Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CYA Spring 2025: Great Overall June 10, 2025

By (social studies education, St. Olaf College) - abroad from 01/20/2025 to 05/17/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about daily life in a different country; exactly the type of learning that can’t happen from just being a tourist.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

I lived in a homestay, which was an incredible experience. My host family was lovely; truly a perfect match.

* Food:

I have a few uncommon food allergies, and there were frequently a number of days when there was no food available which I could eat.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget before you leave and be prepared for it to change. Know how much you are willing to spend on extra expenses, like fun things with friends, and make sure to go to the farmer’s market. It’s a great way to save money on groceries!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I hadn’t completed a course; I had personal, familial experience with the language.
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? Make sure to complete the CYA-provided materials beforehand. It would also be a good idea to teach yourself to read Greek before you arrive--it’s not that difficult, I promise!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The location
  • The trips around Greece
* What could be improved?
  • The food options for those with limitations
  • The orientation for homestay students
  • The schedule, especially in terms of the scheduling of trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know just how quickly the time will fly by and that putting anything off equals a chance of it not happening at all.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

HIST 356: History of Macedon to the Death of Alexander the Great
Course Department: History
Instructor: John Karavas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite course. It was interesting, engaging, and taught by one of the best professors I’ve ever had; one with real life experience he was willing to share with interested students.
Credit Transfer Issues: