Travelings & Writing in Greece During the Summer — Perfection! September 01, 2022

By (Pomona College) - abroad from 05/23/2022 to 06/19/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about travel writing and had a lot of personal growth as well so it was definitely worth it.

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

Super kind and helpful hosts!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments have awesome balconies and are close to classes!

* Food:

Free lunch was amazing every week day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You do have to make an effort, but once I did learn a little Greek and put myself out there, it wasn't hard at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great experience with pharmacies in Greece.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Athens.

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

I loved the class I took and our professor. CYA itself was amazing and supportive and I made such great friends.

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)

Greece is generally very affordable, just don't fall into tourist traps.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and pace yourself with buying souvenirs!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Travel component
  • Academic subject
  • Independence and flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • Summer classes are long/intensive
  • Better scheduling ahead of time
  • More visits to sites/museums with class and professor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought a film camera/disposable camera from home! I could not find one anywhere in Europe. Also double check your credit card doesn't have foreign transaction fees and get one before you go abroad that doesn't have them.

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.