Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CYA Spring 2019 Past Review

By (The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/17/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Greece, Greek History, culture, food, etc. I cannot overestimate how amazing Athens is and how helpful CYA is to experiencing life here.

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.

Enough work so you actually learn throughout the semester but not so much that you feel unable to go out and explore Athens. It does get more work-heavy at the end, so don't procrastinate on seeing everything Athens has to offer.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Almost all the apartments have balconies, so try to get into the habit of sitting on the balcony, reading a book, having a drink, chatting with friends, etc.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Make friends with the workers at coffee places. You'll miss them the most.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None (in Modern Greek, at least)
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? Chat with cashiers, baristas, taxi drivers, museums workers, etc, even if it's just "Yasas, ti kanete?" (Hello, how are you).

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?
  • Classes
  • Proximity to ancient sites
  • Museums
* What could be improved?
  • Meals during trips
  • Itinerary selection during trips
  • Academic Center hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan ahead early, start working on your "Athens bucket list" at the BEGINNING of the semester so you don't run out of time.

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 Linguist
You 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!