Beautiful Hikes, Beautiful Sights, Beautiful History September 12, 2024
By Lincoln M (Anthropology, Elon University) - abroad from 08/22/2023 to 12/16/2023 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned a lot more about the ancient Greeks, and not just those who lived in Athens. Every trip we took with the program was an excellent learning experience that was both memorable and informative.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As an archeologist with interest in moving into the classical field the classes I took with CYA allowed me a much deeper understanding of the ancient Greek world. In my topography and monuments class every class we met at a different ancient site around Athens and were given information far beyond what a tour or something similar would have given. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration both made me feel safe and were an excellent resource for almost any questions or needs I had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangement was wonderful, I enjoyed all of my roommates and felt safe. My favorite part of the apartment I stayed in was the balcony, which was great place to do homework and relax with friends. Even the neighbors were friendly! |
| * Food: |
Greek food is amazing, both in the cafeteria and out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of my time there I felt more in common with the locals than the tourists, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health problems but friends of mine who did were satisfied with the help they received in this field and recovered quickly. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe my whole time there. I would recommend traveling at night with a friend, less so because of safety and more so because it’s easy to get lost. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Quite simply, I loved it, I am going back to Greece the next chance I get. |
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) |
I was worried about this before I came but as long as you keep track of what you’re spending it is very manageable. While in Athens there any many very low cost options for delicious foods. The most expensive days were always while traveling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There are some areas in Athens where the costs of food are much higher (the central area around the acropolis) if you want to save money stay in pangrati, it’s the difference between a €1.40 gyro and a €14 gyro. |
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 |
I did not take the Greek class they recommended which would have helped me gain a far deeper understanding of the language however I still felt comfortable having small talk in Greek with strangers by the end of my time there. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Try to speak Greek to talk to taxi drivers, to thank a chef for a delicious meal, and when in a cafe. Each of these experiences jump started my ability to speak the language. |
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? | You can use trains and ferries to get to nearby countries easily and more cost effectively then flying. Some of the Greek islands are much more expensive then others, a little research goes a long way and many of the less visited/less expensive islands were my favorite 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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
