Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ultimate Study Abroad Program August 18, 2025

By (Classics, University of Southern California) - 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?
This program is the ultimate study abroad experience. The courses are typically scheduled for M-Th, so most of the time there is a three day weekend where you can travel or REALLY get to know Athens. The courses were interesting, and since they often met in museums throughout the city, I felt that I visited neighborhoods and areas of the city that I might have missed out on otherwise.

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

I studied abroad for an entire academic year. I spent the fall semester in the UK at a university, and the experience there left me hesitant to return for yet another semester abroad. With that being said, I can’t get over how incredible my semester with CYA was from beginning to end.

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)

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?

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?
  • Immersivness into the city
  • Three day weekend
  • Insight into the city
* What could be improved?
  • The class registration process
  • Add drop class process
  • Addition of more extracurricular clubs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had packed better for the Greek winter months. Consider the temperatures and remember that throughout the winter and spring months, it can be chilly and rainy.

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!