CYA- The Best Study Abroad Program! January 06, 2024
By Caroline P (Economics, Pomona College) - abroad from 01/22/2023 to 05/20/2023 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I gained an enormous sense of independence, curiosity, appreciation for different ways of life, reflection on who I am as a person and who I want to be, appreciation for beauty, optimism, and amazing friends! It was 100% 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. |
CYA's professors are astounding and make sure that you're engaged while also allowing you time to live your life and not be too stressed over academics. I learned a ton with many field trips and interesting subject material and was never stressed. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is there for you to help with any issues and check in on you while also allowing complete independence. When I had to go to the doctor, for example, they offered to come with me and checked in often, providing many resources. I felt well taken care of while also completely independent. They encourage being social as well and the social scene at CYA is unmatched. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is great- all students live in the same neighborhood, walking distance from one another, but in different apartments. Our neighbors are locals so we truly get an immersive experience. I lived with 4 other girls and had my own room. |
| * Food: |
Incredibly delicious and affordable. I had souvlaki almost every day and crave spanakopita constantly. The meals everywhere were unmatched and fresh, and I cannot wait to go back and have Greek food again. Additionally, CYA provides you with lunch every day which is cooked fresh at the academic center-it's delicious! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The locals are incredibly friendly. They will ask you questions and are happy to answer yours as well. Especially people who worked in the surrounding cafes and restaurants wanted to get to know us, but almost everyone I met in Greece was friendly. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was very easily accessible. I had to go to the doctor and didn't know how. I emailed an administrator of the program and she provided me with many resources and instructions and even offered to come with me. She checked in to make sure everything went smoothly and I was provided with exemptions in my classes. The healthcare system was fast, not expensive, and helpful. |
| * Safety: |
I felt incredibly safe in Athens, more safe than in the U.S. for that matter. The worst risk is pick-pocketing which is easily avoidable. I felt comfortable walking around at night alone for the most part and especially in a group of more than one. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Absolutely- nothing tops CYA. They truly did pretty much everything right in my opinion. The program is the perfect size, perfect level of academics, independence, housing, checking in, field trips, etc. Greece itself is wonderful too and CYA ensures you are provided with ample resources to take full advantage of all that Athens and Greece has to offer. |
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) |
Athens and Greece itself are incredibly affordable. Your budget will carry you far. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget yourself. |
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 |
It is easy to get around using just English in Greece, but my modern Greek class took us on field trips where we were encouraged to use Greek. |
| 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 in Greek |
| 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? | Engage with locals!! They are happy to speak in Greek with you and offer advice and I wish I had taken advantage of this more. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | While traveling abroad is super easy and incredible, I would recommend staying in Athens for some of the weekends. I wish I had given myself more time to explore the city because it truly has endless amazing restaurants, museums, coffee shops, and historical sites to visit. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
