, how to quickly observe other cultures, how to communicate without language, and so much more. It may be one of the most valuable experiences in my educational career Harrison Lacy - University of Notre Dame View Entire Review
About
CYA has offered study abroad programs in a wide range of academic disciplines for nearly 60 years. With supplemental activities varying from archaeological digs to onsite courses, study-travel, and volunteer opportunities, students are able to actively engage with their course material. Students live in apartments in downtown Athens and will be inspired to immerse themselves in the environment and expand their worldview. Athens, a European capital, is a vibrant city rich in history, a contemporary hub for art, international business and relations, and debate on economic, political, and migration issues.
The CYA curriculum comprises a diverse set of courses taught by expert faculty. A strong emphasis is placed on both contemporary and ancient studies, focusing on European and East Mediterranean Area Studies. Courses are taught in English, but language courses (Modern and Ancient Greek, Latin) are also available. Classroom lectures are complemented by volunteer/internship opportunities, onsite courses and field study to major historic and contemporary sites in Athens and to various parts of Greece (included in tuition).
In addition to the academic program, CYA encourages students to become involved in extracurricular activities and explore the Greek culture and life independently on weekends. Our ultimate goal is for students to return home academically empowered, intellectually stimulated, and with a passionate commitment to furthering international and intercultural understanding.
Visit our website at this link, and see some of the pages below for a student perspective!
Curious about how Greece & CYA has handled the COVID-19 crisis so far, and how we’re preparing for upcoming semesters? Check out the COVID-19 FAQ on our website here
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Program Type(s):
Study AbroadGap Year
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Business
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- History
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Ancient/Classical Greek Language, Literature
- Archeology
- Environmental Studies
- International Relations
- Latin Language, Literature
- Modern Greek Language, Literature
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Sustainability Studies
- Urban Studies
- Anthropology
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Religion / Religious Studies
- Ancient Civilization
- Communication and Media Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Global Studies
- Literature
- Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution
Year Founded:
1962Website
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CYA (College Year in Athens) Scholarships
The CYA Board of Trustees has set aside funds for supplemental scholarships for academically qualified students who would otherwise not be able to attend. Scholarships for students applying for a semester or academic year are customarily awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to approximately half the amount of tuition. These scholarships are intended as credit against CYA fees and should not be used to reduce the financial aid package awarded through the home institution. Since CYA scholarships are given as an adjustment in the program fees, rather than as funds received by the student, they may cause a reduction of the student's demonstrated need. Often this means that a scholarship from CYA would not be beneficial because it would cause an equivalent reduction in the amount of financial aid awarded by the applicant's home school.
Varies