It is very hard to choose just one! Spending every summer in Greece growing up really gives me many memories to choose from. If I had to pick one it would be from a trip to Greece 3 years ago that I organized for myself and 20 of my friends from home. We spent the first couple of days in Athens and then traveled to Mykonos, Ios, & Sanorini. It was everyone's first time in Greece and I had a blast showing them all the beautiful things that this country has to offer!
Staff Spotlight: Alexia Lingaas
Title:
Institutional Relations ManagerPhotos
Alexia is Greek-American who split her time growing up between New York and Thessaloniki. She has fond memories of spending summers in Greece traveling to the beautiful islands. Alexia studied International Affairs at Northeastern University and completed 4 different study abroad programs. She later pursued her MA in Higher Education Administration and began her career in the field of international education. She has a passion for creating meaningful learning experiences for students around the world.
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have been with CYA for almost 4 years. When I first started at CYA I was 2 years in to the field of higher education and still learning many things. CYA has enabled me to advance professionally through various conferences, trips, and connections. I have also learned a tremendous amount from my colleagues in Athens. I have not only grown professionally from CYA but personally as well.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
We have created an amazing ambassador program at CYA and the wonderful stories we get to hear each semester really are inspiring. The best story I have heard is from a former CYA semester student who changed her major after studying abroad at CYA and decided to pursue a track in higher education so that she could enable students to study abroad and offer them this life changing opportunity!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would definitely choose CYA's fall semester program. The program begins in September when the weather in Greece is still optimal for travel to the islands. CYA's semester programs also include 3 study-travel trips that take students around Greece and this is a wonderful opportunity to explore outside of Athens. A semester also gives you the time to really get to know a country, it's people, the food and to make life-long friendships with some amazing people.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
CYA has a great story, starting as a Classics Program 50+ years ago with ONLY a handful of students and transforming into a provider that offers courses in social sciences/humanities, business, psychology and many more. I am so proud of the way that CYA continues to grow each day. Here at CYA we really value the type of experience that the student will have and we strive to make it an unforgettable one!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
There are many attributes that define what a successful company looks like. In Higher Education, it is imperative that institutions and organizations are able to meet the need of a constantly changing student body and environment. Institutions must be able to adapt and be flexible in order to serve the needs of the next generation of students. Listening to your market and your clients is key in success.