Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great time September 29, 2022

By (Business, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/17/2022 to 05/27/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great time with CYA Athens! Met a lot of people from all over the world and even learned a little bit of Greek. I felt immersed in the culture as I got my daily coffee or saw my favorite waiter for dinner. The professors made you feel welcome and all the staff was willing to help and take the extra mile to help you. A truly great program. We got to travel all over Greece so I feel like I know everything about all of Greece not just Athens. I loved learning about Greek history and mythology and literally standing where famous people have in the past. Incredible

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 had a good academic experience

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very nice people and very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best apartment ever in center pangrati

* Food:

Really delicious food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had plenty of friends there

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a health scare and they sent a doctor to my apartment. Very helpful

* Safety:

I felt safe there

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

I loved it. I had a truly incredible time abroad I wouldn't trade it for the world

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 wasted money sooo

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out a lot haha

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

Very encouraging

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? Practice with locals

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?
  • Friends
  • Teachers
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Attendance
  • Inclusion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Greece has a lot more than gyros haha. Honestly the best time ever

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.