Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Really good program for first-time travelers January 12, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/06/2021 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?
I learned a lot about European history which I was not aware of before-hand, and it was interesting to see the way that the things we would learn in class (such as my sociology class or immigration class) could be applied to the daily life in Greece.

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? No

Though I enjoyed the program, it is very humanities-focused and I am an intended STEM major so I would do the program if I had been an intended Humanity major or was an upperclassmen who had to fulfill humanity credits.

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? app. 60 euros, maybe 100 at most
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan how much you want to spend weekly, then when you go under you can save the extra money for other occasions such as gift-shopping or for personal expenses.

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?
  • Integrative school activities
  • Really good food
  • Warm and caring staff and faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing that I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I was well prepared, so I have nothing to say.

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!