Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible semester! Past Review

By (Mount Holyoke College) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a whole new sense of independence, and a new understanding of being a citizen of the world. It was more than worthwhile, and I will be using the lessons I learned in and outside of the classroom for the rest of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, my educational experience was wonderful. My professors were not only well versed in their field, but they were enthusiastic about teaching, making class engaging and something that I looked forward to every day!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very hands on, and made sure that you felt welcome!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Incredible! I lived less than a minutes walk away from my class buildings, had a single, and there was a cleaning service once a week! It was like living in a hotel!

* Food:

Very good lunch

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I could have had more opportunities, or been pointed in a direction to help me with this, but the local athenians I met were wonderful people and really enriched my experience.

* 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? 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)

Food is very cheap in Athens, and my friends and I soon got used to paying 2 euros for a full meal!

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

English is widely spoken in Athens

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?
  • Social life
  • Academics
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Interactions with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to navigate a non gridded city!

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!