Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Experience in Greece September 14, 2026

By (Business, Schulich School of Business) - abroad from 06/15/2026 to 06/26/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a deeper understanding of Greek history, culture, and identity by experiencing it firsthand. The program was definitely worthwhile because it helped me connect with my heritage and gave me a new perspective on Greece.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

Yes. It was a great balance of academics, travel, and cultural experiences. I learned a lot while exploring Greece and met amazing people from different universities.

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? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

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? 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? use duolingo

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visiting historical sites across Greece.
  • Learning outside the classroom through field experiences.
  • Meeting students from different universities and making new friends.
* What could be improved?
  • A little more free time in the schedule.
  • More opportunities to explore local neighborhoods independently.
  • Longer time at some historical sites.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much walking we would do and how quickly the program would go by. I would have packed more comfortable shoes and planned for even more time to explore on my own.

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 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.