Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fell in love and want to go back! August 10, 2021

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/01/2021 to 06/30/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I love to travel and this course and the program did an exceptional job of integrating academics and travel together!

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.

My overall experience with CYA was exceptional! It was a perfect blend of intense academics that promoted intellectual growth and personal growth through travel adn experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great resources and support with the CYA staff!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Has a wonderful apt in Pangratti. I shared with two other girls and we had our own room and kitchen. Later we stayed in hotels that were cleaned every day.

* Food:

I loved the food! CYA provided lunch in the classrooms, which was always filling. But the real experience came as my group traveled to a small island and were treated for lunch and breakfast each day at a local taverna. I can still taste the fresh bread that was brought each day!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved exploring the city and had a great time. One place of improvement would be integrating more local//modern greek in our experience to help facilitate more interaction with the community!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easy and accesible. My friend had a UTI and was able to go to pharmacy and get a prescription that very hour!

* 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)

Food is very cheap and I could get a meal for $2.50 dollars. However I traveled a lot ot other places so I spent more on tickets and transport which increased my price. worth it though!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks when traveling! Granola bars and peanut butter help when only tourist traps exist!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Classmates/class
  • Weekend trips
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • increase foreign language access
  • laundry
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had studied more greek before I went to familiarize myself!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Traveling as a Writer
Course Department:
Instructor: Christine Harrison
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Christine was by far one of the best parts of the trip. Her lessons were crafted with care and were eloquently taught. She did a great job of incorporating relevant readings, explorations, and discussions throughout our time. Our time was used well, and the work felt manageable even when I traveled on the weekends. I ended up reading more of the readings because I was so interested in them! We worked on two formal papers and one group project. We kept a travel journey throughout the trip, which I love having as a memory of the trip!
Credit Transfer Issues: