Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best way to experience Greece Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 06/24/2019 to 07/20/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My class (ARTH 356, a course on Greek Heritage) was taught by an amazing professor, our class excursions were immersive, and the friendships I built will last a lifetime! This study abroad was absolutely worthwhile, I'd do it over again in a heart beat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In my experience, the rigor of the course was very well balanced with social and cultural experiences. The class I took very much so enriched my interactions and travel experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was easily accessible and willing to help when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements were close to the academic center, spacious, and secure.

* Food:

The food at CYA was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our CYA advisors and professors gave us plenty of recommendations for food, museums, concerts, movies, and anything else you can imagine to make the most of our time in Greece.

* 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

My time in Greece studying abroad with College Year in Athens was more fulfilling than I expected it to be. I decided to study abroad in Greece to get out of my comfort zone, and really push myself to study a subject outside of my STEM field. A 4-week program was perfect for the time I had and for what my budget would allow. This was my first time in Europe, and with research and preparation beforehand, everything went smoothly. I enjoyed traveling to other Greek islands, visiting historical sites, trying new foods, and meeting the locals. Everyone was so welcoming and excited to have us there. I highly recommend CYA for anyone interested in a summer study abroad, you won't regret it!

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)

Eating out was less expensive than it is in the US for sure, and there are several grocery stores around our apartments if you'd like to buy and cook your own food in the apartment kitchen. CYA serves lunch every day for summer session students (except on weekends).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy breakfast food and snacks at the grocery store, CYA serves you lunch during the week, and eat out and try new things (which isn't that expensive anyways) for dinner. Budget yourself when shopping for yourself and souvenirs, wait until the end of the trip to buy those things!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Food
  • Class trips
  • Cultural immersion
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light!! It makes traveling to other islands on your class trips much easier. There are laundry facilities in the academic center.

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 Urbanite
A 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.