CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

This semester in Athens offered to me through CYA was the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone at CYA from the faculty, admin, and support staff to the students are all so wonderful and happy to have you around. They are always willing to share a smile and help you with anything you need. The academics could have an appropriate challenge at times, but this was never overwhelming. Faculty understand you are abroad and want you to experience beautiful Greece. Athens is lively and fun, full of things to do if you know where to look. Students live in Pangrati, which is a 15 minute walk from the center in Syntagma and a 7 minute walk from a metro station to get all around Athens. Overall, this was an experience that I would give anything to do all over again.

I'm so happy I studied abroad with CYA. I had no idea what to expect when I chose Greece, I had just wanted to go somewhere completely out of my comfort zone in a beautiful country. CYA took such good care of us that no matter what expectations I had, they would be met. The classes were small and extremely engaging with frequent class trips. There were also three mandatory field studies that were led by professors who were excited to teach us about the ancient sites we were visiting. I made amazing friends who I traveled around Europe with and was always able to find something to do at night. Everything was affordable so we were able to go out to eat multiple times a week and enjoy authentic Greek food. I learned so much about myself and what I'm capable of as well as expanded on what my academic interests are.

I think it was an overall amazing experience. I was able to learn a lot about myself, and I knew I was gonna, but I didn't realize I was going to learn this much. The classes I took were super interesting and fun, and I made some great friends that I was able to travel with over the weekends. I was immersed into Greek culture and I got to see so many beautiful places in Greece as well as around Europe. We would have free lunch, which is served from 12-3pm. It was good, but I would stress out because I had classes during those times so I'd only get 10 minutes to eat lunch. There was always things do around Greece and Europe. I'd recommend waiting to plan trips because you could meet people in the program you may like to travel with. It might also be a good idea to bring Euros from an American bank to Greece as that is cheaper than going to get Euros at a European bank (but you'll probably do it as some places only take cash). I also recommend using or getting a credit card where there are no foreign transaction fees because those fees will add up in the long run.

CYA provides an incredible educational experience that emphasizes study travel and experiential learning. Classes sessions are often held outside of the classroom in museums, at archaeological sites, and other relevant locations around Athens. Additionally, the incredible faculty lead extended field study trips throughout the semester, that allow students to experience more of Greece outside of Athens. Additionally, the program staff are very supportive of student's personal and academic wellbeing and growth. I wish I could have stayed another semester, but I hope to return to CYA in the future!

My experience at CYA was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. I studied abroad in Fall of 2023, which was during my senior year of college. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing my time in Athens was. CYA does a great job of creating a support system to make the transition to Athens as smooth as possible and set you up for success. From the very start, it was super easy to meet people and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the city better. The field studies were also really incredible - we went to Crete and the Peloponnese, both of which were phenomenal. If you are considering CYA, absolutely go for it! It was the best semester abroad I could have possibly imagined.

Originally, I was hesitant to study abroad - I am so grateful I did. CYA was the only program that I believed would give me freedom, be close to ruins, and help me explore Greece. With the mandatory field studies, I was able to see Southern Greece, Northern Greece, and the island of Crete. Along with the optional studies, I was able to visit another Greek island and Rome, Italy. The convenience of transportation, accommodations, and an expert professor taken care of, I was truly able to soak in the experience! The accessibility of the Port of Piraeus and the Athens Airport made it easy to travel to the Greek islands and the EU. The town of Pangrati (in Athens) has the best local cafes, bars, and tavernas. Only a twenty minute walk to the Acropolis and Plaka - being able to steer clear of tourists. I loved this experience!

Was the highlight of my life truly. Getting to experience new countries and Greece itself has been life-changing. I have tried new foods, met new people, and learned more about the Greek language and my heritage. We went to various places in Greece like the Peloponnese, Crete, Delphi, Meteora, etc. Food like moussaka and gyros are definitely worth a try if you haven't had them. Food is inexpensive. There is a farmers market every Friday in Pangrati and you can get some good fruit/vegetables/items for cheap prices. I would recommend CYA and Athens in general to anyone that I can because it really is an amazing city.

CYA is an amazing way to experience a new culture, society, and way of living. The program is extremely well designed, with numerous field trips allowing for a truly immersive, educational experience. The professors were helpful and all the other students were eager to be there. I recommend this to anyone hoping to study abroad, especially if you are unsure where to go! CYA not only shows students Greece, but offers the flexibility for you to schedule your own weekend travel around Europe which I greatly enjoyed.