Incredible sites and interesting history Past Review

By Gabe W (Math and Economics, Union College (Schenectady, NY)) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Great term. I got to meet a lot of people from all over. That was one of the strengths of the program: pulled people from a wide range of universities across the country. Being independent in a foreign city is a great feeling. I saw some incredible sites and learned a lot of interesting history.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Classes were very interesting with passionate teachers. Work load was balanced so I stayed interested in my studies.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They planned a lot of good trips for us. Sometimes they talked down to us a little, but I guess that could be expected when you're responsible for a bunch of college students in a foreign country Administrators were very accessible and were pretty open to student's concerns.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Apartments were small, but not too bad. Kolonaki was a very nice neighborhood and the walk was long but pleasant. I had very limited internet access, but most apartments didn't. Lack of internet is probably a good thing though.
* Food:	Food was very good, dining hall food felt home cooked. Unlimited bread with feta and olive oil was great.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We were pretty free to do as we wished. Athens itself wasn't the best city. It was pretty expensive and not too exciting, but very safe late at night.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt very safe in the city. There were a few shady sections (Omonia, Exarchia), but they were easy to avoid. A few of my friends got pick pocketed, but over three months this is to be expected.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?	Did not take Modern Greek, so I learned very little. I am happy with my choice though, I doubt I would have retained it if I had taken it.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Save a lot of money and try to travel every weekend. See the islands, mainland, and maybe the nearby countries (Istanbul and Prague were cheap and great to visit). Live cheaply when you can: cook for yourself and don't spend money in the city, then you'll have plenty for travel. Do as much as you can, and don't worry about the schoolwork besides midterm and finals time. Try to explore all the neighborhoods you can.