Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime November 11, 2022

By (Environmental Studies, Vassar College) - abroad from 01/16/2022 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 so much- and that you are capable of more than you think. That people/ strangers are so kind.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Good! They were great at helping with integration when we first arrived.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They felt a little small at times, but overall so so much fun and in such an ideal location,

* Food:

The food was so incredibly good. I already miss it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This one is definitely up to you as an individual at times. Since CYA is all students from American Universities, you definitely need to find ways to get more immersed in Greek culture. CYA administrators do a great job with helping with your involvement.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was extremely easily accessible and affordable.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Athens, especially where our apartments were located in Pangrati. One thing to keep in mind- as a woman/ feminine presenting person it's always good to travel in a group.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Greece is the best place to study abroad, and the CYA people are here to help you at any step!

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)

Grocery stores and farmers markets are so affordable!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? keep a google spreadsheet for budgeting in how much you want to spend each week and write down everything you spend.

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

I took beginner greek and that class really encouraged me to use it.

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
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? Practice anywhere! people are really kind and patient with you! Also, be confident!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the classes/ people
  • trips within Greece
* What could be improved?
  • the classwork could be spread out more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that you don't have to travel every weekend! It's important to get immersed in the place you are in at the moment and there is so much to explore in Athens and in Greece.

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.