A semester I will always remember! July 01, 2026
By Tori A (Economics, Gettysburg College) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/16/2026 with
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
I learned how to live independently in a new location, I stuck to a budget while exploring Europe, and tried to live life to the fullest while I was in Athens.
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. |
Classes were not terribly demanding, so I appreciated the ability to travel on weekends without being bombarded with schoolwork. |
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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? |
CYA provided resources and I also went to pharmacies! |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe walking around the city and never had any safety issues in my apartment. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CYA was great! We were given proper resources, support, and were encouraged to immerse ourselves into the Greek culture. |
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) |
I saved money to go abroad so I was able to spend more frivolously than others, but I could understand how it was more difficult for others to stick to a budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably averaged to around $300-$350 per week including food, travel expenses, and non-necessities. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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 |
We were taught practical phrases and verbs that helped with everyday conversations in the community. |
| 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? | Spanish 5 in high school and Italian 102. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I knew that I did not need to bring US skin products - Greek pharmacies have most of the same brands that are in the US. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
