Five Fantastic Months Past Review
By A student (Rice University) - abroad from 02/08/2021 to 08/05/2021 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I gained experience immersed in a completely new city with amazing people. Though limited by the pandemic, I was in the same boat as nearly every other true Athenian, so my experience felt incredibly authentic. I am so glad I took the leap and went to Greece.
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. | I enjoyed my classes and felt they were of high quality. | 
| * Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program | Our administrators were extremely helpful and communicative throughout the semester. | 
| * Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? | Our housing was convenient, and my apartment was pleasant. It would have felt small with four students, so I am glad I got to experience my place at only half capacity. | 
| * Food: | The food was authentic and delicious! | 
| * Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture? | I felt integrated in the local community to the extent that I wanted to be. | 
| * Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program? | 
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| * Safety: | Sign up for the country's safety alerts and check your emails and the news! | 
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? | Yes 
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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) | 
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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 | 
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| 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 | 
Other Program Information
| * Where did you live? Select all that apply | 
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| * Who did you live with? Select all that apply | 
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| * Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply | 
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| 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? | 
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| * What could be improved? | 
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known that it would be more difficult to meet locals my age during the pandemic. | 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
