My experience!

Being in Greece was definitely an Adjustment at first- not knowing the language, a new space, being far away from home. However I would encourage everything who goes abroad no matter the country to not see language as a barrier. When it comes to Greece my experience everywhere I went was that people were genuinely eager to get to know me and wanting to learn who I was- most people in Greece especially Athens do speak English. CYA was a great program in that my experience with administration was incredible, they were willing to help me when I needed and when I did get sick I felt like I could really get anything I needed from the pharmacy nearby (there are pharmacies everywhere). The classes I took and professors I connected with were great- I did learn a lot but I do know students who had some negative experiences with some professors and some members of administration. The food in the dining hall I would say was great, they were able to accommodate me when I started fasting for Easter- I just wish that we had more meals in the day besides lunch. The neighborhood you will be in very safe I think and pretty diverse and people are very friendly (local cafes know CYA students and welcome their arrival). I would say that Greece overall is very safe in terms of things like gun control etc, but I would say you have to be alert as a woman in a country no matter where you go. People are very forward and there is a culture of staring which can be taken in a negative light so it is important to be aware at all times.