CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

I highly recommend this program! I studied abroad with CYA during Spring 2020-and yes, that means I was only abroad from January through the middle of March. But the time that I spent in Greece was a blast, and I'm thankful for every second. Athens is very unique, being a connector between Europe and Eastern countries, meaning that while you can also travel places that everyone studying abroad in Europe travels to- Paris, London, Venice, etc., you can also go really amazing places like Istanbul and Tel Aviv during your free time abroad. CYA is a really well done program, and my favorite part was the one (ideally of two, but cut due to coronavirus) week long trip we took with the entire program around the Peloponnese region of Greece. While CYA, like almost all study abroad programs, has a few optional trips on weekends scheduled that you can sign up and pay extra money for, they also schedule week long field trips around Greece, like this, whose costs are already configured into your tuition. They're lead by professors and, in complete honesty, are very educational, but they're also a blast, as you get to travel with your friends on the program and go places in Greece that would be difficult to access on your own without a car, like Olympia, Sparta, and Nafplio. From someone who has studied abroad on another program, these 2 week-long trips really set CYA apart from any other study abroad company that I know. Additionally, they handled the coronavirus situation very well. They kept us in Greece as long as they could, but were also accommodating of students who chose to leave earlier. The communication on their end was clear: We're a family, and we want you to stay in Athens just as much as you do, but your safety is first and even when you go home, you'll still be part of the family. Being in Greece, a place that has handled the situation incredibly well so far, I was able to stay abroad as long as was physically possible, and all of the professors were kind and understanding upon my return home. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again: CYA was the program to be abroad with during the crisis. Overall, my experience with CYA was wonderful, and I'd encourage anyone else thinking about studying abroad with them to go for it.

I had such an amazing time that I was absolutely crushed to return home due to the COVID19 pandemic. It was clear that the CYA staff truly cared and I still receive daily emails from professors hoping that their students are well. The classes are very hands on and informative. The program also provides 2 weeks of travel throughout Greece with the program which provided me with valuable knowledge regarding Greek culture and history.

The apartments are singles and doubles located conveniently near CYA. I had a very spacious single with my own balcony! Any time there was an issue with the apartment CYA would respond that day.

Greek food is absolutely amazing and Athens also has restaurants with all types of food (and not just Greek food). The pricing is also extremely reasonable in Greece. If I went out for a gyro it would typically lost less than 3 euros.

For those who do not know Athens is a HILLY city and CYA has an urban location. This was my first time living in an urban area, but CYA facilitated a smooth transition and I always felt safe and comfortable.

College Year in Athens provided me with the best study abroad experience possible! I made so many incredible friends, saw so many unbelievable places, and learned so many amazing things! I recommend this program to all students, and cannot talk it up enough!

I was academically stimulated the whole time, in an array of subjects that I found interesting. All of the staff and administration are so supportive and I'm still in touch with several people from the program! The entire experience was enriching and accommodating!

You can’t choose a better study abroad program than CYA! Greece is the perfect study abroad destination. With its diverse array of landscapes - mountains, the sea, bustling cities - you will truly never be bored. Greek culture is incredibly welcoming and hospitable to foreigners, and the CYA administration embodies this completely. Even though I was thousands of miles away, I felt at home nearly instantly. CYA staff is more than willing to help students with any academic or personal difficulty that may arise. When I first arrived in Athens, the airline lost my luggage and I was without it for 10 days. CYA helped me communicate with airlines and walked me through the whole process. Their help and support was invaluable to me during this time, and extended throughout the entirety of the semester. They really do their best to create the best possible study abroad experience for their students, and it makes all the difference in the world.

I am SO happy I got to spend my abroad semester with CYA. They give you just the right amount of structured activity/trips to get to know one another and to get to know Greece while also giving you ample free time to do what you want. The location of both the apartments and CYA buildings is perfect – you're right in the heart of everything without ever feeling unsafe or overrun by tourists. Plus you get a view of the Acropolis from your classroom building (how cool is that!). The best part of this program is hands down the staff and faculty. I was abroad during the COVID19 outbreak, and I felt completely safe and supported in their care. They truly want the best for the students, and the passion they have for the students and the program is genuine. You will always feel supported by your CYA family, even in times of unprecedented pandemic, and I think that speaks volumes to how involved the staff and faculty are in making your experience everything you want it to be and more.

Studying abroad with CYA was life-changing. This program made Athens feel like home. All of my professors really cared about their students, and worked endlessly to form personal connections and give us the best experiences possible. The field trips were super fun and informative, and the optional trips were well-priced and gave us chances to grow close as a program. Greek culture is warm, welcoming, and community based, and CYA completely embodies that! Program lunches every weekday are healthy and yummy. The school and apartments are in city center and within a 15 minute walk to the Acropolis! Pangrati, the district where the school and apartments are located, is very safe and has a great community scene complete with farmers markets and cool cafés. CYA and Greece in general provide so many opportunities to get outdoors compared to other programs- so if that's your cup of tea you can definitely seize those opportunities! The workload is manageable and there are lots of course offerings for both Classics and non-Classics majors! The administration was also incredibly kind and helpful in finding hair salons, buying concert tickets, or any other small detail to make students feel at home. Between the multiple times I was able to travel to other countries, and the many adventures I had all over Greece- this program increased my worldview and experience tenfold. Best semester ever!

College Year in Athens gave me the best semester of my entire life. From the exciting weekend trips to daily class visits to the Ancient Acropolis, I had a life changing experience at least once a week. Learning about ancient history while standing in the place where it took place was simply awe-inspiring. I had a lot of "pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming" moments during my semester in Athens, especially when one of my classes took us INSIDE the Parthenon. I loved the city of Athens so much and I loved my apartment even more. It truly felt like home by the end. Another thing that made my experience so special was the people who worked at CYA. I felt safe and cared for. The faculty and staff was always willing to help with any problem - anywhere from laundry to home sickness. They truly wanted me to love Greece as much as they did. Lunches were yummy and the main course always varied so it never got old. The CYA dining hall was a great place for socialization when my fellow classmates as well as professors. The culmination of all these things made my semester in Athens truly spectacular. I am so thankful that I chose CYA.

While at CYA I had the opportunity to take classes and do things I would not have gotten elsewhere. I was able to get immersed into the Greek culture quickly. The staff was so helpful and helped me get an amazing volunteer opportunity. CYA gave me an experience that allowed me to grow as a person. I never realized how much I could learn being in a different country. Everyone in Greece are so friendly and wants to help you succeed. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience a new culture