Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Semester Abroad Experience December 11, 2025

By (Sociology, University of Notre Dame) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/20/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new friendships, the chance to see new places, and personal development in regards to independence and confidence. It was definitely worth my while. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Well educated professors, many interactive field trips for classes, good balance of exploration and academic studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great communication

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location relative to school buildings. Apartments include a wide variety styles and space

* Food:

Gyros are great!

* 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

Everyone at CYA was so friendly. The program itself is a great mix of academics, field trips, exploration of Greece, and just a unique chance to immerse oneself in the culture and life of a new country.

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? About $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery store shopping for food makes a big deal. Also CYA provides free lunches during weekdays.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field studies
  • The people I met
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Larger class options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the incredible opportunity incorporated into CYA academic schedule of the field studies and trips that allow students the chance to explore different places across Greece

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 Adventurer
The 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.