CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

This will be an experience I will cherish forever. I was able to explore a new country, be embedded in a rich culture, foster lifelong relationships, and learn more about myself along the way. The courses and professors were exceptional. The organization and administration of the program were efficient, timely, and effective. I felt safe, loved, and supported throughout my time in Greece. I traveled and have grown so much personally, academically, and professionally. If I could do it all again, I would!

I had a wonderful time studying abroad through CYA due to the student support services, travel experiences, cultural excursions, and internship opportunities that were provided. Having the chance to travel to both Crete and the Peloponnese region in the country of my heritage was a once in a life time opportunity, and I am so grateful that these experiences were included in the program costs, as they would have been an undertaking to plan on my own. Additionally, the provision of daily lunches during the week was greatly appreciated. While we did not have the opportunity to immerse ourselves with local Greek students, I did feel that my classes offered field trips that gave us a greater sense of the local culture - especially my Sustainable Social Housing Course with Dr. Evgenia Tousi, where we took weekly field visits to social housing neighborhoods around Athens. These field visits were both informative and eye-opening and allowed for the course to be very engaging as a study abroad student. Additionally, I was able to take part in an internship at a local environmental non-profit through CYA and feel like I have gained so much both academically and professionally throughout my experience. For a student hoping to meet more international students or fully immerse themselves in an international language and culture in an unsupported environment, this may not be the ideal program for them. I would instead recommend this program for a student that does not have much travel experience and desires more support from the program they take part in, as the caring faculty as well as the presence of American peers make the adjustment to a foreign country with an unfamiliar language much smoother. Overall, I learned a variety of skills while studying abroad, including time management, budgeting, the importance of self-care, and cultural interaction. As I had little travel experience outside of the US going into my semester abroad, I felt that this program was very worthwhile, as it provided me with the support and resources to live own my own in a foreign country, in addition to planning trips around Greece and other parts of Europe. Coming off of my semester at CYA, I felt empowered to travel on my own without fear, and I appreciate all of the knowledge I was able to gain while in a supportive and encouraging environment.

All of the professors and the rest of the staff did an amazing job of making sure that all the students were happy, safe, and learning. The professors were very approachable both in and out of class and did their best to make the material engaging whether it be through assigning project or group discussions or by hosting the class outside or doing a field trip to an archaeological site. Nikki did a great job of organizing social activities in the evenings, many of which included going out into another neighborhood in Athens to get more acquainted with elements of Greek culture.

During my time in Greece, I felt incredibly safe while exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on Mykonos' beaches, and enjoying delicious Greek cuisine. The College Year in Athens (CYA) optional trips added excitement, and weekday lunches offered authentic dishes like salads, souvlaki, and tzatziki. Sharing these meals with fellow student travelers enhanced the sense of community and cultural immersion. The warmth and hospitality of the Greek people, along with engaging in local customs and festivals, made my journey unforgettable and deeply enriching. The generosity and friendliness of the Greek people were evident in every interaction, making me feel like a welcomed guest in their beautiful land.

Truly a transformative few months. Athens is such a magical city. History is everywhere. The nature is divine. The sea is accessible. Lively political scene, solidarity groups and collectives are prolific. The city is diverse with plenty of cool people, it's always alive and theres always something to do in Athens. The food is delicious and not too expensive, I mean having haloumi gyros for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Doesn't get better than that! I truly recommend this experience to anyone looking to experience life to its fullest potential.

CYA was a great program! They offered lots of classes relevant to my interests as a studio art / anthropology double major and the field studies that are part of the program are built-in travel that allowed me to explore all of Greece, not just Athens. The apartment provided by the program was nice and close to the CYA's building. Athens was walkable and it was awesome to have so many classes meet at sites and museums rather than just sitting in a classroom all the time. There are also breaks and no classes on Fridays which made it easy to do independent travel such as take a ferry to an island. CYA also arranged lots of activities for students with the goal of immersing us in Greek culture. These were affordable and made me feel like I belonged in Athens. I had a wonderful experience that I walked away from having learned a lot about Greece and myself. I am more independent than I was, more experienced as a traveler, and I have discovered new interests that I plan to pursue now that I am back in the U.S.. Because of CYA I fell in love with Greece and plan to return in the future whether it is for my career or simply to visit.

The 4 months I spent in Athens were some of the best 4 months of my life! It is a time that I will forever cherish. It brought me so many amazing new friends, memories and experiences that have changed my life. I am a more confident and independent individual, and I gained an even deeper love for traveling. CYA did an amazing job and providing us with opportunities to immerse ourselves in Greek culture and I personally loved the field studies they took us on because they allowed me to see parts of Greece I never thought I would. I was truly terrified to leave my family for 4 months to live in another country. BUT I am so so glad that I did. It truly allowed me to grow so much as a person and provided me with so many amazing memories and happiness!

Studying abroad in Greece was a transformative and uniquely enriching experience for me as a Black woman. My semester was a tapestry of exploring ancient ruins, savoring delicious Greek cuisines, participating in Greek holidays and immersing myself in the local way of life.

One of the highlights was visiting Thessaloniki, where the mix of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences created a city rich with history and character. Walking along the waterfront and exploring the bustling markets, I felt the vibrant, welcoming spirit.

Being a Black woman in Greece presented unique challenges and opportunities. I recall the curious glances from locals, but also the moments of profound connection and mutual respect. One memorable experience was finding a local salon that could braid my hair. The stylist and I bonded over our shared love of intricate designs, and I left not just with beautiful braids, but with a new friend.

I found a supportive community among other international students, and together we navigated cultural differences and celebrated our diverse backgrounds. The experience broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the world. It taught me the beauty of stepping outside of my comfort zone. My semester in Greece was an enriching experience that everyone should partake in.