Lifetime Memories June 16, 2025
By Eugene H (Cognitive Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis) - abroad from 09/02/2024 to 12/19/2024 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned a lot about various cultures and their histories, and I made friends with people from different backgrounds -- the knowledge and friendships have become a part of me, who is more mature and positive about the future after spending just one semester in Athens.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A wonderful opportunity to learn Greek, history, Classics, and various cultures. You'll have the best faculty in the world, who put in so much to offer great lectures at different sites in the city, and also care about your experience abroad and well-being. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
THE BEST |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a lovely apartment that I'll forever miss. |
| * Food: |
Heaven |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many chances |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everything was too good. |
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) |
It's a very affordable city if you're on a tight budget, and there's still plenty of stuff to explore with minimal costs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Finding the cheapest dishes in nearby tavernas could help if you want to save money on food -- and the dishes still taste so good! |
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 had a very fun Greek class, and Greek words still jump out of my mouth after leaving so long ago. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I did not take modern Greek, but my basic Ancient Greek backgound helped. |
| 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? | My friends really took advantage of Duolingo, and speaking Greek in everyday life in Greece is definitely helpful. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I don't know, honestly I didn't have really specific expectations, and most things came as nice surprises. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
