Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Program with Wonderful Experiences in Greece to Always Remember January 10, 2024

By (History and Classical/Medieval Studies, Bates College) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/15/2023 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 from my experience abroad. Firstly, I took courses that piqued my interest academically, pushing me into different academic and professional directions. The program also helped me secure a position that was a stepping stone for me professionally. While the position did not last long, it gave me tremendous and applicable experience.

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? Yes

This program was wonderful, and I am glad that I chose it. With hindsight, I would have just chosen this program right away and avoided all the choices in front of me at the time. This program provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Greece uniquely through courses, field studies, and other experiences. The academics provide rigor and center around Greece’s Culture and History. The best memories I have from this program are in its field studies, which sent me to places in Greece I do not think I would have gone to had I not studied abroad in Greece.

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? around $75 a week for food, and depending on the week $25 for other expenses like Medicine
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use Wolt 1+1 deals

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? I read through a textbook my grandfather bought me
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? Add 1 hour of trying to speak with people in Greek a day, which is how I learned quickly.

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?
  • Interesting Academics
  • Program Paid and Run Travel
  • Interesting Location
* What could be improved?
  • Too Much in Too Little Time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew more about the Program’s Travel. It can be exhausting, as they are four days with very early wake-up times and action-packed days. You are often on buses for more than four hours, then walk around sites and museums for another three hours, and then usually have about two hours of free time. It can be a lot if you do not pace yourself. However, these experiences really separate CYA from other study abroad programs and make it unique.

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!