Program Reviews

I participated in the EMPOWERED: Mental Health and Inclusion for Modern Learners summer program in Volos, Greece. This program was absolutely amazing. The course was four weeks long, and we stayed in rental apartments, which were very nice and had waterfront views. The course took place at the University of Thesally. The professors were very involved and tried to ensure that we had all the resources and information we needed to make the most of our time in Volos. We were able to take several trips as a class, ensuring we got to as much of Greece as possible. I also feel as though I learned a lot. It was very interesting seeing the comparisons of different mental health initiatives across the globe. This course really allowed me to explore a new country, meet new people, and challenge myself to explore my identity. I recommend this course to anyone interested in pushing themselves to get out of their comfort zones and study in a foreign country.

I studied in Greece for 6 weeks in the summer of 2025. I took the course called The Strangeness of Ancient Greece with Professor Pitt. This course, along with the Professor, was some of the most intellectually stimulating and culturally significant class I’ve taken. The Professor did an amazing job teaching the class and keeping everyone engaged. Every class we had was on an archeological site where we would get an in depth tour of the area and told the historical significance. Although we only had 4 free days, we were given plenty of free time to explore and get to know our classmates and the city of Athens, or wherever our class had taken us for the day. I met so many new friends from all over the United States and we all got incredibly close during the program. I’m still in contact with some of them today! I couldn’t recommend this program more!

I recommend participating in an Archaeological Excavation in Greece if you study any discipline in the Humanities. This experience led to a deeper understanding of the lifestyles of the ancient peoples, and allowed me to make connections to other historical periods. Lastly, excavation projects also build character and allow you to improve your teamwork skills in so many different ways! Because of this, I now know that I want to study archaeology more deeply, and incorporate it in every aspect of my academic career.

Studying with College Year in Athens was a beautiful opportunity. We were fully immersed in the culture as we stayed in apartments that were close to our class. The environment was always safe and welcoming. The staff was incredibly helpful and patient throughout all situations. Our professor was especially amazing. She had flexibility with her teaching. Whether that be pushing back class an hour so we could rest more or because we had a different interest in the topic, she was willing to make it work. She was the definition of a passionate professor. She was our first introduction to Greece and had briefed the class on places to visit. Additionally, I was able to expand my network by meeting other university students from across the United States. These connections helped me in establishing my post-graduate plans as I started to consider my peers' universities and their programs. I have grown in my education, and I'm excited to be bringing all my knowledge to my home university.

I had such an amazing time while in Greece at College Year in Athens! I had the opportunity to travel to so many parts of both Greece and the EU as a whole, participate in a global health internship, and meet so many new people from different American universities! I genuinely fell in love with living in Athens and Greece as a whole! I also had the opportunity to learn subjects that I would have never learned at my home institution, such as archaeology! I made life-long friendships at CYA as well with people that I still keep in touch with after the end of the program! I am so happy that I made the leap to study abroad and that I chose CYA!

The CYA program could not have been any better! I had the time of my life in Greece and would recommend this program to EVERYONE. CYA allowed me to fall in love with Greece by immersing me in the culture with its classes, trips, and activities. The entire program helped me settle into the new country as a student who has never traveled internationally before, which I am extremely grateful for. The professors and staff are AMAZING and so incredibly intelligient and helpful. ATHENS WAS BEAUTIFUL! I could not have imagined having my study abroad program anywhere else.

Studying abroad with CYA was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. While I had the chance to travel across many countries in Europe, what made the program stand out was the opportunity to explore Greece in depth through academic field trips. From remote mountain villages to ancient ruins, I visited places I never would have seen on my own—and learned so much in the process.

The professors were absolutely incredible: engaging, supportive, and always willing to meet outside of class. They created a learning environment where participation was encouraged and students genuinely felt heard. I appreciated how understanding and flexible they were, especially as we balanced travel and academics.

One of the unexpected highlights was the friendships I made. I met students from universities all across the U.S., and we’ve stayed connected even after returning home.

CYA gave me a perfect mix of academic growth, cultural immersion, and travel. It was an absolute blast, and if I could do it all over again, I would choose CYA again in a heartbeat.

My semester in Athens was everything beyond expectation. There were so many chances to travel to different places -- whether you're for the exotic vibe or historical sites -- and get to know people from different backgrounds. It's an experience to see the world better, and also see oneself better. Life in Athens can be very different from the States, yet it's another kind of fun. You'll have a wonderful window view of the Acropolis under amazing sunsets at the academic center, not to mention all the chances to visit the Agora, the National Archaeological Museum, and so many other famous spots once seen in books and media. Living in this ancient city feels like a dream every day, and it's also a perfect place if you want an affordable modern life. You can get countless delicacies of all kinds, and outdoor movies, games, concerts, and Greek plays are constantly going on, especially when it's warmer. Most importantly, you will meet the best friends and faculty of a lifetime and be inspired by them in the future.

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.