Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most amazing and rewarding experience. September 11, 2026

By (Political Science and Government, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/15/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
When I was abroad, I made the best friends I have ever had. We still talk every day, even four months after the program ended. We would always look for new places to go in Athens and outside of Athens, and our professors would always put their two cents in. I also had an internship, which gave me experiences to meet people from other countries such as Germany, Sudan, Cameroon, the DRC, Afghanistan, Iran, and so many other places. The friends I made there I still keep in contact with, especially my coworker from Germany and my boss in Greece. I also learned a lot about myself, to the point where I am still learning from what I learned there. It is hard to explain but it is a beautiful feeling

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that CYA did a wonderful job with a good balance between schoolwork and giving us the ability to explore Athens and other countries and tying in our travels to our classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was wonderful, and always willing to help if you needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was the size of a shoebox, there was no area to sit unless it was your beds, and four girls were living in there, however, we got really close and made friends that would always go out with us, or we would go to their larger apartment. But honestly the amount of time I was in my room was maybe 7hrs a day, just to sleep and shower.

* Food:

The food that CYA provided was fantastic, and if you didnt like it, there was Elvis right down the street, or if you wanted to go 'out' greco project was a few minutes walk away.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that you were immediately thrown into the Greek life, and it was fantastic. CYA taught us phrases to use every day, and the locals are so excited to teach you about their life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easily accessible, pharmacies are cheap and always willing to help, there is one right next to CYA too.

* Safety:

I think Athens is overall safe. There are areas where its a bit more dangerous to walk by yourself at night, but it is mostly a good place. I only had 2 weird experiences but as long as youre in a populated area youll be okay. I walked home at 2am from exarchia (a 'bad' area) with a dead phone by myself and I was fine.

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

Everything about CYA was amazing. Field studies, employment opportunities, the education, everything.

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)

It was about 150 dollars a week - I struggled a bit, as groceries were a bit expensive and would go bad fast, so we found it easier to go out ot eat and bring leftovers for lunch the next day. It was about the same price as if you were to get groceries every day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? We loved to shop and go out so we probably spent 100 more each week than others
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a realistic budget and stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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 opportunities
  • Staff support
  • People you meet
* What could be improved?
  • Instead of the half day field study, send students on a scavenger hunt around athens with their friends, non faculty led, so students can see and explore more of the city rather than just the one area. We (my friends and I) agreed is that this would have been a wonderful idea, and we woulve alos learned how to navigate the bus.
  • living arangements - if an apartment is meant for two people, dont shove four girls in there.
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how fast the time was going to go. I also wish there was a list of places and things to do that former students recommended. Not just the professors. Because professors, as much as they are amazing, don't always understand what the students want outside the educational part of CYA. Other than that, this program is fantastic.

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.