Life Changing, Wonderful Past Review
By A student (Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/18/2019 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
It was worthwhile. I learned more about being independent, I learned about a new culture which in itself taught me so many things, like how to not be obsessed with productivity and how to appreciate the moment. My classes taught me about Greek and Byzantine art, business ethics and philosophy etc. I feel super enriched.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad with CYA. The courses were interesting, stimulating but not overly challenging which allowed students to balance them easily with fulfilling outside experiences like volunteering, traveling and generally immersing oneself in the culture of Greece. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Good, but could be better. Some program administrators are more helpful and understanding than others and some use the culture of Greece as an excuse not to address concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Excellent student apartments, with a kitchen and living area in a great neighborhood. Near all the action but quiet and safe. I love love loved living in Pagrati. |
| * Food: |
CYA provided lunch monday through friday, and the rest is up to the person to cook or eat out. The cafeteria food was good but a bit repetitive and they were not great at providing alternative options for those with allergies and food intolerances. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since the program was for study abroad students the immersion was not as high as direct enrollment, but I met many Greek people and I feel that I learned a lot about the culture through just living there for 4 months, eating the food, exploring etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/a |
| * Safety: |
Very safe, just beware of pick pocketing. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | 50-150, varied a lot depending on if I traveled/ate out |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook meals with roommates/friends, and plan exactly what you are eating. Saves money and reduced food waste! Shop at farmers markets, fresh and affordable in Greece. Check your credit card/debit card for foriegn transaction fees before leaving and consider getting a different card if those fees are steep. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | 0 in 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? | Order food and drinks in Greek, try to start conversations with locals, practice with friends who are also learning. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I knew how amazing it would be so that I was less nervous. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
