Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CYA is an unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friends in my CYA program. I absolutely love Greece and cannot wait to return.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved that we lived in apartments with actual Greek people. Apartments were kind of dingy, but some people had better ones than ours.

* Food:

I have Celiac disease, so there weren't great options for gluten free at CYA. It was repetitive and unvaried. However, I cooked pasta and ate fresh food on my own since I had a kitchen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Everything abroad is more expensive than you think, especially since you are traveling so often.

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

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Athens
  • My Greek professors
  • Traveling with the program
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Hotel arrangements
  • More on-site classes across the board
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Use the language whenever you can. Get out of your comfort zone, the Greeks encourage it!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.