Greek-American falls in love with Greece Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I chose a class that had nothing to do with my major, Travel Writing (mathematics major). It was a great decision because it forced me to really get out of my comfort zone. I found it challenging, but not too challenging. It was a doable workload and CYA made sure to give free time to explore. The free time gave us something to travel write about, so it was really a unique experience with school and traveling. There was a lot of personal growth involved in studying abroad, and CYA helped flow that in the right direction.

On-site administration of your program

The administration could not be any better. The staff was helpful and wanted you to succeed and experience all of the amazing things Greece has to offer.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The CYA apartments are nice, with air conditioning, wifi, and balcony views. They are in a great location for class and for doing things around Athens. They allow you to really get into the Greek culture, being set up like a Greek apartment. They are also placed in an area thriving with locals, which helps you live a real Athenian life. The hotels they provided had wifi and air conditioning. The hotels were really nice and also in great locations.

I've never had such great food anywhere. I did not have a single bad meal my entire trip. CYA provided lunch every weekday. On weekends and nights you went out and found food. I liked this setup because I got to explore Athens food, yet was still provided with some meals. The CYA cafeteria is really nice and for the second part of the trip, the restaurant served great food. You could pick anything off the menu you wanted, which allowed me to try many things I might not have. They also brought out a ton of appetizers each meal, which I loved. The food could not have been better, and they have options for people with dietary restrictions.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You have the opportunity with CYA to really integrate with local culture. The Greeks are extremely friendly and will talk to you, and get to know you. There are so many opportunities and things to try in Greece, and you have to be ready and willing to try them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is easily accessible, luckily I did not need any while abroad.

Greece is a really safe place and I never felt in danger in any way. They say you have to be careful with traffic in Athens, but its just like being careful in any city. If you follow walk signs and look around, you will be fine.

I loved my time with CYA in Greece, I made some of the best memories of my life. I would go back to Greece in a heartbeat, and do intend to go back soon. Anyone studying abroad with CYA will love it.

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

You can spend really as much as you like. If you want to go on weekend trips, it can add up. If you want to live on a cheap budget, you can definitely do that. I did not spend all that much money, but I did go on several day trips and a weekend trip. The food in Greece is relatively cheaper than in the United States.

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• Apartment
• Hotel

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The locations of the course
• The friends I made through the course
• My teacher and the class

• Nothing