Best Four Month Long Memory September 21, 2026
By Emily M (Nursing, Boston College) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/15/2026 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned how to be more independent as well as say yes to as many opportunities as possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were a good balance of hands-on learning and interesting courses. Professors were engaging and always willing to work with you! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CYA Program and staff were supportive. They made different opportunities and activities easily accessible and well-known. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was clean, comfortable, and easily accessible. |
| * Food: |
The food provided during lunches was delicious and filling! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very immersed in the neighborhood of Pangrati. I loved the little stores and restaurants around every corner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any issues that required medical attention, but any friends I had who needed help got it, and I knew it was there if I needed it. |
| * Safety: |
I did have a necklace stolen off my neck in an area with high pickpocket rates during the day. It was not valuable, and I was safe, but I would just remember that anything can happen and be smart with your valuables! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I could not imagine my experience abroad and in Greece with any other program. It was a perfect fit for me and my interests. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I definitely spent a good amount of money weekly, but I spent it on groceries and some dinners out. I could have been more frugal if needed, though. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think making as much for yourself with groceries is smart when you are not traveling, as well as taking advantage of the cafeteria lunch. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I was encouraged to learn the language so I could use it. The words and phrases we learned were specifically curated to be used everyday. |
| 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? | I had never taken Greek before. |
| 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? | I think using it whenever you can, especially in a coffee shop or at a restaurant, is a great way to practice. Also, trying to read street signs on your own is a good challenge. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just expect the most fun you'll ever have! Take in every moment and remember it all. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
