Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The coolest thing I've ever done February 17, 2026

By (Classics/Political Science, Kalamazoo College) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/18/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence while studying abroad. I accomplished more than I ever thought I could and was able to tackle really difficult things.

Review Photos

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

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.

The academics felt appropriately challenging, and it was easy to create my schedule around what I wanted my study abroad experience to be.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt well-informed about the things going on around campus, and CYA staff was more than willing to assist me when I had any questions or concerns

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in an apartment withing walking distance from CYA's campus. I was able to explore every-day life in Athens by just stepping outside. The housing department gave me the perfect apartment mates as well, I couldn't have been luckier.

* Food:

I am a huge fan of Greek/Eastern Mediterranean food, so this was an incredible food experience. Local food is very affordable and delicious. CYA's cafeteria staff did a great job at introducing us to Greek cuisine on campus, though their menu felt repetitive at times.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I certainly felt like an American, but I never felt uncomfortable. I found myself frequenting local events, ordering food in Greek, and studying in local coffee shops.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My advice to you is to remember that Athens is a big city, not just a travel destination. I never felt unsafe, but it is always worth paying attention to your surroundings.

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

CYA offers so much more than classes in a foreign country. They offer so many opportunities for students to explore Athens and other amazing places in Greece with its courses, extracurricular activities, and field studies.

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)

If you want to study abroad on a budget, Athens is a great place to do so.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan to travel (I highly recommend it), do not lose track of your expenses. Plan ahead and BUDGET!!!

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

My language professor was very encouraging and wanted her students to communicate in Greek whenever possible. Her enthusiasm made me feel more confident when using it in Athens.

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? I had never taken Greek before.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use Greek subtitles for your favorite shows/movies, listen to Greek music, and focus on conversational vocab!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Academics that stressed hands-on learning in the streets of Athens
  • Field studies that allowed me to explore parts of Greece I could not have gotten to on my own
  • The friends I met along the way
* What could be improved?
  • More extracurriculars! The ones offered were amazing but I hope for future students to get even more opportunities than me
  • The renovations done in apartments could be more cohesive throughout all units. Some apartments had more amenities than others.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always go into an opportunity with an open mind and positive attitude. Don't let inconveniences and others stop you from enjoying these once-in-a-lifetime experiences to the fullest. The importance of budgeting!

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!