An experience everyone should have. January 17, 2022
By Saniya Dawn (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2021 to 12/17/2021 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned about the sights and culture of another country, and also gained a lot of independence. Yes it was worthwhile.
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. |
All the class instructors were available if you needed help, along with other resources. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Greece was an amazing country to visit. I just wish I knew the language so I could talk with locals. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was great, and they kept everything clean and fixed whatever was broken. |
| * Food: |
Greek food became tiring after a while, but it was still something new. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling to the islands was fun, if we got to talk more with locals instead of going to museums we wouldve been more intergrated. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate needed healthcare, and it was a bit stressful to get everything fully covered. |
| * Safety: |
Could not have felt safer unless I had a bodyguard, which was unnecessary. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If it was between this and a program to another country, I would have to do research on both or see where majority of my friends are going. I would still leave the country regardless. |
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? | it depended on it I ate out, but including other expenses. maybe 75-150 euros a week. |
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 |
It wasnt required to take a Greek class, and the class also didnt take you out to use the languauge except once, so outside of the class there was no need. |
| 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? | Spanish 2 |
| 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? | watch videos and read books. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | nothing, |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
