Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An incredible experience January 27, 2025

By (Literature, Kalamazoo College) - abroad from 09/02/2024 to 12/20/2024 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From an academic standpoint, I gained more knowledge about the field of classics and how it influences our world today. From a personal standpoint, I gained invaluable experiences and made life-long friendships.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Through CYA, I was introduced to subjects I had never before been introduced to, giving me more insight into the field of classics. I was also able to experience and appreciate the Greek culture.

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 offers many food options that are low-cost and groceries were reasonably priced. CYA provides students lunches on weekdays, lowering food costs for students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Since CYA provides students with kitchens, buying groceries and cooking is the best way to maximize the amount of food you get for your money.

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

CYA gave students an overview of helpful Greek words in the first week of the program, making intergration easier.

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?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Opportunities to see more of Greece through field studies
  • Frequent class field trips to see archeological sites
  • Long weekends for the opportunity to travel around Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Helping students to navigate public transportation
  • Spacing classes out so students have time to return from field trips and make class on time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more Greek language. I went into the program with no knowledge of the language, a basic understanding before I went would have helped me.

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.