Like No Other! Past Review
By Shaianne Nickerson (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 01/21/2018 to 05/19/2018 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Henry Miller once said that “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The world has magnificent depth, and through study abroad with CYA, I believe that I have been transformed into a mature, well-rounded person who can appreciate this depth in every aspect of my life. Renown as an inevitable side-effect of living abroad is a person’s extraordinary, widened perspective. I have been thrust into a culture that is not my own, and I have accepted and learned from this unfamiliar environment. I now have a greater appreciation for other cultures as well as my own. It’s easy to get stuck in the bubble of your own experience, but studying abroad teaches you that there’s so much more out there. Other long-term benefits include enhanced flexibility and independence; it takes a lot of this to thrive abroad. I believe that studying abroad with CYA has acted as a catalyst; transforming me into a strong individual that can handle the challenges thrown at me. CYA has also contributed to one of the largest choices of my life, in my decision to pursue a career in study abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The entire experience, from applying and preparing to come to Greece to my actual time spent studying with CYA, was just very enjoyable and influential. Throughout my time in Greece, I have met the most compassionate people, from the CYA staff to the Greek locals. I have never had a helpless moment; there has always been someone happy to help me through the troubles I have faced. My experiences with CYA provided me with a plethora of unforgettable experiences, priceless friendships, and it also allowed me to solidify a path for my future. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the food provided by the program! Taverna dinners are a regular part of the culture, and that can get pricey. Be wary of going out too much. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | None |
| 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? | Talk to the locals! They are always so happy to share their culture with you. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | When I was considering study abroad, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I belonged to a very low-income family; I had never traveled outside of the eastern U.S., never been on a plane, and had very limited experience interacting with other cultures. However, throughout my childhood, I always had a fascination with the unfamiliar. I enjoyed reading and latched on to world literature at an early age; the different cultures and customs captivated my interest, and I always dreamt of experiencing these different cultures myself. When I was accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, many of my dreams turned into real possibilities. This included the opportunity to travel; as a freshman, I was awarded my first passport from Carolina Global Initiatives. This leads me to my first point of advice: talk to your school about opportunities you may qualify for. There are so many awards and scholarships that aren’t broadcasted that could change your plans and present you with golden opportunities! Make sure that you seek those out. Furthermore, after being accepted to the CYA program, I was feeling very anxious about living in a new country on my own due to my limited travel experience as an adolescent. Looking back on this apprehension, I realize that I had nothing to worry about. Throughout my time in Greece, I have met the most compassionate people, from the CYA staff to the Greek locals. Therefore, my second piece of advice is don’t let worry cloud your mind and distract you from the wonderful experience ahead of you! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
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