The best month of my life in my favorite new city July 10, 2022

By (Religion, University of Rochester) - abroad from 05/23/2022 to 06/18/2022 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about life outside of the U.S., and the many similarities and differences between my home and Greece. It was definitely worthwhile to get to learn directly in the place I was studying in- there are some experiences that the classroom alone at home cannot provide!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

I always felt very safe in Athens, especially compared to other places I have been to in Europe. All of the Greeks I met and interacted with were incredibly kind and helpful!

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

I absolutely adored everything about Athens- the people, the food, and the numerous things to do in and around the city! However, I also found the academic program with CYA to be incredibly hands-on and enriching. Overall, I enjoyed just about every aspect of my time here.

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)

(I saved a lot beforehand so that I could splurge on extra excursions and dinners, etc., but Athens is a very affordable city otherwise!)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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?
  • Site visits
  • location
  • flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i knew how easy it was to take the metro- I would've saved a lot on the uber from the airport

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.