Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Experience August 02, 2025

By (English, University of Florida) - abroad from 06/23/2025 to 07/18/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had networked with peers and was introduced to new literature that I was not familiar with before that. The walking tours we took were informative in understanding the ancient history we were encountering.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There are plenty of resources offered. There is an on-campus library and an online library shared with our email addresses. The academics were always engaging as we discussed themes that were relevant to our course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was very close to the apartments that we lived in. There was a dining hall, laundry room, and library included in the on-site location. Staff were always helpful and able to direct you to the right person.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They did a great job of roommate matching. We ended up getting along very well. Not only this, but the location was great. We had our classmates on a floor above us, so we would walk to class together or hang out together. It was in a quiet area, close to our campus, with a supermarket and plenty of food places surrounding.

* Food:

The food in the dining hall was representative of the culture in Greece. It included popular dishes and desserts. There were options for those with dietary restrictions as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were fully immersed in local culture. Living in an apartment helped integrate us into the social scene. We were able to become locals at certain spots, whether that be a restaurant or a coffee shop.

* 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

I truly enjoyed my time with College Year in Athens. They were helpful in every aspect, and the education was enriching.

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? 200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professor
  • Location
  • Classmates
* What could be improved?
  • More laundry machines
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not be shy. Break out of your shell and introduce yourself to as many people as you can.

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.