CYA was not great all the good experiences I had were of my own doing Past Review

By (Anthropology., Wellesley College) - 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?
I learned a lot about myself, and what I am capable of by pushing outside of my comfort zone. It was definitely worthwhile and an experience I will never forget.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most classes were a joke, and some of the administrators were all talk and no walk. Students who did stupid stuff got away with it.

* 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? No

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)

It was challenging, most of the money came from my parents. Even though Wellesley supposedly adjusted my financial aid to accommodate for personal expenses, it didn't seem like I actually saved any many or got really any assistance from Wellesley for personal expenses.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? 30 euro

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Latin 201 (4th semester)
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? Do the homework and use the language as much as you can with the locals.

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?
  • School sponsored field trips
* What could be improved?
  • The professors
  • How discipline is handled
  • No charge for laundry. Paying 5 euro for laundry is ridiculous.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would not choose the same program but I would go back to Greece in a heart beat, just not with CYA