Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Such a great time June 27, 2023

By (Economics, DePaul University) - abroad from 01/22/2023 to 05/18/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being thrown into such a foreign experience you are forced into positions that may not be the most comfortable but that helped me to learn more about myself. 100% was worthwhile.

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.

Classes were relatively challenging - attendance was required. Professors were extremely knowledgeable and content was interesting. Tutoring was available (mostly for language classes). Main issue was that buildings would shut down on the weekends - couldn't use library for studying.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was okay. I felt at times they could have been more transparent or helpful with roommate disputes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first apartment was really bad - loud neighbors and incessant smoke smell everywhere in the building. Thankfully, because of these issues we were moved to another apartment that was really nice and didn't have any of these issues.

* Food:

School lunches were pretty good. Much better than dinning hall food at U.S. universities.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Pangrati (the neighborhood where CYA is located) is not touristy - although close to attractions. Apartments buildings were mostly filled with Greeks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a terrible migraine and was able to see a neurologist - an appointment that my program set up. He prescribed me medication which was helpful. No prevalent health issues in Greece and no specific vaccines necessary.

* Safety:

Like most large cities it's not incredibly safe. Just be aware and look out for pickpockets.

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

Although, there were highs and lows this was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many amazing people and made so many priceless memories that I would do it all over in a heartbeat if I could!!

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)

Everything in Greece is so much more affordable than in the U.S. Lattes can be as low as 1.80 euros.

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

We were encouraged to speak modern Greek - especially with greetings and ordering.

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? Befriend 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Greece (the location in general)
  • The people I met
  • The classes I took
* What could be improved?
  • Building hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make use of every opportunity presented to you. Even if you aren't typically become a YES person.

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.