Personal and Academic Growth Past Review
By A student (Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/18/2018 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Greece. CYA is not a rigorous program and it took me a while to adjust to the fact that learning can occur in a non-stressful environment. I have learnt here in an unprecedented way. Each of the classes are related to Greece in some way (ancient architecture, economics, history, philosophy, language etc.). It is definitely not as rigorous as it would be at my home institution, but many of my classes occur off-site. We routinely visit museums or archaeological sites. I feel like I learn much better when I can experience the subject of our study. Further, the relaxed academics allow me to take advantage of the culture. I have tried to make my stay here as immersive as possible -- I watch Greek films, have Greek friends, eat and cook Greek food. So for these reasons, I'm thankful that CYA has given me the space to develop myself both academically and personally.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of the classes at CYA are focused on some aspect of Greece (culture, history, art, economics). They are taught by experts in their respective fields. However, not all professors are coherent (in fact, few are) and they are quick to reveal their biases. The classes are not at all rigorous, but they are insightful if students can look past the often dry delivery. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration regularly contact us and alert us about relevant events both related to the program and in the city. They are a great resource. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The condition of my apartment is excellent -- it is cleaned once a week, all of the amenities are modern and functional, I have a single. |
| * Food: |
There is complimentary lunch served during the week day; these typically consist of traditional Greek food. Though the portion sizes run huge and salad sizes are small, all in all the food is balanced, fresh, and healthy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I only feel integrated with the local culture because I have taken the initiative to do so. My experience with local friends and dates is somewhat out of the ordinary amongst my peers at CYA, but it has definitely enriched my study abroad experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My experience with needing health care was somewhat limited. That being said, I had a brief conversation with the administration for a minor infection and they recommended that I visit a pharmacy here. It is a cultural norm to see a pharmacist first; when I did there were no issues. Back at my home university I would ordinarily have seen the on-campus clinic. |
| * Safety: |
Athens is a safe city as long as you employ common-sense safety measures and stay alert. Though known for pick-pocketing, there are ways to avoid being a target (using zip-strips, pad-lock on bag, keeping valuables close, ignore strangers). The neighbourhood by CYA feels very safe. I would just warn women to avoid being alone at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CYA is a very relaxed program that encourages students to learn in a non-stressful, immersive, and culturally connected environment. In many ways, I imagine this is what it would feel like to be on a GAP year. I have grown immensely, and have enjoyed the time I've had to be independent, confident, and adventurous. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Cost of living wildly varies between students. I was particularly thrifty as I cooked most of my meals, sourced produce from the local markets, or ate at local restaurants. Transportation costs are negligible, which is nice. And other costs depend on personal interest (night life, fitness classes, etc.) |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than €75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you travel outside of Greece, go to cheaper places (ex. Albania, Turkey, Romania) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had began making greek friends earlier. With so little time left now, I would've liked to have had more time with them |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
