Once in a lifetime experience January 19, 2024

By (Government and Lega Studies, Bowdoin College) - abroad from 01/22/2023 to 05/20/2023 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned most about other people and myself. It really opened me up to other experiences.

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.

CYA allowed me to experience all that Athens and Greece had to offer, while also giving me the chance to explore on my own and become immersed in the Greek culture. Staff was always incredibly helpful and kind, trying to make your experience the best it could be. The academics of the program were rigorous and taught by some of the most qualified and interesting professors I’ve ever had. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, assist with just about everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments allowed for immersion into life in Athens and make you feel part of the community.

* Food:

CYA lunches were always delicious, had seconds and thirds.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Staff was able to assist me in finding a doctor and how the insurance worked for payment and medication.

* Safety:

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

I had the best time, would do it again and again

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)

Budgeting is very easy, just depends on how much traveling and going out on weekends you expect do be doing.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125

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

Always encouraged us to talk with locals!

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? Intermediate
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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 people
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much fun I’d have.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.