Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Choose Athens! February 09, 2022

By (University of Notre Dame) - abroad from 08/29/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the perspective of world history, and for the first time from and Eastern, rather than Western perspective. I have a much better understanding of what formed the world we experience today. On a personal level, I also learned how to explore, be curious, and live life to the fullest. I made lifelong friends and I'll cherish our moments together forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

I approached the study abroad decision process with an open mind, but I did not already have the "perfect place for me" in mind. I chose Greece because I was enticed by the prospects of beautiful landscapes and rich history. Athens will certainly provide these qualities, but studying in Greece provides so much beyond that. CYA introduced us to places around the country I would have never thought to visit like quaint mountain villages to the north or history-filled coastal cities in the Peloponnese. The professors are absolutely amazing, extremely knowledgeable, and structured the classes to allow us to combine what were learning outside the classroom with the course content. The CYA apartments are all located close to great coffee shops, restaurants, the center of Athens, and a 25 min walk to the Acropolis. Greece and CYA provide all the tools to make your study abroad experience truly incredible and life-changing.

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? $75 (more or less depending on travel expenses)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of student discounts with some of the ferry services

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Get familiar with the alphabet before you go! It will makes getting started learning Greek much easier

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • So many different places in Greece to visit (countless islands and unique cities)
  • The community within the students in the program
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • More classes counting for credit
  • Covid restrictions were at times inconsistent
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That this was going to be the best four months of my life.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.