CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

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, philosophy, language etc.). It is definitely not as rigorous as it would be at my home institution, but many of my classes occur off-site. We routinely visit museums or archaeological sites. I feel like I learn much better when I can experience the subject of our study. Further, the relaxed academics allow me to take advantage of the culture. I have tried to make my stay here as immersive as possible -- I watch Greek films, have Greek friends, eat and cook Greek food. So for these reasons, I'm thankful that CYA has given me the space to develop myself both academically and personally.

My semester with CYA 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 personal experience, such as being involved in excavations, that they are then able to bring an incredible amount of knowledge into the classroom. CYA also organized great trips throughout the semester, that took us to Olympia, Sparta, Thessaloniki, and so many other amazing places. I have been able to see so much more of Greece then I ever thought I would, and am truly going to miss the culture and the welcoming people, that make this beautiful country feel like home.

My study abroad experience with CYA was nothing short of fantastic. It was an experience I will cherish for a very long time. Even when you disregard the historical significant, amazing weather, food and people (which are very hard to disregard) CYA has everything a study abroad experience should be. Located in one of Athens best neighborhoods and located literally right next to one of the cities biggest attractions the location, academic curriculum and endless historical significance Athens possesses differentiates this study abroad experience from others. The administration, faculty, kitchen staff and professors not only go over the top to accommodate your needs, but also are willing to bend backwards to help assimilate you into their city in any way possible. My study abroad professors have been some of the most knowledgeable individuals I've encountered from an academia perspective. Most of who have studies across Europe and or the United States at some point in in their professional careers. CYA does a wonderful job incorporating mandated school "field trips" traveling to other parts of Greece, in an educational but fun way. CYA is continuously sending students email updates regarding volunteer opportunities, local hikes, sporting events, cooking classes to not only help students get the full Athenian experience, but to make your duration of stay in a foreign major city, much smoother. CYA was one of the best decisions I have made in my college career, hands down. Bottom line, CYA does study abroad the right way.

CYA made my time here in Greece absolutely unforgettable! They helped organize everything from pre-departure paperwork to my arrival and even activities throughout the semester that they thought might be fun! One such activity was learning how to carve marble, and at the end of the semester I had my very own masterpiece to show off back in the states. I loved being immersed in the Greek culture— it was so different from America, and so refreshing! Having most of my classes on site was also amazing...it's not very often that you get to stand inside the Parthenon while learning about it. All of the staff was truly amazing the entire time I was abroad, and I can honestly say this is a semester I will never forget. I have made some really great lifelong friends here, and can't wait to come back!

The program was so helpful before I even arrived in Athens with preparing the right documents and setting up trusted transportation from the airport right to our apartment. I loved where I lived in Athens. CYA did a great job of finding very local housing in relation to other students and the campus buildings. The location of the school is perfect for becoming emerged in the Athenian culture. It was a short walk to the Parthenon and it is located in front of the Panhellenic Stadium, which served as a unique place to hang out with a view of the Acropolis. The program field trips allowed the students to see historical and archaeological sites that we never could have imagined having the opportunity to see. The close-knit feel of this program prevented me from feeling homesick in any way, and since being back in the states, I feel homesick from Athens!

What a wonderful program! I loved living in the city center of Athens! The professors and staff helped me learn about the Greek culture- past and present! I traveled to Delphi, Crete, and the Peloponnese (Olympia and Sparta) on the included field trips guided by the professors- experts in their fields. I ate the local food at the many tavernas and drank coffee at local cafes. My classes went on field trips to museums, sites, and cafes around Athens. I miss Greece already!

The strengths of College Year in Athens definitely included the fact that they were able to offer a variety of opportunities for all academic and non-academic interests. They also did a fantastic job with our experience outside of the classroom.
What I learned outside of the classroom was most definitely the most valuable piece I took away from studying abroad. College Year in Athens does an incredible job at making sure you learn not only in the classroom but also outside of the classroom with the optional and required field trips that are offered. Outside of the classroom I was able to connect with the Greek culture by visiting coffee shops, going to the National Garden, and even going to a different part of Athens and interacting with the locals. I was luckily able to learn a little bit of the Greek language and was able to interact on a different level with the Greek population. I also volunteered most of my time at the refugee center in Athens and I was able to immerse myself in the culture and the lifestyle of a refugee. I was able to learn incredible stories about individuals who were of a variety of ages and came from different places. Outside of the classroom I was also able to learn a lot about myself, who I really am and the impact I can have on a society and those around me.
In academics, College Year in Athens shines! Especially because they have some of the greatest professors in the social science realm of studies. Not a heavy course load but one always needs to make sure they do the work and pay attention, like any class.
The living arrangements were not the best but they also weren’t the worst. One has the option to live with a host family or live in an apartment with other individuals. Everything you need is in the apartment and if it isn't there you can request something. Also, the staff was extremely nice and responded quickly if there were any issues that had arisen within our apartment.
I cannot say better things about the director and the program staff, they are absolutely incredible. During my time in Athens, they were extremely helpful, attentive, and focused on each student’s own needs in order to succeed. I enjoyed working with Nadia, she was helpful in assisting me in attaining my internship with the refugee center.
I absolutely enjoyed my internship at Caritas Hellas, the refugee center located in Athens. I was able to connect with all types of individuals on an extremely personal level. I was in a different country surrounded by people from various different backgrounds and beliefs, yet for some reason I felt a connection with each and every one of them. I am so thankful I was able to assist the little time that I was at the refugee center. I will never forget my time there, the people I interacted with, and the way I felt when I was there. This internship was unique because I actually felt that I was making a difference, even though it was small. I worked a lot in the women’s clothing center and I was lucky to meet so many women that came from so many different places. I would assist them in choosing clothes that they needed for themselves and for their children, they had a total of 10 minutes to do so and some of them had at least 5 children, it was complicated but when we were able to find a coat for them or clothes that was the perfect fit they would break down in tears and give us all hugs. They were so thankful for something as simple as a coat, that was when it hit me and realized I had taken many things for granted. Working at the refugee center changed and further developed my perspective of myself and the world around me. Reflecting back on my experience, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Studying abroad is a terrifying yet exhilarating thing to do, but believe me when I say that every waking moment was worth it. I can't say much for other countries, but I know for a fact that Greece is such a wonderful place to live. The people are warm and welcoming, helping your time there become 1000 times better not because that's their goal, but because that's who they are.
Now CYA goes above and beyond to make your experience abroad one full of new experiences and memories. Between the mandatory trips we took around Greece, and the on site classes, CYA really tried to make sure we enjoyed as much of Greece as we possibly could.