Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best semester ever! December 19, 2023

By (Political Science and Government, George Washington University) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained SO much from this experience. I really felt like I met my best friends in this program. I got to travel to so many places throughout Greece, and I truly believe it's the most beautiful country in the world! The locals were sop friendly and welcoming. And the courses were also very engaging, and classes were fun! Pangrati is a beautiful and lively area, and was a wonderful place to stay. I would do it all over again if I could!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Really great course offerings! I was able to get specific course requirements for my degree, which was super helpful. Many of the classes are also very immersive and hands-on, with frequent field trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very attentive, responsive, and supportive!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful! It was very close to the campus and right in the center of Athens. The admin is also very responsive to housing requests (such as needing a single or other accomodations). I miss my balcony view already!

* Food:

I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the food was! And everything is fairly inexpensive, too!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very - CYA has lots of different activities to help students immerse in the culture and get the most out of Greece.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt totally safe in Pangrati!

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

It was the best four months of my life!

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? 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Community
  • Food
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • More responsive administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to have an amazing time!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.