Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much to see! January 26, 2026

By (Art History and Anthropology, Brandeis University) - 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?
The program was so worthwhile. I got to see things I've studied before, which was so magical. I learned so much and was able to study a lot of sites in ways I can't do in America.

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.

Most of the classes are very beginner level. In my case I took 5 classes, some of which felt very underwhelming based on what I already knew. Still, two of the classes, one I have had classes in before and the other a new subject, were some of the most rewarding classes I've ever taken. Speak with your teachers to figure out if the class is at the right level for you. The classes rely heavily on you to make the most out of the experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All the apartments are very close to the school and help you learn the neighborhood better. It really felt like I was living there rather than just staying in student housing.

* Food:

All the food is great, but if you have dietary restrictions things can be a bit difficult.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish the school told us about more local events. It was only by the end of the program that I was able to learn about them on my own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a medical emergency during my stay and I had no trouble getting care with the help of my school. I also found it very easy to get a doctor's appointment compared to America.

* Safety:

The neighborhood you stay in is incredibly safe. Locals are also very willing to help if they see something is happening or you ask for help. People also stay up much later than they do in America making the streets feel populated and much safer later into the night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

For regular weeks the only necessary expense is grocery which are much cheaper than in America. The first week will be a bit expensive as you buy long term items like a sim card and basic household items. Also, during the mandated trips you can only eat out which does add up, but there are only 4 during the semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spend around $30 for groceries per week and budgeted another $30 to eat out if I wanted.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food you know you will use a lot of, such as rice, in bulk when you arrive. Try keeping track of what your most used cooking ingredients are before you leave so you don't panic buy stuff you are not going to use.

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

I look a language class that my program encouraged, but no where outside of that class was the language used by the program.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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
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?
  • Fieldstudies
  • Classes on-site
* What could be improved?
  • Connection with local community
  • Class rigour
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The homesickness is much worse than you think. The first week is very overwhelming, but remember your support systems.

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!