Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The perfect program for me December 21, 2022

By (Government, Connecticut College) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Greece taught me that there are so many ways to live. In contrast to my experience in the United States, the work/life balance and slower pace of Grecian life reminded me that I have a choice in the life I create for myself. It also gave me a greater understanding of people all over the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

No matter what, CYA was the best program for me. Independently living in Athens provided me the independence to immerse in a foreign country, while having sufficient support systems to help me through all of the struggles of living abroad. All of my professors were engaging and flexible, and Athens provided an excess of opportunities to grow, personally and academically. I could not have wished for anything more.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I cooked most of my meals in my apartment, which saved me a lot of money instead of eating out. I developed skills like shopping in a foreign country (farmers markets!!) and cooking for myself.

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

While my program did not actively encourage using the Greek language overall, choosing to take a Greek language class gave me the inspiration to practice language whenever I could.

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? Zero in this language.
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? Greek culture is highly supportive of learning the Greek language. While most people speak English, Greek people are always excited when you speak their language and are happy to teach.

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?
  • Living in Athens
  • Engaging Field Studies
* What could be improved?
  • Overall Student Unity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is so much to do in Athens! Take advantage of it.

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.