Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience in Athens Past Review

By (Architectural History and Criticism., Tulane University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile. I didn't know that much about Greek culture before going there, and it was so amazing being emerged into a completely unfamiliar culture. I also learned how to be much more independent, having gone without knowing anyone in my program. I had to learn how to manage my money and time, as well as deal with things like getting my visa, and planning traveling around Europe on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200 Euros

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • How much the classes and professors integrated Athenian and Greek culture into curriculum.
* What could be improved?
  • How much the whole program focused on the ancient history aspect of Greece despite the fact that many students were not history majors. Future students should have a strong interest in ancient Greek history and art, and not just an interest in being in Europe or traveling.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to manage my money and time better. Classes were more rigorous than I was expecting, and it was difficult to manage traveling, exploring Athens, and my school work.