10/10 Experience, 10/10 Staff Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CYA courses are still rigorous, but the professors generally understand that you are adjusting to a new country and are trying to fit as much as you can into the given months. They are very understanding, especially if you go to them directly with any concerns or questions you may have. They want to hear from you!

On-site administration of your program

CYA tells you when you first arrive that they are there to be your abroad family, your home away from home. They absolutely mean it and you can see that every day. As someone who had studied abroad before, I knew that oftentimes abroad programs can be confusing and less helpful than you ideally want, but CYA flipped the script. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, CYA was always calm, communicative, and put the interests of their students first. They genuinely care about their student population, and that isn't just something they say. I felt completely safe and supported by my CYA family the entire time I was abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments are centrally located, so you're only a 7 minute walk (maximum, 2 minute walk minimum) from the academic center. You are also close to food, shopping, a gym, and many of the touristy centers of Athens. The apartments are functional. They definitely aren't living in luxury, but they have everything you need.

The food in Greece is amazing! CYA also provides you with lunch on the weekdays, which is typically a huge portion (bang for your buck!). There are plenty of cheap options around for gyros and souvlaki, especially. Can be a little tough for vegans/vegetarians, but definitely still doable and CYA will help you as much as they can.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Greek people, particularly those in the neighborhood surrounding CYA, are some of the nicest people I've met. The appreciate when you use the few Greek words you will learn, and they are always looking to help you. Get to know the people at Kekkos (cafe)!!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were abroad during the COVID-19 outbreak, and I felt completely safe and protected by CYA. They made sure to check in with students who had traveled, and they helped students get doctor's visits and COVID-19 tests if they were even remotely worried. CYA is incredibly helpful, and they will always assist you if you have any health concerns while abroad.

At no point did I ever feel unsafe in our neighborhood, Pangrati, or anywhere else in Athens or Greece as a whole.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They offer "survival Greek" classes during orientation week to introduce you to the basics of greetings and ordering food, which is incredibly useful! Everyone speaks English in Athens anyways, but it's nice to know a few words to be polite.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The Staff/Faculty
• Location of Academic Center and Apartments
• Field Trips

• Apartment appliances
• CYA lunch vegetarian options
• Laundry center (more machines)