THE BEST FOUR MONTHS OF MY LIFE. Past Review
By carlyle v (Anthropology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/31/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned the importance of doing what you love and embracing your individuality. I learned the importance of trying new things whether its food, a religious service, or whatever. Its new experiences that push your beyond your comfort zone and improve your ability to be open minded and accepting.
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. |
The program was definitely more challenging than many of other abroad programs that my friends were in. But not too challenging to where I felt like I was always in a classroom and not exploring Greece. It was the perfect amount. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were amazing. Great staff and admin working at CYA! So supportive! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied. We lived in nice apartments right in the middle of the city and near the school, loved it. |
| * Food: |
The food that the program offered was delicious! The program fed us lunch mon-fri which was nice with a small program. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated and connected with the culture. We were constantly taken out into the streets of Athens and areas of Greece by our professors to have hands on experience with the language, food, religion, ect. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Felt incredibly safe. Felt fine walking by myself at night. |
| 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) |
Greece is very affordable. $150 a week max. |
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 |
Our program encouraged us to use the language as much as we could. In the taxi, and the bakery, at the museum, wherever! |
| 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 |
| 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? | Speak to locals!!!!!! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | not to pack so many clothes! |
