Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Eventful Semester Past Review

By (Tulane University) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made amazing American and Greek friends, got see so many incredible places in Greece and in other European countries, gained a better understanding of Athenian and Greek culture and history, while learning more about myself and experiencing personal growth.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great on site and classroom experiences. Very educational trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was emailed out and explained clearly

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very close to the school and cafeteria. It was very easy to use nearby public transportation

* Food:

A nice healthy selection and variety

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CYA creates immersion opportunities, but you need to be willing to take advantage of them and also go out on your own

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CYA was great about recommending where to go, and the staff was very helpful when students were sick. When I had to be evaluated for a concussion, language and varying medical practices were a little frustrating at times.

* Safety:

I always felt safe and appreciated the email notifications about protests.

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)

Lunch is provided and groceries are fairly cheap, especially if you shop at the markets. Athens is very affordable, especially compared to other European cities.

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

There was a crash-course during orientation so that the program ensured all students learned at least a little basic Greek. CYA and locals encouraged Greek use, but it's up to each student to actually try to learn

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intro Modern Greek
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? Look up words before grocery shopping, so finding certain items won't be an issue. Also, ask locals for help! They really appreciate foreigners trying to learn, and most speak at least a little English.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • On-site classes
  • The ability to travel through the program and on free weekends
  • The great relationships between students and staff
* What could be improved?
  • Work-load assigned while on CYA field trips
  • More computers for the digital archaeology class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the finals period was going to feel like normal finals, with the added stress of packing, checking a few more things off my study abroad checklist, and saying goodbye.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!