Athens was everything I hoped for and dreamed for Past Review

By (Masters in Accounting, Georgia College & State University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Any hassle experienced in any study abroad is worth it for the experience. There has not been a day that I have regretted the decision to go. It was everything you hope for and dream for. There are pitfalls with any traveling experience but the rewards and gains from these experiences are carried with you throughout your whole life.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall the academics provided by our professors was fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program did provide all the necessities but there was no orientation when we first arrived and there were constant issues with maintenence.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments were spread out across many blocks among natives in the area. <br /><br /> There was no internet in the apartments and the computer rooms where only open at certain hours. The bus dropped us off in a bad location at the beginning of our trip and there was no formal tour to our apartments. The representative showed us where our apartment was on a map and sent us out by ourselves to find them. Each apartment was on a different street so no big groups were together.

* Food:

The food was excellent at CYA.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program was amazing and I wouldn't change anything in the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I was safe and the pharmacies were pointed out throughout the trip.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

There was no language instruction for this abroad session.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save your money. You will need it for food and other expenses. Also pack lightly. Greece is not flat and rolling luggage does not move easily on the roads or sidewalks. I took a backpack and side bag and it proved time and again to be the smart move. Hand sanitizers and lotions come in hand in the dry climate. Sunblock for those who burn easily.