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
Spending the summer at CYA allowed me to broaden my understanding of the world through the people I have met and the stories I have heard. This has been an incredibly important experience for me and has allowed me to adjust much of my perception of how we all fit into the places we inhabit. From this powerful experience abroad, ... Elizabeth - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
I gained experience immersed in a completely new city with amazing people. Though limited by the pandemic, I was in the same boat as nearly every other true Athenian, so my experience felt incredibly authentic. I am so glad I took the leap and went to Greece. A student - Rice University View Entire Review
I loved studying abroad in Greece! It was a great experience, and I can't wait to return Leighann Vinesett - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
I love to travel and this course and the program did an exceptional job of integrating academics and travel together! lizzie Williamson - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
My experience with CYA was one of the coolest things I have ever done, and I would absolutely do it again, without question. In some sense, it’s hard to fully assess the benefits of studying abroad so close to my time abroad, but it is clear that the benefits of doing so are numerous. As it relates to Greece specifically, I ... A student - Grinnell College View Entire Review
Incredibly worthwhile. Made friends, gained independence, and will go back to the US more confident in my language learning skills and my ability to adapt. Samantha Hines - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. I gained friends both American and Greek! I made memories and was able to live in a foreign city for a few months of my life - Awesome! A student - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile, the travel I did on the field study to Delphi and the Peloponnese was informative and interesting as our lectures took place at sites. I loved learning about the archaeological aspects of things and wandering around the city Lorelei Blau - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Studying abroad in Athens has been an invaluable experience! The CYA program has truly change my life. The staff had some of the most compassionate and helpful people I have ever met. I got to form lasting connections with friends that will last a lifetime, while also exploring the beautiful city of Athens. While exploring arche... John Helmy - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
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
I learned all about Greek culture and the people there. I was able to immerse myself completely out of my comfort zone. Abby Bailey - Elon University View Entire Review
Traveling to Greece has been a lifelong dream of mine. CYA made sure that my semester abroad fulfilled all of those expectations and more. While I was expecting and excited to see the ancient places I have long studied, I am shocked by how connected I now feel to the present, globalized world. Because of Greece's unique position... Smarika - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
I learned how to be more independent, especially in regards to transportation, cooking, and finances. I was able to try new things and have a variety of experiences, something that is hard to do during a pandemic. I'm grateful that I was able to go and stay safe the whole time. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained a true appreciation of Greek culture both ancient and modern. I learned how to be more adaptable and made life long friends. The experience was totally worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Augusta - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
I have such a clear sense of direction from attending this program, and am so incredibly glad that I had decided to take part in it! A field school of this kind is the only way for students to know if field archaeology is the field for them, and I was lucky enough to find that the field fit me perfectly! Erin Migneco - North Carolina State University / NC State View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained friends who I would not have otherwise met. I tasted food that was not familiar to me. I took courses that allowed me actively experience & learn about the rich history of Greece. Greece is a very beautiful country. Zoe Taylor - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and my friends. I learned a lot about Greek culture and food A student - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
Learned: Language matters A LOT for connecting with people Inspired to learn more languages! Cultural Immersion is important to me I want to live abroad again (where I speak the language or learn it) Yes it was worthwhile (just hard at times) A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained experience interacting/existing in an unfamiliar environment and also got to visit in person things/places that classes back home would only talk about theoretically. Katharine Bowman - Wellesley College 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
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
