So many memories July 13, 2024
By A student (Mathematics and Philosophy, Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/21/2024 to 05/18/2024 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned a lot about navigating unfamiliar territory both literally and metaphorically and getting more comfortable doing things outside my comfort zone or without my friends. I also learned a lot about Greek values and general ways of life and I learned what aspects of that I wanted to bring back with me to America. Going abroad was definitely worthwile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes had less assignments than I was used to but the assignments were more engaging and there was more flexibility in what you can choose to write an essay or do a project about. The professors were very available and wanted you to succeed. I found it easier to maintain good grades as every assignment was something I found interesting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment were very nice and were cleaned weekly by CYA employees which was unbelievably nice. The only bad part was that a lot of people I know including my roommate and I were sleeping in what was supposed to be a living room which had drawbacks as we didn't have a proper door between us and the rest of the apartment. All the locations of the apartments was nice and most if not all of them had at least one balcony which was very nice especially as it got warmer out. |
| * Food: |
The food in the dining hall was a lot better quality than I was used to at my home institution. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were plenty of outing to get acquainted with the culture. However I think by it being a program of only students from American schools it by nature felt isolated from the rest of the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was pretty easy to make doctor's appointments on short notice when needed and one of the admin at CYA even made an appointment for me when I was sick once. |
| * Safety: |
Athens felt very safe to walk alone in as a woman, even at night because it is so lively and people are always out. There are definitely places to avoid just as any city but Pagrati and all the other neighborhoods students generally go to feel very safe. The biggest safety issue to worry about is cars and motercycles. Never assume that they can see you or will stop and always look both ways before you cross the street. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you plan to travel to islands get an ISIC card and you will get 50% off on most ferries. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Just try to say as much as you can in Greek. Read everything out in your head even if you don't understand it, knowing the alphabet makes everything else a lot easier. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Plenty of Greeks wear jeans/athleisure, and they're gonna know you're an American anyway so don't worry too hard about trying to blend in. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
