Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The instructors were all experts in their respective fields. My Greek language teacher actually wrote the textbook and my Art and Archeology professor is well-known for her archaeological work as well as lurked on her parents' archaeological sites from the time she was a toddler. The teaching style was similar to Barnard's.

On-site administration of your program

They were essential in helping with the student visas/residency requirements and told us exactly what we were supposed to do and compiled all the necessary paperwork and helped us through the doctor's appointments, etc.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in Pagrati, about a 7 minute walk from the Academic Building in an apartment with Greek residents. <br /><br /> I lived with three other girls from my program but the rest of the building was entirely Greek. We needed to provide linens, towels, etc. The institution provided basic cookware.

Greek food, while many think it's bland, is amazing. There are many tavernas in both Kolonaki and Pagrati. There's an all-you-can-eat taverna right behind the Marble Stadium.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were very few non-academic events and such that my program facilitated (they tried but most fell through). It was a very social program, just outside of the institution.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During a particularly rough riot, CYA texted all of us to ensure that we were safe and called most of us and, if they couldn't reach us, called our roommates to see if they could get in touch with us to ensure we were all safe. Be mindful of your wallets/passports/valuables on public transportation. CYA would help file claims of stolen goods with the police. My apartment had an accidental fire one night and CYA sent someone down almost immediately who served as our liaison with the super and the fire department.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Definitely try to speak the language as much as possible. Especially in Greece, if you tell people you are studying the Greek Language, they'll actually try to help you with it and not look at you as if you were crazy while you stutter through your sentences. However, in Greece, most everyone speaks at least a little English and Greek is a very expressive language, so it can be fairly easy to interact with people using only English.

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• Apartment

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• Other
• Americans

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• Americans