Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Spring Term at CYA June 15, 2021

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 04/14/2021 to 05/29/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile, the travel I did on the field study to Delphi and the Peloponnese was informative and interesting as our lectures took place at sites. I loved learning about the archaeological aspects of things and wandering around the city

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I studied abroad during the pandemic, and the in person Mythology and Art & Archaeology class research papers were new and challenging for me. Classes also took place at the archaeological sites we read and learned about, so we could visually see the archaeology and myths depicted on the structures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff are incredible friendly, and they make sure to know each student personally. They are there to help with anything, even planning vacations, and are supportive of any issues!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood of the apartments was safe at night, with housing staff ready to help with any issues. The apartments were spacious and clean and the weekly cleaning service was very convenient. Appliances are dated and difficult to use but I ate out so it didn't affect me.

* Food:

CYA provides lunch daily, and it is well prepared, tasty, and accomodating of any dietary restrictions. Cost of living: food is generally cheap - I ate out the whole trip and didn't find it overly expensive. Groceries are also very affordable for cooking in, but the appliances in the apartments are dated and hard to use.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Kekkos bakery that CYA recommends to every student has the sweetest owners. Dimitris and Katerina are kind and generous. Locals in the area never seemed to give us dirty looks and were welcoming but I didn't have run ins with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experiences with health care, but another girl in my program broke her foot and had issues finding an english speaking doctor. Her insurance was useful but it wasn't a great experience.

* Safety:

Generally a safe and nice neighborhood, the National Gardens are sketchy at night. Stay in groups but I wasn't super worried about it, even as a girl coming home after a night out.

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)

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • supportive staff
  • great location
  • riveting classes
* What could be improved?
  • more group activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt very prepared for the program as a frequent traveler, but probably to bring good walking shoes.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.