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CYA

CYA (College Year in Athens)

4.93 Rating
252 reviews
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Why choose CYA (College Year in Athens)?

CYA (College Year in Athens) is a non-profit educational institution that has been acting as a cultural and educational bridge between the U.S. and Greece for nearly 60 years. Our study abroad program helps students to develop new perspectives on the world, their own countries and themselves.

CYA offers outstanding academic programs (semester, year, winter and summer) and Virtual Internships programs all of which embrace the vibrant experience of day-to-day contact with the people, the monuments and the landscape of Greece. All the programs place an emphasis on learning beyond the classroom, offering hands-on learning experience in the rich and diverse environment of the country. Our extensive curriculum is complemented by on-site classes adding a new dimension to learning as well as a global understanding of the subjects taught.
Our CYA expert faculty and passionate staff are dedicated to offer students the best learning and life changing experience.

Europe Is Your Classroom. Greece Is Just the Beginning.

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Website
www.cyathens.org
Founded
1962
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Frequently asked questions

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Community Photos

My roommate and I on our last day in Greece!
Me and my best friends I made while abroad!
Heritage Greece students
On Site with Professor Karavas
Myself at the School of Aristotle in Vergina
At the Acropolis, outside the Propylaea
The local cats of Chios!
Art from a monastery on Andros, this place felt otherworldly to me and completely capture my sense of wonder
A view from the geological phenomenon of Meteora, of my whole life this is one of my favorites views
The island fortress of Spinalonga in Crete, one of my favorite places I visted.
All of us on the Peloponnese Field Study!
roomies on top of the acropolis
chocolate workshop in geneva
local cats
Karystos, Greece
The yellow building is the university which is located directly on the port.

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our page on diversity in contemporary Greek society gives a little more background on the local context regarding race and ethnicity. We would also be happy to put you in touch with a CYA alum of a similar background, so you have the chance to chat with another student about how the experience was for them.
cyathens.org
Our page on diversity in contemporary Greek society gives a little more background on LGBTQIA+ issues in Greece. We would also be happy to put you in touch with an LGBTQIA+ CYA alum, so you have the chance to chat with another student about how the experience was for them.
cyathens.org
CYA will work with both you and your home institution if you have disabilities or are alter-abled, and need accommodations as part of your study abroad with us. It is important to be in communication so that we can plan together, and ensure that your experience is a success. We would also be happy to put you in touch with a CYA alum, so you have the chance to chat with another student about how the experience was for them.
cyathens.org

Reviews

Samuel
21
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

CYA is a wonderful experience academically and socially

Oct 26, 2026

CYA provided me with so many opportunities that would have been impossible elsewhere. If you are studying history, philosophy, or archaeology, this program is invaluable. Unlike other abroad programs, lunches are offered, which is an amazing plus for budgeting. The apartments are spacious and located in a great neighborhood. If you attend you will fall in love with Pangrati, the food is great, and there are so many places to meet new people and to hang out with friends.
There is nothing that I could say to properly show how outstanding this program was, if you are at all interested in Greece, you must attend!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I did this program again I would learn how to use the metro system far sooner. I only learned how to use it around November, and once I did, it opened up so many possibilities for travel within Athens.
Pros
  • Lunch Everyday On Campus
  • Learning in Historical Sites and Museums
  • Placement Neighborhood
What other participants should know
  • Athens is cheaper than many European cities.
  • The locals tend to be very nice.
  • Be diligent in your VISA application.
Daisy
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

Most memorable time ever!

Sep 22, 2026

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was the best decision I have ever made. CYA was the perfect study abroad program for me as it made me feel supported throughout my semester. Going abroad was my first time traveling internationally, therefore, naturally I was very scared to be in Greece. However, through the program's support, I was able tο quickly adjust to this new life. Being located in the neighborhood of Pangrati allowed me to immerse myself with the local culture. The neighborhood, and Athens in general, were very accessible as there were always nearby restaurants and grocery stores. The program also provided a traditional Greek meal for lunch every Monday-Friday which also allowed me to be more in tune with the culture. Additionally, I really enjoyed going abroad with CYA because we had the opportunity to go explore different regions of Greece through field study trips. While abroad, I was also able to travel to other countries and some of the Greek Islands. I met some of the most amazing people through this program and will always be grateful for the memories that CYA gave me.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program is to make sure you say yes to everything! Time goes by fast while you are abroad so make sure that you take full advantage of that and don't leave with any regrets.
Pros
  • Field Study Trips
  • Weekly lunch meal
  • Nice housing
What other participants should know
  • Some professors were a little vague with what they expected on certain assignments.
Response from CYA (College Year in Athens)

Hi Daisy, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We are thrilled to hear you felt supported throughout your semester and had a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. We hope you can visit again soon!

By CYA Staff on September 25, 2026
Emily
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

The Best Four Month Long Memory

Sep 21, 2026

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got to go paragliding in Switzerland! This was nerve-wracking, but something I knew I wanted to do for a while. I was nervous about what to expect, but it ended up being one of the coolest things I got to do abroad!
Pros
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Community (program and locals)
My roommate and I on our last day in Greece!
Response from CYA (College Year in Athens)

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA and this amazing photo! We love hearing you had the chance to explore both inside and outside of the classroom. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

By CYA Staff on September 25, 2026
Tori
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

The best experience!

Sep 19, 2026

From the amazing academics, supportive staff, and immersive experiences, CYA is such a great program to study abroad with. I was able to learn so much about and interact with my host country while being able to learn and grow as a student and individual. This program has definitely made me a more engaging global community member and I have become more interested in my communities. This program has reinforced some of my passions while allowing me to grow into a better student, individual, and community member. Also, all of the trips are absolutely amazing with breathtaking views and rich cultural backgrounds!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take as many opportunities as you can! Make friends, interact with your community, try new things. This program offers so many opportunities to immerse yourself with your host country, take advantage of them!
Pros
  • The trips
  • Academics
  • Food
Ava
Female
Canada
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CYA - Study in Greece (Summer Program)

An Amazing Experience with Heritage Greece

Sep 14, 2026

My two week experience with CYA through the Heritage Greece Program was an amazing opportunity to learn about Greece while experiencing its history and culture firsthand. We visited historical sites including the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Delphi, and the Temple of Poseidon, where we were able to learn outside of a traditional classroom setting. We also had opportunities to meet with people in government, business, and academia and learn more about modern Greece. One of my favourite parts was meeting students from across North America and forming friendships throughout the program. As someone with Greek heritage, the experience also allowed me to become more connected to my culture and learn more about its history. I would definitely recommend Heritage Greece and CYA to future students looking for a program that combines academics, travel, culture, and new friendships.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest parts was all the little moments with the friends I made throughout the program, especially during our bus rides and excursions. By the end of the two weeks, we had so many inside jokes and memories together.
Pros
  • Amazing friendships and people
  • Visiting historical sites and learning firsthand
  • Great mix of academics, culture, and travel
What other participants should know
  • The two weeks went by too quickly
  • Some days had very busy schedules
  • Not enough free time to explore on our own
Response from CYA (College Year in Athens)

Hi Ava, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear that you gained so much from this unique program and had the chance to connect with your heritage. We hope you can visit again soon!

By CYA Staff on September 25, 2026
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 4 of 4

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Ashley Ferreira

Program
CYA - Study in Greece (Summer Program)
Ashley is passionate about traveling the world and visiting far-off places where the possibilities of exploring, learning new things, and going on adventures are endless.
Ashley Ferreira

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I have always been fascinated by anything Greek: history, culture, mythology, architecture, government, cuisine. Basically everything that makes Greece what it is, I find interesting, and when looking for a study abroad program, I couldn't find a more fitting place than Athens, the cultural center of democracy and philosophy in the ancient world. Athens was an amazing location for studying abroad and learning about the rich history and legacy of Greece. CYA's Academic Center was in the heart of it all, providing great access to both the historical and modern areas of the city.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CYA provided a pre-departure orientation and information session via Zoom which helped prepare us for traveling and living abroad. The presentation informed us of what we should do upon arriving in Athens, and of what to expect from the program and our classes, and, most importantly, from living in Greece. We also heard from several alumni who offered advice and tips for how to adjust to living in a different country and how to make the most of our time abroad. We were also assigned an adviser who worked with us to ensure we completed all the necessary pre-departure steps, such as obtaining a valid passport, for a smooth travel experience.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and remember that you're only there for a couple of weeks or months, so make the best of it and enjoy it while it lasts. Also, don't be afraid to try new things and push outside your comfort zone, especially when it comes to food. You'll never know if that dish will be your new favorite if you don't try.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day usually begins with a breakfast run to a nearby café where the most delicious sweet and savory pastries, like bougatsa or spanakopita, are available for reasonable prices. Then, we'll head over to the Academic Center if we're meeting in a classroom for lecture. If we're out exploring that day, or out on a field study or study tour, we'll meet at a specified location near the Center and then walk over to whichever museum or archaeological site we're visiting for class. After class, which usually lasts between two and three hours, the rest of the day is ours, and we can explore the city, hike up to the Acropolis, go shopping in the Plaka, and basically do whatever we want. We'll finish the day by eating together at a local restaurant or taverna that serves traditional Greek cuisine.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was adjusting to a completely new environment and living on my own in a foreign country. Prior to studying abroad, I had never traveled overseas and had never been to a different country outside of Canada, so I was nervous about what to expect and how to handle the culture shock I might experience. By meeting and talking with my peers, who soon became my friends, and by relying on CYA's support system, I was able to overcome this fear, and I soon found myself enjoying every moment. Now, I realize that culture shock is completely normal and that as classmates and friends, we were all experiencing the same things together and could mutually help each other adjust.

Write and answer your own question.

Greek food, in my opinion, really is some of the best in the world. Aside from the souvlaki and the baklava, the moussaka was delicious, and I usually never eat eggplant. The soutzoukakia was also very good, and I'll definitely miss not being able to eat delicious pastries for breakfast every morning. Still, even if you think you might not like something, try it. You won't regret it!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Claire Jeantheau

Program
CYA - Study in Greece (Winter/ J-Term Program)
Job Title
Social Media Coordinator
Claire graduated from Dickinson College, majoring in classics and education and studying abroad with College Year in Athens in Fall 2019. After working with the CYA MediaLab while abroad, she interned with CYA, then began her current role, in Spring 2021.
Claire Jeantheau

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

The field study week I spent on Crete with CYA is a trip I won’t forget. I visited different archaeological and historical sites in the mornings, swam in the afternoons, and enjoyed long taverna meals and rambles with friends in the evening. In between, our bus took us through some of the most stunning seaside and mountain landscapes I’ve ever seen. It was a world away from what my home college’s classroom would’ve been like that fall!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

My experience with CYA has taught me a lot about the international education field--specifically what the major trends are and the variety of programs available abroad for current students. Learning about these things has made me better able to share about opportunities with CYA--like virtual/in-person volunteering and internships--that fit with what students are looking for.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

CYA had a student in Fall 2020 whose time in Greece was so meaningful that he decided to stay for nearly a year--next enrolling for the Spring 2021 semester, and then a summer course! This isn’t the first story I’ve heard about students extending their time with CYA, and I think it shows how compelling the ways of life and opportunities to learn in Greece can be.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to take a summer course with CYA. I studied in Athens in the fall and mostly traveled on the mainland, so these courses--which often take place across multiple islands--would offer an experience with a whole new season and side of Greece. It would also be fun to branch out from my classics background and try a new course area, like food anthropology or travel writing.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I think CYA stands out from other study abroad programs because of its focus on immersion in life in Greece. Students can and do visit other countries across Europe while abroad with CYA because of the close travel distance. However, CYA encourages students to explore all regions of Greece through optional trips, and connects them to neighborhood life in Athens and cultural traditions. I’m proud of the recent work CYA has been doing in expanding social media and researching inclusion practices so that more students are aware of, and have access to, those opportunities.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Coming from my position and after working remotely for several months, I think communication is key. Last-minute ideas and problems always come up--most recently, during the coronavirus pandemic--that require people to communicate effectively. In addition to my team doing regular check-ins, I think CYA does a great job of following up with students and alumni who interact with us on social platforms.

Professional Associations

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