CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
CYA (College Year in Athens)
CYA (College Year in Athens) - Semester/Academic Year Program
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(For American Students)
CYA has offered study abroad programs in a wide range of academic disciplines for over 60 years. With supplemental activities varying from archaeological digs to onsite courses, study-travel, and volunteer opportunities, students are able to activ... read more
All Reviews
I gained an appreciation for the way history shapes the contemporary world in my contemporary Greek politics class; a love of Greek food and culture, as well as so much more. I can say without a doubt that it was all worthwhile. A student - Rollins College View Entire Review
Not only did I gain close exposure to the Greek culture, I also had a great academic experience. The experiential learning I had with CYA was totally worthwhile. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I explored my Greek roots, learned about alternate forms of government, learned about the economic troubles facing Greece, and learned about Greek culture and religion. Definitely worthwhile. Jack B - George Washington University View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile. I had never spent that much time abroad or really had any exposure to Europe and I cannot wait to go back A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned how to put myself in an uncomfortable environment and how to make myself uncomfortable. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned the importance of doing what you love and embracing your individuality. I learned the importance of trying new things whether its food, a religious service, or whatever. Its new experiences that push your beyond your comfort zone and improve your ability to be open minded and accepting. carlyle v - Brandeis University View Entire Review
A lot. Yes Samantha C - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. A lot of things about CYA are comfortable - my courses were in English, and I lived in an apartment with other Americans - but it definitely provide tons of opportunities to try new things and meet interesting people. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned that I love to travel and meet new people and that I can do it, on my own or with friends. I learned not to be afraid to try something new or go somewhere new. You don't always need someone else with you to go out and do what you want. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile and I learned a lot about myself. Asher H - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This program was extremely worthwhile for my education as a student, as global citizen and as an American. I learned that the world is a small place and we all have an integral part in making it a better place. No matter your location, your background or cultural heritage each person influences others in very unique ways. Phil T - Messiah College View Entire Review
I have become comfortable in Athens and Greece as a whole. Because of the sheer amount of time spent in Athens with the program, I ended up better prepared to pursue long-term research in the country. CYA was really the only way for me to get an introduction to living and researching in Greece, so that much was worthwhile. Howev... A student - Brown University View Entire Review
It was completely worthwhile. I learned how to be more independent and I loved living in Athens. I met some interesting new people and I adored having a very different experience from Wellesley, where most of my education occurred outside the classroom. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained a huge amount of confidence in myself from this experience. It was totally worth it, even despite some pitfalls, like somewhat iffy communication or not so great roommate experiences. This experience was only partly formed by what the program had to offer. Honestly, it was formed mostly by what I chose to make out of th... A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about me and doing things on my own. I got a great grasp on how a different society lives their life and could see how the media skews their stories sometimes. I think this is the most worth while experience anyone could have and would encourage anyone to do it. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review

Absolutely, I gained so many experiences, I traveled alone and with friends, I gained confidence and friends, and knowledge of the world. Amber B - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I was able to see firsthand the places I've studied and get a greater historical context for Classical Greece. I also learned about the history and turbulence of Athens from its first beginnings until today, and I've experienced the difficulties that a modern country is facing with an economic crisis. I've met amazing people and... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Greek culture and archaeology during my time abroad, I was able to gain a better sense of local life in Greece because of our apartment location and because we had plenty of free time to explore the city and visit additional sites. Emily R - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained more knowledge about Greek foods, as well as some of the traditions. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
time away from wellesley A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was a blast and a half Alexander W - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was worthwile A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I left my heart in Athens. In four short months I fell irrevocably in love with Athens, with Greece, and as a result, with CYA. Living in Greece at such a tumultuous time challenged me to think in ways I never would have imagined, and opened my eyes to the world. The academics aren't stringent, but no one wants them to be - b... A student - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself, and what I am capable of by pushing outside of my comfort zone. It was definitely worthwhile and an experience I will never forget. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was extremely worthwhile. I didn't know that much about Greek culture before going there, and it was so amazing being emerged into a completely unfamiliar culture. I also learned how to be much more independent, having gone without knowing anyone in my program. I had to learn how to manage my money and time, as well as deal w... A student - Tulane University View Entire Review
About
The CYA curriculum comprises a diverse set of courses taught by expert faculty. A strong emphasis is placed on both contemporary and ancient studies, focusing on European and East Mediterranean Area Studies. Courses are taught in English, but language courses (Modern and Ancient Greek, Latin) are also available. Classroom lectures are complemented by volunteer/internship opportunities, onsite courses and field study to major historic and contemporary sites in Athens and to various parts of Greece (included in tuition).
In addition to the academic program, CYA encourages students to become involved in extracurricular activities and explore the Greek culture and life independently on weekends. Our ultimate goal is for students to return home academically empowered, intellectually stimulated, and with a passionate commitment to furthering international and intercultural understanding.
Visit our website at this link, and see some of the pages below for a student perspective!
Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Modern Greek Language, Literature
- Ancient/Classical Greek Language, Literature
- Latin Language, Literature
- Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Global Studies
- Ancient Civilization
- Cultural Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Religion / Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Urban Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- History
Year Founded:
1962Website
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CYA (College Year in Athens) Scholarships
The CYA Board of Trustees has set aside funds for supplemental scholarships for academically qualified students who would otherwise not be able to attend. Scholarships for students applying for a semester or academic year are customarily awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to approximately half the amount of tuition. These scholarships are intended as credit against CYA fees and should not be used to reduce the financial aid package awarded through the home institution. Since CYA scholarships are given as an adjustment in the program fees, rather than as funds received by the student, they may cause a reduction of the student's demonstrated need. Often this means that a scholarship from CYA would not be beneficial because it would cause an equivalent reduction in the amount of financial aid awarded by the applicant's home school.
Varies