Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So glad I did it September 07, 2021

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 06/01/2021 to 07/28/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spending the summer at CYA allowed me to broaden my understanding of the world through the people I have met and the stories I have heard. This has been an incredibly important experience for me and has allowed me to adjust much of my perception of how we all fit into the places we inhabit. From this powerful experience abroad, I have learned the importance of exploration, as well as the ability to understand other points of view. I allowed myself to explore and say yes to things you wouldn't typically consider doing. This is how I ended up finding the best views or the coolest museums or the most fascinating islands to visit. It was truly a life-changing experience.

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.

* 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

CYA ended up being the perfect situation for my 2021 summer. I was able to connect with people from all over the US that I never would have met otherwise (including people from my own university) and form friendships that have endured even after leaving Greece. The courses and professors I had were incredible and I learned so much through their guidance.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take public transportation! Taxis and ubers can add up, and there are ample options for trains, trams, buses, etc. that are much much cheaper.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Courses offered
  • Professors
  • Locations visited
* What could be improved?
  • Greek language preparation
  • Orientation of the city/where things are located
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had done a bit more preparation for adjusting to the food options available in Greece. I am vegan and did not do as much research about the food scene as I should have, which led me to some difficult situations when trying to order food once I arrived. In retrospect, I should have done more research about how to adapt to the food culture in Greece and would tell my past self to keep an open mind when it comes to eating and traveling.

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.