Greece is an unforgettable experience May 10, 2022

By (Anthropology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2022 to 05/13/2022 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 patient and relax, working on time management and pacing myself. I also learned a lot about Greek society as a whole in comparison to things in the US, and I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I loved Athens and I didn't want it to end!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the classes at CYA were much easier than at my home institution they still challenged me to learn through hard work instead of ease. Especially when it came to midterms and finals! But, there are many resources at CYA for academic help, especially the language lab!

* 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 but by choice
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I had a tendency to have food delivered almost every day but if you want to save money, groceries are very cheap! If I went to the grocery store, I could come back with two large bags full with only 15 euros or less spent.

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

My professor encouraged us to use our language skills outside of the classroom during day to day interactions like buying a coffee, but the program itself is in English so otherwise there wasn't much encouragement to speak greek.

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? Intermediate Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Professors
  • Trips
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • more events at the campus center would be nice!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew it was okay to get out of my comfort zone!

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!