Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CYA Winter Program 2022: Archaeology February 16, 2022

By (Classics, Archaeology, College of the Holy Cross) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 02/21/2022 with

CYA (College Year in Athens): Winter/J-Term Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was truly one of the most interesting and exciting programs I have ever been on. College Year in Athens is dedicated to teaching students in a way that gets them out of the classroom and into the world around them. This three week long winter program is a great way to familiarize oneself with the fundamentals of an archaeological excavation and meet people with similar interests. Work in the field is supplemented by short trips to other archaeological sites in the surrounding area, as well as to the Acropolis of Athens. Professor Karavas is one of the most knowledgeable professors in the field and is able to draw on his experiences at his own dig site to provide students with a world-class and one of a kind experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CYA ensures a pleasurable study abroad experience through its office in Athens as well as its American office located on the east coast. They make sure to alert students to any problems or events as soon as they learn about them and offer assistance to students who are having difficulty in planning their study abroad experiences.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of CYA's apartments are located within walking distance of the academic center. The apartments can be a little more cramped than most students are used to, but are nevertheless safe and clean!

* Food:

For the winter session, no food is provided by CYA. However, the neighborhood of Pangrati is full of amazing and cheap restaurants. There are also a few supermarkets in the area that carry anything anyone would need when living abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CYA makes it a priority to help students engage in the culture of Greece. Whether it be on walks through the neighborhood or going out for coffee as a class, students and professors are able to experience Athens in a way that the usual tourist would not.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pharmacies are plentiful in Athens and are almost always adorned with a glowing green cross. These carry the majority of over the counter medicines and prescription drugs.

* Safety:

Athens as a whole is a very safe city. However, it is worth keeping in mind that it is still a major city. The most common problem foreigners have is with pickpockets.

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

Even though the program was only three weeks, I was able to make connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. The memories made with these people are ones that I will not forget.

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)

There are major European/Greek banks located in the neighborhood of Pangrati and it is easy to withdraw cash from the ATM's with your bank's debit card.

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?
  • Friendliness
  • Ease of communication with both Professor and administration
* What could be improved?
  • Apartments could use some updating
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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.