Time of my life! Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 01/20/2020 to 05/15/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lots of friends and a world of experience that will live on in my memory (and my camera roll!).

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.

The entire experience was amazing! CYA provided an environment that was academically stimulating, and culturally immersive. I recommend to anyone and everyone!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

This program was a perfect fit, and I would do it all over again!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75/wk
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget ahead of time, and spend smart! (But don't forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and splurging is okay occasionally!)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? C1
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? The best way to learn is to practice - several of us practiced by ordering food in Greek, or speaking to our neighbors in Greek when we could!

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?
  • Travelling
  • Food
  • Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it was okay to let loose every once in a while - while this is primarily an academic experience, it's also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'