Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

BEST SUMMER August 01, 2023

By (Sociology, Doane University) - abroad from 05/28/2023 to 06/25/2023 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I learned so much about Green culture and history and also made the most amazing connections with my classmates.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great! My class was amazing and included so many site visits and travel. My professor was extremely knowledgeable and I learned lots.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were awesome! Always giving us recommendations about things to do in Athens and information about safety and well-being.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was really nice! The stove didn’t work and the AC was spotty but it was a nice place and I loved my roommates.

* Food:

The food was the worst part about CYA. It wasn’t bad but sometimes the options we not great and I had multiple friends that struggled with allergy accommodations through CYA.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A decent amount since we lived in the community. But since I was with my class almost all the time that held me back a little from more integration.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems!

* Safety:

Use general safety guidelines but I felt very safe at all times.

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

I had an amazing time and would love to do it again!

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 is definitely expensive but if you budget it is very doable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET! Make a budget before you go and try to stick with it. Give yourself some room for fun things that pop up, but remember fun things don’t have to drain your account. There is a lot of cheap stuff to do as well.

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 class size
  • Travel component
  • Site visits
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Apartment conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and do things you are afraid of!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.