Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A taste of adulthood in the midst of a major metropolitan European city. January 05, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From this program I gained a great sense of autonomy and empowerment in my abilities to be independent. I learned a lot about myself and my personal habits/preferences outside of my life back at home. I also learned the necessity to find a balance work and play, which sounds cliche but is true. With that new sense of independence it can be easy to spend your free time exploring, with you friends, etc, but it is a study program and you want to make sure to complete your work and a well thought-out manner.

Review Photos

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program Photo CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program Photo 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? None

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

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? ~$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit how many times you go out for coffee or make other non-necessary purchases like that. Also, budget some fun spending money into your month for that spur-of-the-moment weekend activity with your friends.

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

Conversational Greek was spoken in common spaces like the cafeteria and the study center.

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? None (in modern Greek)
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? Try out phrases at cafes and bakeries! The Greek people appreciated seeing American students put in the effort to speaking their language and helped with any pit falls.

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?
  • Field study trips
  • Classes and professors
  • Adventuring around Athens!
* What could be improved?
  • First day activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a largely independent experience. You will be living in an apartment in a Greek apartment building, only served one meal/day Monday-Friday, and left to choose how to spend your time outside of the few hours of class you have every day. Also, don't be afraid to branch out and get to know the older students as well!

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!