Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing July 22, 2024

By (Environmental Studies, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 05/17/2024 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I learned so much about myself. I also learned to be independent and not rely on anyone in a foreign country. I came back to America so confident in myself and my abilities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the classes were excellent. The professors were super knowledgeable as well. The course content was also manageable, especially if you plan to explore a lot over weekends.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was excellent. They were supportive of all of us and always wanted to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied. I loved my roommates. The only thing is housing; with housing, some of us got nice apartments while others didn't get as nice housing but still paid the same.

* Food:

The food was terrific. So fresh and healthy, too. The food was also really inexpensive. It was the best food I have ever eaten. No complaints about the food. It was 11/10.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated. Nikki, who works with CYA, definitely helped me integrate into the culture. Although I didn't know Greek, I felt like if I did, it would have been easier to integrate with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt safe in Athens. As long as you always stay with someone, you will be fine. During the day, I would go on runs or walks and felt super safe. Just watch out for pickpocketers in the touristy areas.

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

I made amazing friends here in this program. I also fell in love with Greece and everything it had to offer. The weather and the people were amazing, and the food were amazing too.

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)

3--I have always been budgeting, so it came pretty easy for me. The challenging part for me was not being able to work while in Greece because I didn't have a work visa.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say don't buy toiletries or anything until you get there it will be a lot cheaper. You also do not need to buy as many clothes or anything. Save your money for traveling, but you can also travel on a budget. Fly on cheap airlines like RyanAir and stay in hostels. Also, walk everywhere.

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?
  • The people
  • Location
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Offer more field studies in Greece
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about finances

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.