A Well-Rounded Experience Past Review
By Arianna Chen (Pomona College) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned how to live on my own and not be intimidated. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
Great on-site classes with interesting professors |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone is really nice! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Super nice that they provide lunch for you |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You get what you make of it. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Athens is very safe and they let you know when the protests are taking place. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My experience abroad in Greece with CYA has been nothing short of wonderful. I chose CYA's program because of the experiential, hands-on learning that it claimed to provide, and I was not disappointed. All of their professors were experts in their field, and they accompanied us to off-site classes, and even week-long field trips; their lectures on-site truly enhanced the learning experience. Being able to see everything we were learning about in person was truly a game-changer. Not only was it a great place to grow academically, CYA also encourages you to fully understand Greek culture, giving out recommendations for activities to do and places to go. They will help you find opportunities for things you are interested in, whether it be sports, volunteering, or marble carving. My experience here has been fulfilling and CYA has helped facilitate that. |
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) |
|
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 |
They recommended it but didn't really care that much. |
| 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? | Intro Modern Greek |
| 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? | Don't be intimidated! Greeks are super nice and love it when you try to speak Greek. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that the classes weren't going to be as easy as I thought. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
