Best Semester Ever! January 05, 2026
By Sydney P (Communication and Media Studies, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 08/31/2025 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 learned that there is a whole other world out there. You just have to go out and find it. It was worth it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I could have not picked a better program. College Year in Athens was the perfect fit for me! |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around $50 a week, CYA provided lunches which were a huge help. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shop! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pack Light! You will want to bring home every single thing you see, so make sure you have enough room! |
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