Great Experience. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned too much to summarize. So much about Greek history, about contemporary Greek issues, and about archaeological methods. Outside of the classroom I learned a lot about budgeting, travelling, living alone, how to communicate with people who speak a different language, and about making the most of your time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the academic rigor was significantly less than my home institution, however I did feel challenged by the curriculum and feel that I learned so so incredibly much. The only qualm I have with CYA academics is that some of the teachers seem to operate using outdated styles and techniques that make it difficult to be fully engaged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CYA was amazing. Any questions or requests would be addressed immediately.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Yep, exactly what I anticipated

* Food:

I thought it was great and nutritious

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Yes definitely

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

CYA did a great job of ensuring out safety and presenting us with necessary materials

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program was exactly right for me. If you're looking for a program that's easy and virtually no work- this is not the one for you. I learned so much through hands on practical work and on site classes. The professors at this program are knowledgeable and really care about the students. Even though it is a small program- they do a great job of making sure there are plenty of events to make you feel like part of a community. One of the best things about this program hands down was the fact that we got to go on three field trips as part of the curriculum. I never would have been able to get to these places on my own and never would have learned so much about Greek culture and history without the incredible information from involved professors. Greece is a great country and Athens is a great city. I have only positive things to say about this program.

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 i relatively cheap

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your food and cook!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • Field Trips
  • Friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Timely Grading
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is supposed to be the best time of your college career and it was (it really really was) but also, it sometimes is lonely, or scary, or challenging and that is all okay to feel. Being across the world is daunting and as long as you take the hard parts in stride with all the wonderful things going around you- it will be the best time of your life.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.