Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unusual and Awesome Semester! June 21, 2021

By (College of the Holy Cross) - abroad from 02/08/2021 to 05/21/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I gained friends both American and Greek! I made memories and was able to live in a foreign city for a few months of my life - Awesome!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in the administration side of CYA was very welcoming and helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was awesome - location wise and everything else.

* Food:

Lunches every weekday were very tasty and filling!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to do this with COVID and all, but I made friends with the owners of a local cafe/bakery. Other than the lack of interpersonal relationships with the locals, I went about as everyone else did - shopping, walking, bus-taking, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have a health problem, but there were people in the program who did. They were helped!

* Safety:

No safety related incidents for me. Athens is a very safe city. There were curfews in place for much of the semester, though, so I was not out late much.

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

CYA does it well. They invest a lot in their students and encourage them to have the best possible semester.

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)

I could have lived on $50 or less a week. The food here is inexpensive. Planning meals ahead is important, though.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $60 (this includes take out as well!)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of how much you spend. It's okay to have PB&J a few nights - that's inexpensive!

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

They encouraged us, but it's really not necessary in Athens - many people speak English.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Flashcards for vocabulary. Also, talk to the locals (in grocery stores with the cashier is a good place) - they're very friendly!

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
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?
  • The friends I made
  • The professors
  • The investment made into the students!
* What could be improved?
  • Many things...
  • ...but they happened...
  • ...because of Covid...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to always "go for it"

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.