Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Great Greek Life Past Review

By (International and Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about me and doing things on my own. I got a great grasp on how a different society lives their life and could see how the media skews their stories sometimes. I think this is the most worth while experience anyone could have and would encourage anyone to do it.

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.

The classes were great. It was especially great to get to work with Greek professors and have them give you a first hand look at Athens and the rest of Greece. One thing that I would note is that the way they expect us to do work and write papers is different than here is the U.S. One example of this is writing short papers. I had a class where we wrote a series of 4 page papers. The majority of my paper was my analysis and it took me some time to figure out that in Greece, its often more about putting the information directly from the readings rather than your own analysis.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing. Everyone working at CYA is great and very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great apartment and was lucky to be in a single. I know some people end up in doubles, but most of my friends really liked who they lived with.

* Food:

I love greek food. There is a fresh market down the street every Friday which is great for the meals you make yourself and it was great that we were served lunch on class days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I made an effort to get out and know some of the local greeks and made some good friends, but I had to make the effort. The program doesn't set-up time for that. That being said, if you are interested in something, they will absolutely help you do it. For example, I met some of my best greek friends when I decided to volunteer to pick oranges in Corinth. That was something CYA set up :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt perfectly safe in Athens. The news portrayed Athens in one way, but thats not really how Athens is. We were told whenever there was going to be a rally or anything going on by CYA, so i didn't run into any problems.

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

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)

Greece is very affordable right now. I didn't run into any problems; if anything, I had to limit what I did when I traveled to other cities because everywhere seems to be more expensive than Greece.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? the equivalent of $50-$70. We ate out quite a bit too!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, when you travel, do the free things: Free walking tour, find a shop or bookstore you want to see, go to a museum (your international student IDs get you in free many places), and the sunday market.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I took zero Greek classes before going abroad.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just talk to people in Greek. Even though most people speak english, do your best to practice by speaking in greek with as many people as possible.

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?
  • My classes
  • The Food
  • The trips to the rest of Greece
* What could be improved?
  • introducing students to greeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything will work out. I had some trouble getting my visa for Greece, but so did many of the people on my program and we all got there and it was amazing.

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 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.