CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

Living in Athens, Greece through the CYA Spring semester program was an absolute dream. I am a first-generation college student and the first time I went abroad was through school. I was very nervous traveling abroad being a black woman. I went abroad the same month that Trump was elected so I was very nervous about how people would see me as not only American, but also because of the color of my skin. I spoke to my counselors of my study abroad about my concerns and they were very open and honest with me. They were very candid about the way Greeks view foreigners and made me feel very comfortable. They also constantly checked in with me to see how I was adjusting to the culture and acclimating to life in Athens. To sum it all up: I had an AMAZING time in Greece! My program took us to explore Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese and Delphi to further expand on the academics we learned in Greece and never did I feel out of place or like an “other.” A lot of people speak of their time traveling abroad and academics during these reviews, but I’m here to say if you’re a person of color that may be nervous about study abroad like I was, PLEASE DO IT! Especially through CYA! Faculty and staff will make sure you’re comfortable and create a safe space for you to speak with them honestly about your experiences as a minority abroad. Safe travels and yamas!

The academic richness of this program blew me away. Not only did we have daily art history and archeology classes in and on the ancient sites of Athens, we took two weeks to tour Greece with leading archeologists to see and understand close up the ancient life of Greece. But the modern city was just as illuminating. I took marble carving classes and learned Greek Sign Language, made friends with other Athenians, and came to feel Pangrati (our neighborhood of Athens) was my Home. I’ve returned nearly every year to this country and city, and love visiting the CYA offices. As my academic interests have evolved, I’ve formed new relationships with faculty and continued pursuing research in Greece. And five years later, my best friend is someone I was matched as roommates with for the semester. CYA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Go for it!

I had a great time with CYA! The classes were the perfect mix of educational trips and fun adventures exploring the city or island. Our professor was super chill and gave us great tips on where to go and what to eat. The smaller class size made it easy to become super close to the people I was with. Even though the class was only a month long, it felt like I got a lifetime of memories from it. Overall I was super happy with my experience and if I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Greece. CYA is not a rigorous program and it took me a while to adjust to the fact that learning can occur in a non-stressful environment. I have learnt here in an unprecedented way. Each of the classes are related to Greece in some way (ancient architecture, economics, history, philosophy, language etc.). It is definitely not as rigorous as it would be at my home institution, but many of my classes occur off-site. We routinely visit museums or archaeological sites. I feel like I learn much better when I can experience the subject of our study. Further, the relaxed academics allow me to take advantage of the culture. I have tried to make my stay here as immersive as possible -- I watch Greek films, have Greek friends, eat and cook Greek food. So for these reasons, I'm thankful that CYA has given me the space to develop myself both academically and personally.

My semester with CYA has been truly amazing. Living in a such a historical city as Athens, I had unique opportunities to have onsite lectures, such as at the Acropolis, or National Archeological Museum. I have been able to see in person, so much of what I had only previously learned in textbooks. And my professors have had so much personal experience, such as being involved in excavations, that they are then able to bring an incredible amount of knowledge into the classroom. CYA also organized great trips throughout the semester, that took us to Olympia, Sparta, Thessaloniki, and so many other amazing places. I have been able to see so much more of Greece then I ever thought I would, and am truly going to miss the culture and the welcoming people, that make this beautiful country feel like home.

My study abroad experience with CYA was nothing short of fantastic. It was an experience I will cherish for a very long time. Even when you disregard the historical significant, amazing weather, food and people (which are very hard to disregard) CYA has everything a study abroad experience should be. Located in one of Athens best neighborhoods and located literally right next to one of the cities biggest attractions the location, academic curriculum and endless historical significance Athens possesses differentiates this study abroad experience from others. The administration, faculty, kitchen staff and professors not only go over the top to accommodate your needs, but also are willing to bend backwards to help assimilate you into their city in any way possible. My study abroad professors have been some of the most knowledgeable individuals I've encountered from an academia perspective. Most of who have studies across Europe and or the United States at some point in in their professional careers. CYA does a wonderful job incorporating mandated school "field trips" traveling to other parts of Greece, in an educational but fun way. CYA is continuously sending students email updates regarding volunteer opportunities, local hikes, sporting events, cooking classes to not only help students get the full Athenian experience, but to make your duration of stay in a foreign major city, much smoother. CYA was one of the best decisions I have made in my college career, hands down. Bottom line, CYA does study abroad the right way.

CYA made my time here in Greece absolutely unforgettable! They helped organize everything from pre-departure paperwork to my arrival and even activities throughout the semester that they thought might be fun! One such activity was learning how to carve marble, and at the end of the semester I had my very own masterpiece to show off back in the states. I loved being immersed in the Greek culture— it was so different from America, and so refreshing! Having most of my classes on site was also amazing...it's not very often that you get to stand inside the Parthenon while learning about it. All of the staff was truly amazing the entire time I was abroad, and I can honestly say this is a semester I will never forget. I have made some really great lifelong friends here, and can't wait to come back!

The program was so helpful before I even arrived in Athens with preparing the right documents and setting up trusted transportation from the airport right to our apartment. I loved where I lived in Athens. CYA did a great job of finding very local housing in relation to other students and the campus buildings. The location of the school is perfect for becoming emerged in the Athenian culture. It was a short walk to the Parthenon and it is located in front of the Panhellenic Stadium, which served as a unique place to hang out with a view of the Acropolis. The program field trips allowed the students to see historical and archaeological sites that we never could have imagined having the opportunity to see. The close-knit feel of this program prevented me from feeling homesick in any way, and since being back in the states, I feel homesick from Athens!