CYA: The Program that Truly Cares!

I truly cannot put into words how amazing my experience abroad was with College Year in Athens. First off, the city of Athens and the country of Greece are truly so welcoming and home to the most beautiful culture. I came to Athens for the weather and history, which are truly as amazing as anticipated, but what surprised me even more was the kindness of the Greek people. Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, both people and landscape wise, and I already miss it so dearly. I promise if you study abroad here you will fall in love with the city and country!

Athens has everything a study abroad student could ask for! The city has such an abundant history, populated by countless amazing museums and so many ruins you will lose count! The food is so delicious and extremely affordable. The nightlife is amazing and the Greeks certainly know how to have a good time! The city is so walkable, has amazing green spaces, and feels extremely safe. I went on runs alone during the evening occasionally and never felt unsafe because even on weekdays, people will be out well into the night at a taverna with their loved ones.

However, what made CYA stand out to me from other study abroad programs is the level of care that CYA staff have for the students in their program. Most US students who study abroad are students at a local university, which has its pros, but CYA being a program made FOR study abroad students provided a level of assistance and support that made this experience as amazing as possible. Moving across the world, especially as someone who hasn't traveled much outside the US, was extremely scary. CYA's staff made me feel safe and cared for right away, providing assistance at all times, even when I was sick during my spring break trip. Through mandatory field study trips across Greece and weekly optional activities hosted to expose students to Greek and Athenian culture, CYA makes clear its passion for making students as immersed in Greek culture as possible. These field study trips and activities were some of my best experiences from abroad and I truly cannot imagine being in any other study abroad program.