Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Spring Semester July 01, 2026

By (American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/16/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can now call Athens a home! My worldview was expanded in the best way, and I have met people that will be in my life forever all thanks to the program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My professors were very attentive and gave us many experiences outside of the classroom! I also appreciated the rigor, though that varied depending on the course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing apartment with two balconies and cleaners that came once a week!

* Food:

* 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

I loved the people and the place equally. There is so much to do in Athens, and the program took us on so many trips (each 3-4 days) all around Greece and Europe. I loved how much exploration we were able to do.

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? 100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out a monthly budget.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Pre-planned excursions included.
* What could be improved?
  • Dining halls only served food for lunch on Mondays - Fridays. Would love to have been able to go more often.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the program's lack of integration with local students - though I knew I would only be attending class and going on mandatory trips with other study abroad students, I wish that I was able to meet more Greek locals.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.