Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Greece in a Pandemic August 13, 2021

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 04/14/2021 to 05/28/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent, especially in regards to transportation, cooking, and finances. I was able to try new things and have a variety of experiences, something that is hard to do during a pandemic. I'm grateful that I was able to go and stay safe the whole time. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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

I really loved my experience in Greece and thought that CYA was very supportive. They provided lunch, Covid-safe apartment experiences, regular Covid testing, and academic support during the pandemic.

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? $142
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a spreadsheet of all the money you spend. Spend less on food so that you can spend more on adventures/trips.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • on-site classes
  • freedom to explore
  • Peloponnese trip
* What could be improved?
  • more engaging classes
  • fewer "busy-work" assignments
  • time to independently explore sites during the Peloponnese trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the time will go by very fast and you have to make each day count (while still resting and prioritizing health).

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!