Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime! October 14, 2024

By (Psychology, Fairfield University) - abroad from 05/20/2024 to 06/15/2024 with

CYA (College Year in Athens) - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I get to learn about the incredible content covered in my course, but I also got to learn such rich history throughout all of the sites we visited. I gained a sense of independence and confidence when it came to travel and exploring things new to me. I got to learn how other cultures operate socially and how their societal structures differ from those I am used to. It was absolutely so worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Being able to learn from a professor who was so passionate about the intersection of topics discussed in our course was so educational and inspiring. It helped me take away so many new things from our course and look at Greece through both a broad and narrow lens when necessary during our on-site visits.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The streets could get very loud at night as night-life is very active so if you're sensitive to that I'd recommend noise-cancelling headphones if you have! Once I adjusted to it it wasn't an issue

* Food:

I loved being able to try new things through our CYA lunches and group dinners! I am definitely a picky eater though but I still felt like there were great options close by in Pangrati

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I experienced bad allergies to pollen while I was abroad and I was so surprised by how thorough the pharmacist was with helping me select the right medication to buy and advising me when to take it. It was very comforting.

* Safety:

On the few occasions, I was entirely on my own in Pangrati, I felt safe and like I was easily able to navigate the area after only a few days.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Studying abroad as part of the CYA Summer program was the most incredible experience I could have asked for. My course was incredibly enriching with such a knowledgeable teacher who facilitated activities and experiences based on my class's desire to learn and adventure. I confidently explored cities I did not even know existed and got to see some of the most incredible sites, museums, artifacts, and views that will forever be a part of me now. The Pangrati neighborhood that we stayed in in Athens had so much to offer on its own from cafes, dessert shops, and nightlife to incredible museums and monuments just minutes from our apartments. I cannot recommend this program enough and would go again in a heartbeat!

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)

Because I took part in the month-long summer program, I did not have the time or desire to cook but rather wanted to explore restaurants and dining experiences with my friends. If I did cook, it would have saved money but I enjoyed the experiences I had

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • How easy it was to travel outside of Athens
  • How many things there were to do and see so close to our apartments
  • The opportunity to form quality relationships with my classmates
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to have learned more Greek, but it wasn't necessary with the amount of english spoken
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would make friends so easily with those in my class

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.