Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I plan on returning very soon just to relive my experience Past Review

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 05/19/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad was an opportunity for me to meet new people, and add on another layer to my University experience. It was an opportunity that I was not going to miss; there are not many times in your life where you are offered a chance to go abroad to study. The best part about studying abroad was attempting to make such a foreign environment a part of my everyday.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Attendance in all classes is mandatory everyday, which is different from several other study abroad programs. The classes are engaging and most you will not want to miss, but in my opinion, study abroad is an opportunity to step outside of the classroom to learn something new, and the mandatory attendance limits your travel and experience options.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my apartment and the people that I was randomly assigned to live with. The apartments are in a far more local part of Athens, but surrounded by people who are used to CYA students. The location is easy walking distance to a majority of Athens.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CYA is a program of all American students, which can limit your engagement with the local culture if you do not put in the effort to engage yourself. However, if you put in the effort to go exploring or interact with cafe/taverna workers, Greek professors, or CYA staff, it is extremely easy to feel engaged.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This was not personally relevant to me.

* Safety:

Apply the same rules as you would back in the states and there will be no problems. You are in a different country, so clearly, be wary and cautious, but crime rates in Athens are extremely low compared to most American cities.

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

I would, because I appreciated CYA and the opportunities it presented. However, if I was to do study abroad all over again, I would most likely decide to do a program that is not made up entirely of American students.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groceries are very cheap in Athens, and if you take advantage of the local markets, food does not have to be a big portion of your budget. Also, plan trips early in order to get tickets when prices are cheapest.

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

My Modern Greek class gave me enough of a basis understanding of the Greek language to enjoy short conversations with shop/taverna owners, and people in the surrounding community.

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 had never studied Greek before
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? Use it as much as possible and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Ask questions

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 people and the living situations
  • Its location
  • Faculty and staff
* What could be improved?
  • More organized events to engage students with local community
  • A less strict attendance policy
  • Outdoor study space
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the program has mandatory field trips scheduled, which take up a lot of free weekends. The trips were amazing and I would not trade them, but weekends run out quickly, so making travel/activity plans early would have been extremely beneficial.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'