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
Learned how to be independent and adapt to a changing environment. Studying abroad is a way to explore who you are and test and improve your capabilities to be flexible in an environment different from the one you are used to. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about European history which I was not aware of before-hand, and it was interesting to see the way that the things we would learn in class (such as my sociology class or immigration class) could be applied to the daily life in Greece. Dechen Bhuming - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Everybody in the program is on the same boat, don't be shy or sacred, we are all on the same boat. Try to make friends with locals you see everyday. Leslie - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned lots of independence. Bijon - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to be much more independent and also learned how much joy I get from immersing myself in different cultures. Ariel S - Wellesley College View Entire Review
From this program I gained a great sense of autonomy and empowerment in my abilities to be independent. I learned a lot about myself and my personal habits/preferences outside of my life back at home. I also learned the necessity to find a balance work and play, which sounds cliche but is true. With that new sense of independenc... Frances Kayser - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained a really deep understanding of Greece and saw some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I went wanting to learn how to become independent and to some degree I gained that but I would say that the bond I formed with my Wellesley group and with professors was definitely a highlight. I gained really good understand... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Studying abroad through CYA was the best decision I could have made for my Junior Year. At first I was not sure whether I would follow through on studying abroad in light of the pandemic and my course load, but CYA made the move so easy, I felt absolutely secure in my decision. I gained too much from this program to just sum up ... Jackie Elia - Providence College View Entire Review
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
I learned about the sights and culture of another country, and also gained a lot of independence. Yes it was worthwhile. Saniya Dawn - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to live on my own and navigate an unfamiliar environment without the stability of family or a university to lean on. While I had help and support, it was up to me to figure out how to live in Athens. Studying abroad was definitely worth it. I had so many experiences that I'll never get to do again and met so many a... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained some language skills and I feel more comfortable exploring the city and just generally getting by on my own. Zoe Mitchell - Wellesley College View Entire Review
How to deal with roommates and city life Ava Galbraith - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Being abroad gave me a new sense and love of independence. The fear of putting yourself out there is totally worth the benefits of operating around a city and a program on your own. Kayla - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
I learned how I behave as a student and as a Roomate. I learned about other cultures and classes I enjoy. It was all very worthwhile as I feel like I am coming into the next semester well prepared and that I know myself better! A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to live on my own in a city that was foreign to me. I learned how to live my life boldly. Olly Ajao - Amherst College View Entire Review
I learned more about personal independence and who I am as a person while abroad. This experience is more than classroom learning which has helped me gain an understanding of Greek culture, history, and life. Bailey - Furman University 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
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
Take me there!Statistics
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
