CYA (College Year in Athens) Reviews

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

My 2 week summer program with CYA through Heritage Greece was amazing. I studied alongside Americans and Canadians, and also met locals during the trip. I tried new foods, cultural dances, and visited several historic sites. My professor was very accomodating to my needs and explained class content in an engaging way. I learned about Greek history, philosophy, and culture. My favorite experience was visiting the Apivita Headquaters and seeing bee hives upclose. I highly recommend and hope to return!!

My experience with CYA in Athens was truly unforgettable. I loved being able to experience Greece beyond the typical tourist perspective and actually feel immersed in the culture and daily life. Between exploring historic sites, learning in the classroom, trying new foods, and meeting people from different backgrounds, I gained so much from my time abroad. CYA made the experience feel welcoming and gave me the confidence to explore and try things outside of my comfort zone. I came home with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a much greater appreciation for travel and cultural experiences. I would absolutely recommend CYA to anyone considering studying abroad!

Heritage Greece had a profound impact on me, but the most meaningful part of the experience was the people I met along the way. Being surrounded by other young Greeks who shared similar values, ambitions, and a passion for their heritage allowed me to build genuine friendships and connections that I know will last for years to come. As the grandchild of Greek immigrants who came to Canada and often faced discrimination because they were different, I feel incredibly proud to carry on and celebrate the heritage they worked so hard to preserve. Heritage Greece reinforced that pride and showed me that being Greek is something to be celebrated openly and confidently.

I did the Gourimadi Archaeological Project this summer. I had such an amazing time and I learned a lot. All of the archaeologists there were great and the professor, Hüseyin, was amazing! We excavated morning-afternoon and then had lectures in the evening. The hands-on learning during the excavation paired with the engaging lectures made the month a wonderful experience. It was fun exploring the town nearby, Karystos, during breaks/weekends as well. They provided a good dinner for us Monday-Saturday, but I would also recommend going into town some nights and trying local restaurants.

My summer study abroad session with CYA was truly the best experience of my life. What made this class special was the balance of academics and cultural immersion. There were in-class seminars where I learned so much, but we also had frequent trips to different cities, museums, and historical sites. I would highly recommend this program. My professor was a wellspring of knowledge; he made the class so enjoyable! The location of being in Athens, Greece, was so cool. Our apartments were close to historical sites and city life.