Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

fun, educational, engaging, and would recommend! July 24, 2025

By (Art History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/20/2025 to 05/16/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained vital experience about living on my own in a city where I previously didn't know a soul. I learned about the Greek culture and was able to participate as a visitor, and it was incredibly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* 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

As an art history major, I got to learn about the birth of Western art in the birthplace of Western art. There is no where else I would rather have been to learn about this, and I felt safe and supported the whole time.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook at home and utilize leftovers

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? 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? the neighborhood knows there is a large American student population, and they're very encouraging when you try to practice.

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?
  • Classes / courses offered
  • Location in the city
  • encouragement to travel
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Practice the host language well before traveling for an extended period of time

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!