CYA (College Year in Athens)

When you submit a virtual internship application with CYA, it initially seems like a very vague process. They ask about your career interests and your CV. When I submitted my application in the Fall of 2020, it took some time before I heard back, but that's because they had tailored an internship to my specific career interests and things I was passionate about. What resulted was the most fulfilling virtual program I've ever participated in. I was matched with an anthropology professor and archaeology professor; the former helped me understand Greece better by sending me articles that we could discuss and by answering any questions I might have. The latter supervised the deliverables part of the internship: helping draw plans and illustrations of different archaeological sites from two different archaeology projects. This type of internship is very rare in archaeology for undergraduates, and it has been both a significant booster on my CV, but also an affirmation that I'm working towards a career path I find fulfilling. I even asked them for advice regarding careers in archaeology and both professors went out of their way to not only share their experiences but even reached out to their own colleagues to see what I should do. I feel like not only did I learn a lot and progress further in my career, but I earnestly looked forward to all of our meetings. In the year of Zoom, this was probably the only meeting I looked forward to, even if they were early. Because the internships are so specifically tailored to each individual's career interests, I would say this is an experience that's more than worth it, until we're able to travel again. I look forward to physically being at CYA but in the meantime I highly recommend people take advantage of their virtual program.

I had an amazing time with CYA when I went abroad. The program emphasizes independence and Greece is a beautiful country to explore on your own. While you have a lot to learn in the classroom, (especially with on-site lectures) the best learning is with the three days you have off every week. I would 100% recommend taking solo adventures, especially if you're someone who craves adventure. The first weekend, I went by myself to Meteora and met some of the most incredible fellow travelers! I really found myself when I went abroad.

Studying abroad in Greece with CYA was one of the best decisions I've made. The staff work around the clock to make the best experience possible for us. With on-site classes that take you into the museums and archaeological sites, you truly have a hands-on experience. We lived right in the heart of Athens within walking distance to all major sights and attractions. The professors were so welcoming and put so much effort into making our experience. CYA took us on field studies to Delphi, Meteora, Crete, and the Peloponnese Region, which were definitely highlights of the semester. You truly are able to connect with the local people, especially as you start to learn and be able to communicate in Greek. I am so glad that I decided to go abroad with CYA.

I highly recommend this program! I studied abroad with CYA during Spring 2020-and yes, that means I was only abroad from January through the middle of March. But the time that I spent in Greece was a blast, and I'm thankful for every second. Athens is very unique, being a connector between Europe and Eastern countries, meaning that while you can also travel places that everyone studying abroad in Europe travels to- Paris, London, Venice, etc., you can also go really amazing places like Istanbul and Tel Aviv during your free time abroad. CYA is a really well done program, and my favorite part was the one (ideally of two, but cut due to coronavirus) week long trip we took with the entire program around the Peloponnese region of Greece. While CYA, like almost all study abroad programs, has a few optional trips on weekends scheduled that you can sign up and pay extra money for, they also schedule week long field trips around Greece, like this, whose costs are already configured into your tuition. They're lead by professors and, in complete honesty, are very educational, but they're also a blast, as you get to travel with your friends on the program and go places in Greece that would be difficult to access on your own without a car, like Olympia, Sparta, and Nafplio. From someone who has studied abroad on another program, these 2 week-long trips really set CYA apart from any other study abroad company that I know. Additionally, they handled the coronavirus situation very well. They kept us in Greece as long as they could, but were also accommodating of students who chose to leave earlier. The communication on their end was clear: We're a family, and we want you to stay in Athens just as much as you do, but your safety is first and even when you go home, you'll still be part of the family. Being in Greece, a place that has handled the situation incredibly well so far, I was able to stay abroad as long as was physically possible, and all of the professors were kind and understanding upon my return home. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again: CYA was the program to be abroad with during the crisis. Overall, my experience with CYA was wonderful, and I'd encourage anyone else thinking about studying abroad with them to go for it.

I had such an amazing time that I was absolutely crushed to return home due to the COVID19 pandemic. It was clear that the CYA staff truly cared and I still receive daily emails from professors hoping that their students are well. The classes are very hands on and informative. The program also provides 2 weeks of travel throughout Greece with the program which provided me with valuable knowledge regarding Greek culture and history.

The apartments are singles and doubles located conveniently near CYA. I had a very spacious single with my own balcony! Any time there was an issue with the apartment CYA would respond that day.

Greek food is absolutely amazing and Athens also has restaurants with all types of food (and not just Greek food). The pricing is also extremely reasonable in Greece. If I went out for a gyro it would typically lost less than 3 euros.

For those who do not know Athens is a HILLY city and CYA has an urban location. This was my first time living in an urban area, but CYA facilitated a smooth transition and I always felt safe and comfortable.