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
My semester abroad has been truly amazing! Living in a such a historical city as Athens, I had unique opportunities to have onsite lectures, such as at the Acropolis, or National Archeological Museum. I have been able to see in person, so much of what I had only previously learned in textbooks. And my professors have had so much... Maria - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
I gained a self-confidence that I didn't know I had. I now know that I can depend on myself! Sarah Tokar - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
The people of Athens are pretty special and resilient in my eyes. I learned a lot about the history of Athens and all the struggles the people there have faced throughout the years and continue to face with the current state of their economy. They continue to be brave and continue to smile and enjoy life even with such harsh con... Chardae Walker - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
I gained a whole new perspective! Peyton Lindley - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
I made amazing American and Greek friends, got see so many incredible places in Greece and in other European countries, gained a better understanding of Athenian and Greek culture and history, while learning more about myself and experiencing personal growth. Mary Stough - Tulane University View Entire Review
Study abroad was an opportunity for me to meet new people, and add on another layer to my University experience. It was an opportunity that I was not going to miss; there are not many times in your life where you are offered a chance to go abroad to study. The best part about studying abroad was attempting to make such a foreign... Emilia B - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was completely worthwhile!! I gained knowledge of a different culture, knowledge of myself, and confidence in myself. I learned more about the history of Greece and how its lasting effects on the world today. Dominique - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
I learned so much about the Bronze Age, but also about myself. Kim Johnson - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
I learned how easy it can be to make friends when you have an open mind. The first few days I had to come out of my shell and put myself out there and it was the best thing I did. Bridget S - Siena College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about what it means to be American, not only of how American culture is perceived by people in other places, but also how it affects them regardless. I learned to recognize how my understanding of many things is shaped by being an American and to recognize the influence the United States have on the world. I als... Alyssa - Columbia University View Entire Review
I loved being abroad in Athens and I would go back in a heartbeat. I learned how to live in a large city and use public transportation. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
learned alot about myself, matured alot Jefferson tan - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent; it was absolutely worthwhile. A student - Millsaps College View Entire Review
CYA is exactly what I wanted from my study abroad. From friendly staff, to eager professors, to beautiful scenery, to amazing food, Greece has given me priceless memories and so many reasons to return. I learned about relying on myself and interacting in a new place A student - Washington University in St. Louis View Entire Review
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Greece. CYA is not a rigorous program and it took me a while to adjust to the fact that learning can occur in a non-stressful environment. I have learnt here in an unprecedented way. Each of the classes are related to Greece in some way (ancient architecture, economics, history, philosop... A student - Wesleyan University View Entire Review
It was so worthwhile! I gained amazing friendships. I matured a lot by being on my own in a foreign place. I learned how to compromise and to go with the flow through living with strangers and dealing with things beyond my control, such as lack of transportation from political demonstrations. Cara Johnson - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
I learned what it means to be a global citizen and it was more than worth it. Morinade Stevenson - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to live on my own and not be intimidated. It was definitely worthwhile. Arianna Chen - Pomona College View Entire Review
I think it was one of the best years of my life. I made lifelong friends from the program and a lifelong love for the country. Feels like a second home and I can't wait to go back! Jamie Dawes - Emory University View Entire Review

I learned a great deal academically from the course itself, but also how to adjust to living in a foreign country, how to become accustomed to the local culture and cuisine, and how to travel light! I gained new friends and knowledge about Greece I won't soon forget. It was more than worthwhile, I'll never forget this experience... Lauren Taylor - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
Although only four weeks, I was able to experience so much of Greek culture and tradition during the time I stayed in Athens and Koroni. Compared to the other study abroad experience I have had, this program was very immersive! I took the class in the Anthropology of Food and the Mediterranean Diet; not only did the class give m... Claire Davenport - University of Michigan - Flint View Entire Review
I definitely have a greater appreciation for my life back home and America. I also understand the Greek crisis more, and the Greek way of life. It was so interesting to compare the lifestyles and values of Americans and Greeks. Glynis Braun - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
It was such a worthwhile experience. I learned so much more about myself and what I value in life. I developed my political ideals being around so many different people from different backgrounds, I grew spiritually, and I learned how to embrace people who were different from me. Being in a place where I knew no one and had very... A student - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review

Apart from seeing much of Europe, I learned a lot about myself while abroad. Some moments were really challenging, but the entire experience was wonderful. I made great friends and would go back in a heartbeat. Alyssa Tayrien - Trinity University View Entire Review
Really got to travel around the city and country to different sites both through the program/classes and on my own. Caroline - Wellesley College 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!
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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