Best Summer Ever August 23, 2025

By Alexandra D (Psychology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - 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 learned the importance of fully immersing myself in the environment and trying to make the most of it. I met amazing people and got to have a lot of unique experiences. This experience was so amazing.

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.	This course was incredibly interesting and not too challenging.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone was so helpful and made sure we were able to navigate the city.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The apartments were very nice and waterfront.
* Food:	The food was delicious.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It was clear that we did not fit in, but we were accepted by the locals who were interested in our travels.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Local pharmacies were equipped to handle any medical needs.
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe at all
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I loved this program so much, I cannot recommend it enough.

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 very many personal expenses during the week.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Set a budget of what you are comfortable spending before your trip.

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	Local Students 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?	Living in a less touristy location Had a lot of opportunities to explore Greece Professors were committed to helping students both during and outside of class
* What could be improved?	Lectures could be more engaging
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Know what you want to see or do while there so you can plan out your free time and maximize the experience.

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:	EMPOWERED: Mental Health and Inclusion for Modern Learners
Course Department:	Psychology
Instructor:	Elias Avramidis and Christina Roussi
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was interesting, but not very challenging. We were able to go on a lot of trips to enhance our learning. The professors were very helpful and knowledgeable. The assignments consisted of solo and group papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No