Program Reviews

I absolutely loved my semester in Athens. It was also one of the most stressful experiences of my life, with three upper level language courses and one heavy research course. I cannot recommend taking upper level language courses to anyone thinking about applying to graduate programs in the same semester. Being able to study Ancient Greece while in the shadow of the Akropolis is an experience unlike any other, and I highly recommend taking classes with Professors Kritsotakis or Pitt. They are some of the most caring and funny people, let alone professors, I have ever met.

If you're thinking about going abroad with CYA, do it. It's one of the best decisions I have made for my academic career. I met people from all over the country and had the opportunity to explore a new place and, in doing so, learn more about myself! There is a class for everyone at CYA. Whether you enjoy the humanities, like me, or you're pre-med, like some of my roommates, there is something for you to learn. You'll make connections that last for life. Going abroad can be scary, and it's not for everyone. But if you're like me, and you enjoy immersive learning, then this is the program for you.

This semester with College Year in Athens was something I’ll always be grateful for. Greece slowly became home in ways I never expected. It was the people I met, the routines I fell into, and the little everyday moments that made it feel real. I learned how to be more independent, which is something I can thank this program for a million times over for. CYA made it possible for me to truly live in Athens, not just study there, and I’m leaving with memories and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.

I would definitely recommend this program to anyone considering it. Greece is a wonderful country, with a variety of places to travel whether you like the beach or the mountains. The opportunity to learn Greek added a deeper connection to the community. People are extremely friendly in the neighborhood, and there are so many interesting places to explore.

The field study trips are what really make CYA stand out. An organized trip exploring iconic places in Greece as well as abroad is what should sell anyone on this program.

On top of that I made lifelong friendships along the way!

I am so glad I did CYA. Initially, I was going to go to Spain through a different program, but I decided soon after that I would much rather go to Greece because of the archaeology course offerings (especially at Demokritos, the science lab they have a partnership with) and because of my Greek heritage. I had a wonderful time and I wish I could have stayed the whole year! I found friends that will last me forever, grew in my independence, and rediscovered my love for living abroad. As a trans person, I actually felt even safer than in the US, and almost my whole group of friends ended up being queer in some way :)

I had a great study abroad experience through CYA. The program offers a great mix of academics, cultural immersion, social events, and incorporated travel into the semester. One of the main highlights from my time in Greece is the CYA Field Studies. These field studies are trips across Greece and abroad, in which transportation and housing are covered by CYA, and are centered around different academic topics. A couple of the trips that I got to go on included journeys to Olympia and Delphi, the island of Crete, the Peloponnese, and Naples, Italy. These trips guided by CYA professor provided me a greater understanding of Greek culture and history, while also providing a great opportunity to connect with fellow classmates and form new friendships. Additionally, the location of CYA academic buildings and student apartments are in a great neighborhood. With all housing between 3-10 minutes away from classroom buildings, the area is very safe and easy to walk around. Furthermore, the academic building is directly adjacent to the Olympic Stadium! Overall my experience CYA was beyond what I could have imagined and would recommend this program to anyone interested in immersing oneself in a new culture and explore the beauty and history of Greece.

As my first time out of the country, I would say that I wouldn’t change it for the world! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and I learned so much from my program. I helped excavate this archaeological site in a local town with professionals. Everyone was so understanding and great teachers. I made a real family in Greece and my knowledge expanded greatly! This program helped solidify my decision on graduate school. Overall, CYA made me grow personally and professionally and I cannot wait to visit Greece again

I studied abroad with CYA for Summer Session I of 2025. I had never been out of the country before, let alone by myself. I was on the fence when deciding if I really wanted to take the jump and go, and I'm so glad that I did. Everyone on the CYA faculty and staff was very supportive and made the transition process of living abroad as smooth as possible. My class, taught by professor Eve Geroulis, was the best one I could have possibly chosen. All members of our class became incredibly close and we did everything together. We took various field trips throughout the month to different cities/islands, and did ethnographic research to really be immersed in Greek culture. I was nervous in the beginning to be so far from home for a month, but by the end I never wanted to leave!

Both of my courses were extremely fun and self directed. Make fast friends and stick with them! Try to meet locals as much as possible! My classes had vastly different workloads and class schedules, so I would really recommend looking over the itinerary before you go. I’d also recommend finding experiences or things you’d like to do in each place. I didn’t do that, and I found things easily, but I might have liked having a stronger plan for myself. Meet as many locals as possible and really put yourself out there. This experience is for learning about yourself and about Greece.

My experience at CYA was nothing short of life-changing. For someone who is obsessed with classics and archaeology, I cannot recommend a better program. This program is so incredibly immersive with the best professors in Greece; you will find yourself attending lectures in the most incredible ancient sites. I was lucky enough to have professors who encouraged on-site classes, which allowed me to immerse myself in the ancient world while also having the privilege of living in Athens. I cannot recommend this program enough for anyone who is remotely interested in Classics.