Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the time of my life! May 27, 2021

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 02/07/2021 to 05/29/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Athens has been an invaluable experience! The CYA program has truly change my life. The staff had some of the most compassionate and helpful people I have ever met. I got to form lasting connections with friends that will last a lifetime, while also exploring the beautiful city of Athens. While exploring archeological sites and visiting islands, I learned from world-class professors who taught me about politics, religion, and medicine from an EU perspective. I grew tremendously both personally and academically while having some of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I will forever be grateful for such an amazing and unforgettable experience. CYA truly goes the extra mile for their students wether that be through education, planned excursions, helpful staff, or just general hospitality and kindness. This program is one of a kind and anyone would be lucky to be a part of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 3
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with locals!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Planned trips
  • Helpful staff
  • Kindness of locals
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, it was perfect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to pack unnecessary items, you live in a big city!

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.