A Bridge to Greek Culture Past Review
By Alexandra Niforos (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/25/2018 to 07/21/2018 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
Even as a Greek American who thought I knew everything there was to know about my culture, CYA still taught me new things which speaks to the quality of the class. My professor encouraged open-mindedness towards our experience, which was so valuable and definitely a lesson that is applicable to any traveling whatsoever. CYA is worthwhile for those who want to learn about a new culture, because not only will you get to learn about it in the classroom but you'll also be able to then take the things you learn and use them throughout your time in Greece.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CYA was the perfect mix of work and play. My class was very discussion and culture based, making it feel less like a strict lecture and more like a conversation amongst the students and professor. The relaxed feel made everyone more interested in learning. Also, since we were learning about Greek culture in Greece, we were able to take what we learned in the classroom to then go learn hands-on in real life experiences throughout Athens. |
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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 now know the importance of adapting to a new culture. A lot of my peers tried to maintain their American way of living while they were in Greece, and I think the only way to truly get the most out of going abroad is adapting to the culture and societal norms of the Greeks. You will be greeted with such kindness and warmth by the locals if you just show them respect. |
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.' |
