Best Summer Ever! August 11, 2023

By Ashley G (Accounting, Siena College) - abroad from 05/29/2023 to 06/23/2023 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much about myself while being abroad. I gained so many new perspectives on things and I learned what it is like to live within a new culture. It was most definitely worthwhile.

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 class is intensive, but you are always with your class during the summer sessions, so it is very easy to ask questions and seek help if you need it. Also, the professors are very understanding and want you to succeed.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	All administration was awesome and ready to help.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I loved my apartment. I loved the location and I loved that I had a balcony. The rooms were a good sized and having a kitchen was very nice.
* Food:	Food was amazing, especially CYA lunch, never had cafeteria food that good.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt welcomed by the locals, the only thing that took some getting used to was the comments from people driving by. For example, many guys would whistle or just make comments.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Did not have any health issues.
* Safety:	I think the program made you very aware of any safety concerns if there were any, and they gave you tips on what you should and shouldn't do to be even more safe.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Yes, I loved every second of it!!! I had no bad experiences through my program.

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)	It is definitely possible to live on a budget especially when you have your kitchen and lunch is provided Monday- Friday. However, I spent a little more because I was only there for 4 weeks and wanted to see and do as much as possible. If I was there for a whole semester I would have definitely been more conscious about my spending.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I found that I saved money best when I used cash. I recommened bringing cash and then only bringing so much with you when you go out, that way you limit your spending. Also, it is easier to keep track how much you spend. If you give yourself 200 euros to spend that week then thats all you will spend because that is all you are giving yourself access to. Whereas, I brought my credit card with my everywhere, which made me more inclined to buy more things that I did not necessarily need.

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?	Living situations The island hopping component The lunch
* What could be improved?	When you first arrive do transportation from the airport to CYA Offer lunch on the weekends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish the directions were more clear about departure because I made my flight for a later date when I could have made it so much earlier. Also, make instructions on living more clear. I thought we were only in Athens the first week and then we had to bring our suitcases with us everywhere.

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Islomania: An Exploration of Contemporary Art in the Greek Islands
Course Department:	Art
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	For being an accounting major, the course was challenging because I never in my life looked at art this critically, but the professor was always ready to help me and answer all my questions. She made the course fun and interactive and I really appreciate her being so energetic and enthusiastic about the course.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No