Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Engaging, enriching, life changing. Past Review

By (Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/15/2020 to 03/15/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
We saw castles, mosques, churches, and of course many cats. All of the places we went we were welcomed by the locals and treated like friends. Falling in love with Greece wasn't just loving the sea, mountains, forests and temples; but getting to know the people and living like a Hellene.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of my classes were engaging and the professors were so patient with students and passionate about their classes. The staff were incredible and so helpful with everything from apartment maintenance to finding class materials like notebooks and staplers.

* 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

College Year in Athens was a spectacular program in a gorgeous country. All of my classes were engaging and the professors were so patient with students and passionate about their classes. The staff were incredible and so helpful with everything from apartment maintenance to finding class materials like notebooks and staplers. The food provided on campus and within the city was delicious, if you didn't like what was being served you could go to a cafe or taverna up the road with friends. They truly made the city and our small community feel like home.

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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write out your spending plan and STICK TO IT

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? 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? Spanish 201
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? Just keep trying, most people are very helpful and understanding

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?
  • Classes/professors
  • FOOD
  • Trips
* What could be improved?
  • I really can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While we did see some columns, the post classical history is what is truly captivating. I went with the Americanized version of Greece and was surprised when I got there. This country has a rich, tragic, and magical history that has shaped into what it is today. If you just look at the marble, you'll miss the vibrance of Modern Greece.

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!