Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Still think about it everyday. January 29, 2023

By (English, Gettysburg College) - abroad from 08/27/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
CYA is an excellent program. I came into it expecting to learn certain things about myself, and it wasn't until I left that I realized that I had gained even more than that. The academics here are great, especially for an aspiring classicist or historian. The city is filled with so much to do at a generally affordable rate- with so much beauty on every corner. Most importantly to me, this program has made me realize how small and traversable this world is. I went from having never been on a plane in my life in June to spending my every weekend in a different section of Greece or in another country. It is exciting and often overwhelming in the moment when you step on the plane to new places so often, but it wasn't until I was home that I began to realize the lasting effects that three months in Greece had on me. I began to look at places all around me in the U.S. -even just my hometown- and think "why have I not been here?" and "why have I not done this?". Its hard for me to find myself bored anymore because I know how easy it is to just go out and do things.

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

CYA is just excellent. I loved my neighborhood, my apartment, and my ample opportunity to travel and go out with 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)

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

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

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?
  • The day to day of going around the neighborhood, sitting in the cafe, going out to dinner
  • Built in school field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Finals come out of nowhere a bit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Locals are very kind and love to talk no matter what the circumstances.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'