Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience Past Review

By (Oberlin College) - abroad from 09/01/2020 to 12/18/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel on my own and be very independent. This experience was very worthwhile and I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience a new culture.

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.

The classes were very interesting but the classes I took were not extremely difficult. The professors did a really good job of making sure that we were still involved in classes but had time to explore the new city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in very Greek apartments which was very interesting.

* Food:

The food provided at lunch was god and Greek food in general was very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a very good job of integrating us into Greek culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience like this but I did have friends that had medical issues and the school sent people to help translate at the medical centers.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Greece.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program gave me new experiences that I wouldn't be able to have anywhere else.

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)

It really depends how much you want to eat out but the cost of food is extremely cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $150

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

All staff would greet us in Greek.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Staff
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Extracurriculars for students to get involved with.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how big culture shock was. I was expecting but it hit me harder than I was expecting.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.