I will return one day...

Studying in Athens was one of the most invaluable experiences I have had academically and socially. The city, while much smaller in comparison to -- let's say NYC -- allows you to become comfortable with its long, windy streets. By the first week or so you will already become acquainted with street names, transportation systems, local shops, and friendly faces. CYA's location is perfectly central to all major cultural areas, while still being far enough to avoid all the hubbub. Apartments were decently sized. There are a few things American students may have to get used to like turning on the hot water 20 minutes prior to showering, disposing of paper only in the waste basket, etc. You will be living among other Athenians, so students must be cautious of noise levels, too. Otherwise, our living spaces were very comfortable and gave a good sense of what it is like to live in a city like Athens.

I am certain that I will return to CYA to reconnect with all my dear Athenian friends and who knows, possibly pursue a career in Greece! CYA was instrumental in providing me with opportunities to pursue internships that align with my future career goals. For example, I worked at a gallery space a few minutes away from my apartment, I worked as a writer for an Athens based travel magazine, and I also interned at CYA's Media Lab. All you have to do is ask and the staff at CYA will do all they can to help you.

Academic wise, I do wish CYA had a more expansive curriculum. As an English major, I found myself inundated with Classics focused classes that would not transfer as literature courses at my home institution. Greece is much more than its ancient history, and so I think CYA could benefit from introducing more contemporary focused classes. My Immigration, Nationalism, and Citizenship political science class is an example of a class focused on the 'now' and looking at Greece alongside other major Western European countries. Nevertheless, all of my professors were extremely caring and would even invite their students to dinners and coffees!

If I could change one last thing about CYA, it would be their semester scheduling. I found it difficult to shift back and forth from having classes to long breaks. Especially for language classes, you need consistency in attendance to really solidify concepts. I found myself forgetting, loosing motivation, and feeling frustrated that finals took place immediately after our spring break.

Besides this one suggestion, I cannot express how happy Athens has made me. The friendships I have made, the independence it has given me...I would not trade it for anything!