Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding a Home Away From Home in Athens August 23, 2026

By (Chemical Engineering, Ohio State University - Columbus) - abroad from 05/24/2026 to 06/19/2026 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad taught me how to be more independent, adaptable, and open to new experiences. I gained a deeper appreciation for Greek culture and history while also learning how different everyday life can be in another country. I became more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new things, and navigating unfamiliar places. The experience was absolutely worthwhile because I came home with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a broader perspective that I will carry with me beyond my time at CYA.

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.

The overall educational experience was very positive. The coursework itself was not extremely difficult, but there was a lot of it, so staying organized and keeping up with assignments was important. We had access to many different resources that made completing the work easier and helped us learn more about the topics we were studying. The final project was definitely more challenging and required a lot more time and effort, but I enjoyed working on my Captain’s Log and getting to be creative while applying what I had learned throughout the program. Overall, I felt that the coursework was manageable while still giving me a meaningful academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living arrangements overall. Our housing was probably one of the farthest locations from the school, and it was located up a hill with a set of stairs, but it was still less than a 10-minute walk to campus. The location was convenient for getting to class and exploring Athens, and I enjoyed having a comfortable place to come back to after a busy day. Despite the walk being a little challenging at times, especially in the heat, I was very happy with my housing experience.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the local culture during my time in Athens. Living in the city gave me the opportunity to experience everyday Greek life rather than just visiting tourist attractions. I enjoyed trying traditional Greek foods, exploring different neighborhoods, visiting historical sites, and learning about Greek customs and traditions. Being surrounded by the language and culture every day helped me feel more comfortable and connected to Athens as my time there went on.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt that Athens was generally a safe city during my time abroad. I never experienced any major safety-related incidents, and I felt comfortable walking around the city and traveling with other students. I would recommend that future students stay aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas, keep their belongings secure, and avoid walking alone late at night.

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

Yes, I would absolutely choose the same program again. CYA gave me the opportunity to fully experience Athens while also providing a supportive community and a meaningful academic experience. I loved being able to explore Greece, learn about its history and culture, and meet so many new people. Even the challenges of adjusting to a new environment helped me grow more independent and confident. I would not change my decision to study abroad through CYA.

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? One of my biggest money-saving tips is to take advantage of the resources CYA provides, especially the included lunch, which can help reduce daily food expenses. I would also recommend setting a weekly budget for food, transportation, and activities so you can keep track of your spending. Eating at local restaurants and grocery shopping instead of choosing more touristy or expensive options can also help save money. Planning weekend trips and activities in advance is another good way to find more affordable options while still making the most of your time abroad.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Exploring Athens and Greece
  • Learning about Greek history and culture
  • Meeting new people and making friendships
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to interact with local Greek students would be cool
  • More opportunities to learn about everyday Greek life
  • More scholarship opportunities for students who aren’t getting help from parents
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how quickly the program would go by and how much I would want to make the most of every day. I also wish I had known how much walking and exploring I would be doing, so I could have prepared a little better. Most importantly, I wish I had known how comfortable I would become in Athens and how difficult it would be to leave.

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.