Program Reviews

I had a great time with CYA in the spring of 2025. I lived with a host family, who were my perfect match and really made my experience incredible. My classes--all five of them--were great, and the professors really knew how to make them just the right blend of challenging/time consuming and manageable with all of the traveling and extras that we were doing during the semester. I made a great group of friends in Greece, too--one that I know I will stay in contact with even though we live in many different places.

My study abroad experience in Greece was nothing short of incredible, and I owe so much of that to College Year in Athens (CYA). From the moment I decided to apply, the CYA team made me feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for what would become one of the most transformative experiences of my college journey. Even before arriving in Greece, CYA provided clear communication, helpful resources, and personal guidance that made the pre-departure process smooth and reassuring. Whether it was assisting with travel logistics, providing information about housing, or simply offering encouragement, their support made me feel secure and excited about the semester ahead.

Once I arrived in Athens, CYA continued to show an exceptional level of care for its students. From the very first orientation session, it was clear that the staff and faculty genuinely wanted us to feel comfortable, safe, and ready to engage with the local culture. They organized neighborhood tours, cultural immersion events, and community-building activities that helped ease the transition into life in a new country. Their efforts made Greece begin to feel like home within a matter of days. The academic program itself was equally impressive. Courses were taught by passionate professors with deep knowledge of the country’s history, politics, and culture, and many of our classes took place at historic sites throughout Athens. This hands-on learning style made the material come alive in a way I had never experienced before.

Beyond academics, CYA fostered a strong sense of community. The staff was always approachable and attentive, often checking in with students individually to ensure we were adjusting well. Whether it was helping us navigate Greek bureaucracy, recommending local spots for food and culture, or just being available for a chat, they always went above and beyond. CYA also provided ample travel opportunities, both within Greece and across Europe, which encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and experience new places and perspectives. These excursions were not only educational but also incredibly fun and helped me build lasting friendships with fellow students.

Perhaps the most important outcome of my study abroad experience is the personal growth I achieved. Thanks to CYA, I now feel far more confident in my ability to navigate unfamiliar situations, interact with people from different backgrounds, and explore new environments independently. Before this experience, I often hesitated to put myself out there or try new things, but being in Greece helped me realize how much I am capable of. I learned how to better communicate across language and cultural barriers, manage challenges with flexibility and patience, and fully embrace opportunities for adventure and learning.

Living in a new country also gave me the chance to reflect on my own identity, values, and goals. I gained a deeper appreciation for global perspectives and the richness of different ways of life. I returned home with a renewed sense of curiosity, motivation, and self-assurance. I now feel better prepared not just for future travel, but for any situation that requires resilience, openness, and courage.

In conclusion, my time abroad with CYA was a life-changing experience. The support, care, and educational excellence they provided allowed me to thrive academically, socially, and personally. I am incredibly grateful for the role they played in making my semester in Greece so meaningful. Studying abroad with CYA has made a lasting impact on who I am, and I will carry the lessons I learned and the memories I made with me for the rest of my life.

I loved my time in Greece at CYA! The course that I took (REL 351) traveled to other parts of Greece at some point in the course. My class went to Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi, and other stops along the way. All of these places were beautiful and filled with history. Additionally, there was time to travel on your own, so I was able to explore some of the Greek islands. The staff were amazing and super helpful, and my professor was so knowledgeable and kind. I could go to anyone part of CYA for recommendations for places to go or eat. I loved my time in Greece as there is so much to do and experience!

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was an unforgettable experience that blended academic exploration with rich cultural immersion. Surrounded by ancient ruins and modern city life, I had the chance to walk through history every day—whether visiting the Acropolis or walking to shops with my friends. The courses deepened my understanding of Greek history, philosophy, and society, while day-to-day life gave me a real appreciation for the pace, warmth, and communal nature of Greek culture. Athens gave me not only a new perspective on the world but also lasting friendships and personal growth. My time in Athens was the best time of my life.

I studied abroad in Athens through CYA for the Fall 2025 semester, and it was an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience! As someone with Greek heritage, I was excited to not only connect with my roots but also to fully immerse myself in the Greek language and culture. I had the opportunity to use the Greek language every day, which helped me improve my fluency and deepen my understanding of the culture. I stepped out of my comfort zone and engaged with locals through the use of the Greek language, improving my skills every day! I learned more about Greek traditions, customs, and daily life in general, all of which I brought back home with me! The friendships I made and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever, and this experience has greatly enriched my connection to both my heritage and the world around me!

My semester at CYA was a blur of new experiences and new people. From the very beginning of the program I was put outside my comfort zone in the best way possible. I was exposed to subjects I had little to no background experience in, allowing me to grow academically in a supportive setting. Visiting archeological sites around the country allowed me to gain a better understanding of the classics field and how it influences our world today.

CYA has been the highlight of my college experience, allowing me to form friendships with students across the United States with similar interests of traveling.

My semester with College Year in Athens (CYA) was nothing short of life-changing. The four months in Athens were truly the best of my life, filled with personal growth, challenges, and unforgettable experiences.

CYA pushed me out of my comfort zone from day one. Living in Athens, I had to adapt to a new culture, navigate unfamiliar streets, and embrace independence. The immersive classes—often held at iconic sites like the Acropolis—made learning dynamic and inspiring, connecting history and culture to our everyday experiences.

This journey not only deepened my academic understanding but also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping into the unknown. CYA challenged me to grow as a person, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

College Year in Athens was the highlight of my year. I learned so much, gained new found confidence in myself and my ability to live on my own, ate lots of good food, figured out how to navigate a subway system, and even hiked my way up Mount Olympus.

More career-oriented, I progressed my academics by taking both Ancient Greek and Latin while also satisfying my own personal interests by going to a new Historical or Archeological site every weekend.

Truly, my semester at CYA is one I will cherish forever.

I had such a wonderful time in Athens! The staff was great, and I loved my classes. I even got to volunteer at a donkey sanctuary, which was an amazing opportunity for me to learn more about Greek culture and learn more about the locals. No matter what you enjoy about traveling or learning, this program has everything. You can take advantage of classes that are maybe not offered at your home univeristy, try new foods that are delicious, or spend time admiring the beauty of the city. There is so much to do, and I would recommend that anyone participate in CYA if they can!

I spent my fall semester with College Year in Athens and it was an amazing four months. The program offers numerous weekly and semester-long immersion opportunities, many club and volunteer options, exciting coursework relevant to Greece and Europe, as well as a special and tight-knit community. The program's field studies allowed me to experience to much of Greece while learning about the country's history, and the program's unique opportunities helped me to truly become immersed in Athens. Not to mention, I left with the most amazing friends, both from Greece and the United States.