My semester spent abroad in Athens, Greece was the most formative, eye-opening, and character building experience that I had at USC. While most people who go abroad, this time is one they fondly look back on as an adventurous vacation from school with

more freedom then they have ever had. For me, however, this experience was the foundation for my future career path. It not only gave me a new perspective on the world but on my own dreams and goals as well. From my political science classes to my Ancient Greek sports class, I learned how interdependent our world is and how essential is it to have a global mindset with a broad awareness of those outside our own country or culture. It was refreshing to learn about history and current international policy decisions through the eyes of the Greeks, the founders of Western civilization, who are often forgotten in the international sphere. Through participating in the Greek holidays, festivals, parades, and protests (accidentally) I saw how amazing Greece is as a country and if it wasn't for CYA supporting us to participate in the greek culture I don't think I would have been as in love with the country as I am today. CYA also offered weekly marble carving classes through a family run organization that was the most welcoming group of people I ever met. They fed us wine and dinner every night after class and really wanted to get to know you as individuals. This class also gave me a more personal understanding of the local culture and sprouted my artistic confidence. The most valuable transformation that occurred during my time in Greece was that I stopped only being a citizen of the United States, and became a citizen of the world. CYA provided everything I could have ever wanted in a study abroad experience and every day I wish I could go back and do it all again.

 read more

I spent the Fall 2018 semester with CYA, and my experience with them was fantastic! My favorite aspects of the program were its dedicated staff, incredible field trips, and central location. The staff were very helpful in making the transition to life

in Athens go very smoothly, and they were also very reliable prior to my arrival. The courses could have been more challenging, but I really enjoyed the opportunities to learn inside and outside of the classroom. There are also many opportunities for volunteering if you are willing to reach out and ask about them. The apartments were quite nice, and we were less than a 20-minute walk away from Syntagma. Overall, I am already missing Greece and I wish I could go back and experience it all over again!

 read more

Studying with CYA had a lot of great perks. The most awesome thing about the programs is the program trips which are completely planned by CYA and which take you all around Greece. I was able to travel around Europe while also gaining a very deep knowledge

of Greece. The course material is also very centered around Greece which helped to further my knowledge about the country. While the apartments that are provided are not in the best condition, they are clean and also help you be more independent. Overall, I had a great time at CYA!

 read more

Greece has always been the country of my dreams. I didn’t know if it was the infinite ancient ruins or the scenic islands or just the general merriment that drew me to it, but all I knew was that I had to study there. It was by far the best decision

I’ve ever made. Greece is a country like no other — ancient and modern civilization living side-by-side, depending on each other for survival. My experience there was nothing short of life-changing. I was able to travel throughout the mainland, from Delphi to Sparta to Olympia to Thessaloniki and then through islands like Crete, Santorini, Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Mykonos. You will never be bored while in Greece. The weekends spent not traveling were filled with everything Athens has to offer, from visiting the museums, to hiking to the top of the Acropolis, having dinner at a taverna in Pangrati and finishing the night at a club in Gazi. I will miss every second of it.

 read more

I spent the full academic year studying with CYA, and it was the greatest experience! Every staff member in the program truly cares about each student, which was new to me coming from a large university. We were housed in apartments around the neighborhood

that CYA is located in, Pangrati, and CYA's housing coordinator is always willing to help with any problems that arise. They provided us with a delicious lunch every weekday, so it was very easy to grab a quick bite to eat between classes. One of my favorite parts of the program were the 3 field trips per semester that CYA took everyone on (included in the program!) to different regions of Greece. They were a great way to get to know other students and professors better, as well as see in person a lot of what we were learning in class. I couldn't recommend CYA enough!

 read more

My time with CYA was the best academic and personally formative experience of my life. I took two summer courses, and both the professors were outstanding. Between engaging lectures and meaningful site visits, I felt like I was growing academically without

missing any of the social opportunities of study abroad. As a student from the University of Virginia, I was pleased that my CYA professors lectured at a level that still interested and challenged me, even in a different country than my home institution. The work-play balance was perfect, and I was able to explore the entire country (and seven islands!) all while making deep friendships with classmates. CYA gave us the cultural tools and skills to thrive in Greece, and I ended up staying for a few weeks after my program ended. I felt perfectly equipped to explore and enjoy the country with the information I got from the administration, professors, and the experiences of being a student with CYA. Overall, this was the best decision I made in college.

 read more

The professors were deeply engaging and were not afraid to go off in-class schedule if it meant spending a little longer discussing certain themes or ideas. Also, because I was taking a travel writing course, they really encouraged getting to know our

surroundings on more intimate levels. This meant, talking to locals, exploring parts of the town alone or regularly writing personal journals documenting our time there. CYA constantly reminded us that because we were in places outside of our native homes, we were bound to develop in ways unexpected to us, and the persons we started out as, would change during the middle and by then end of the program, Which was okay! It was all part of the process, and you have to trust it.

 read more

I took the Travel Writing class with CYA summer 2018, and had such an amazing experience. I loved this class because not only was I able to travel to Greece to take the class, but we also traveled within Greece as part of our class. I experienced the

urban life of Athens for a week and a half, the quaint scenery of Nafplio for two days, and the enthralling atmosphere of the island of Poros for two weeks. I really learned a lot through this course. Not only was my professor extremely knowledgable and well-equipped to teach our class, but she was also very fun to be around — both in and out of the classroom. I also made many new friends through this course. Our class seemed to be like one big family, which really highlighted my experience abroad. If you have ever wanted to study abroad in Greece, I would recommend this course.

 read more

My time abroad was everything I could have hoped for and more. Some of my favorite characteristics of Greece, found in both the city of Athens and in more rustic island settings, would include the merry personalities of people there, the delicious selection

of food, the intriguing architecture, and the constantly ideal weather conditions. The first week and a half of my trip were spent in Athens where we had class for three hours a day and took many tours of culturally significant sites around the city such as the Acropolis museum. Between going to class and writing for class, the girls I stayed with in our apartment made the most of our time in Greece by visiting nearby beaches on the weekends, going to a gym nearby our apartment in the mornings, and spending our nights out at tavernas drinking wine, getting to know each other, and observing the foreign environment around us. After Athens, we moved on to Nafplio, Greece, for a couple days, where we lived in a quaint hotel just below an ancient Portuguese castle towering over the city. Although Nafplio seemed to served as a sort of summer tourist destination for those living in Greece rather than a city normally inhabited by Greeks, it was a beautiful small town filled with gorgeous shops overflowing with enticing Greek jewelry and a mini version of the famous Syntagma Square in Athens surrounded by its fair share of comfy-looking tavernas with unbeatable prices for house wine. After Nafplio, we moved on to Poros for the final two weeks of the program. I certainly plan on returning to Poros some day, for it stole my heart and soul and was everything I could have ever hoped for when I first heard the words "Greek island". Just off the coast of the Greek Peloponnese sits Poros, a two-part island with one portion overcrowded with tourist shops and mini tavernas on the coast with spectacular views of the endless supply of fishing boats, visiting yachts and sailboats moving smoothly along the bright blue surface of the cheerful water between Poros and the Peloponnese. The other portion of Poros is more rural, scattered briefly with houses of more long-term residents and the occasional public beach with drink service and everything. All in all, my time in Greece felt similar to the best vacation I've ever had, except with a structure that kept me seeing things I had never seen before at a more organized and timely pace than if I had gone there alone with no true idea of where to start. I got to know locals and learned about their lives, dreams, and prospective futures, and had the opportunity to tell them about mine. I tasted food I had never had before, I went spearfishing, I spent endless hours in the sun enjoying a peaceful and reflective time in my life, and I met people that I fully intend on staying connected with. I would return in a heartbeat, just to spend more time there under the sun, learning from Greek people about their way of life and cultural traditions.

 read more

As a Greek American who thought there was nothing more to learn about my culture, CYA still taught me new things all the time, which just speaks to the quality of the class. The professor was so passionate about what she taught and classes were very discussion-based

and hands-on, which was so much more engaging than just sitting in a classroom and looking at a powerpoint. CYA really makes sure to utilize Greece in their learning, whether that's traveling throughout the country or just taking field trips throughout Athens. Greece is a wonderful and interesting country to study abroad in, and I would highly recommend CYA to anyone looking to explore a new culture with an open-mind.

 read more

I took the “Anthropology of the Mediterranean Diet” course during summer 2018. It was a one month extensive class that focused of history, culture and of course food. Greece has always been in my bucket list but it exceeded all expectations. CYA was

a great program. They were always kind and willing to help and my professor was incredible. I was always on the move discovering and learning new things. Class was a mix of classroom and hands on experience. Our class field trips were always very fun and educational, showing us new parts of Greece I would not have otherwise seen. I went on weekend trips with the friends that I made in my class that were unbelievable. Our CYA apartment was right near the classroom and academic building so it was an easy walk to get there. Overall, this is an experience that I encourage everyone to have. It is something that will never be forgotten.

 read more

I always wanted to go to Greece, being Greek-American. I took the Travel Writing class, even though I am a math major. I loved my experience with CYA. To start, the academics were challenging, but not overbearing. CYA did a great job balancing exploring

and learning. They encouraged us to get out and explore Greece. Class time was used well and I learned a lot about myself and about travel writing. My writing skills improved in many ways, and I found a new skill for food writing. I think anyone could find a course at CYA that they find interesting. I would say taking a course unrelated to your major, or your comfort zone, could prove to be more beneficial to you. The living situations over the course were great. The apartment in Athens was homey and probably one of the nicer places in Athens. It had air conditioning, wifi, and a balcony view. It also was decorated to really make you live like an Athenian and get into the Greek culture. The apartment reminded me of my childhood home, coming from a Greek family. The hotels they provided for outside Athens were really nice. They had wifi and air conditioning and were located in lively areas. CYA allowed you to get as culturally immersed as you wanted to. If you wanted to stay in your comfort zone, you could eat at places like Dominoes or Mcdonalds. You could talk to only your roommates, or you could break out and get to know local Greeks. You can try and find places where the locals eat, where there is no menu in English because there aren't many tourists. Most of the people attending the program wanted to get as culturally immersed as possible. The staff helps you do it by listing activities you could do and by taking you on some group activities. The entire staff is some of the best, and they really seemed to care about the students. They made sure we were safe and overall, the locations we went to were all safe. The students attending the program provided a great community. I made so many lifelong friends, and I think most people did, too. CYA gave us enough free time to take day trips to nearby islands and weekend trips to farther places. I was able see so much more of Greece by attending CYA, than if I had gone any other way. I loved my time in Greece and I think anyone would love CYA.

 read more

Henry Miller once said that “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The world has magnificent depth, and through study abroad with CYA, I believe that I have been transformed into a mature, well-rounded person who can

appreciate this depth in every aspect of my life. Renown as an inevitable side-effect of living abroad is a person’s extraordinary, widened perspective. I have been thrust into a culture that is not my own, and I have accepted and learned from this unfamiliar environment. I now have a greater appreciation for other cultures as well as my own. It’s easy to get stuck in the bubble of your own experience, but studying abroad teaches you that there’s so much more out there. Other long-term benefits include enhanced flexibility and independence; it takes a lot of this to thrive abroad. I believe that studying abroad with CYA has acted as a catalyst; transforming me into a strong individual that can handle the challenges thrown at me. CYA has also contributed to one of the largest choices of my life, in my decision to pursue a career in study abroad. The entire experience, from applying and preparing to come to Greece to my actual time spent studying with CYA, was just very enjoyable and influential. Throughout my time in Greece, I have met the most compassionate people, from the CYA staff to the Greek locals. I have never had a helpless moment; there has always been someone happy to help me through the troubles I have faced. My experiences with CYA provided me with a plethora of unforgettable experiences, priceless friendships, and it also allowed me to solidify a path for my future.

 read more

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Greece. CYA is not a rigorous program and it took me a while to adjust to the fact that learning can occur in a non-stressful environment. I have learnt here in an unprecedented way. Each of the classes are related

to Greece in some way (ancient architecture, economics, history, philosophy, language etc.). It is definitely not as rigorous as it would be at my home institution, but many of my classes occur off-site. We routinely visit museums or archaeological sites. I feel like I learn much better when I can experience the subject of our study. Further, the relaxed academics allow me to take advantage of the culture. I have tried to make my stay here as immersive as possible -- I watch Greek films, have Greek friends, eat and cook Greek food. So for these reasons, I'm thankful that CYA has given me the space to develop myself both academically and personally.

 read more

My semester abroad has been truly amazing! Living in a such a historical city as Athens, I had unique opportunities to have onsite lectures, such as at the Acropolis, or National Archeological Museum. I have been able to see in person, so much of what

I had only previously learned in textbooks. And my professors have had so much personal experience, such as being involved in excavations, that they are then able to bring an incredible amount of knowledge into the classroom. CYA also organized great trips throughout the semester, that took us to Crete, Pella, Thessaloniki, and so many other amazing places. I have been able to see so much more of Greece then I ever thought I would, and am truly going to miss the culture and the welcoming people, that make this beautiful country feel like home.

 read more

CYA is exactly what I wanted from my study abroad. From friendly staff, to eager professors, to beautiful scenery, to amazing food, Greece has given me priceless memories and so many reasons to return.

CYA made my time here in Greece absolutely unforgettable! They helped organize everything from pre-departure paperwork to my arrival and even activities throughout the semester that they thought might be fun! One such activity was learning how to carve

marble, and at the end of the semester I had my very own masterpiece to show off back in the states. I loved being immersed in the Greek culture— it was so different from America, and so refreshing! Having most of my classes on site was also amazing...it's not very often that you get to stand inside the Parthenon while learning about it. All of the staff was truly amazing the entire time I was abroad, and I can honestly say this is a semester I will never forget. I have made some really great lifelong friends here, and can't wait to come back!

 read more

The program I attended was in the heart of Athens. I lived a block for Kalimarmaro Stadium and a mile or two from the acropolis. My favorite place had to have been this little community called Exarchia. It’s where most of the new incoming immigrants

and the “Anarchists” live. It had the best graffiti in all of Athens, both political and personal. College Year in Athens (CYA) was the best program I could’ve asked for. We had classes only four days a week, leaving us the whole weekend to do what we want. We went on three mandatory trips this semester: Crete, Delphi, and the Peloponnese. These trips were filled with great bonding activities to get to know most of the people there, great food, and a lot of archeological sites. Each trip was educational yet fun. It was nice to explore different parts of Greece outside of Athens. The people at CYA are also some of the best. The professors really pushed us to explore all that Athens had to offer by giving us place young and old people go and giving us some local spots that most tourists and visitors know nothing about. They were always so helpful and welcoming but not at all overbearing. We were very free to go out, experience new things, and actually talk about what we experienced in Athens during class lectures and such. I can definitely say that my time in Athens would not have been as memorable or enjoyable without CYA and the staff with in it.

 read more

CYA prepared me so well by helping me complete all the necessary documents needed to study abroad. They set up transportation from the airport upon my arrival which made me feel so welcomed. The apartments were in a perfect location in the city, being

in the same neighborhood as the Panhellenic Stadium and a short walk from the Acropolis and other ruins. The program field trips allowed me to see historical and archaeological sites I never would have dreamed I'd visit. The close-knit feel of this program prevented me from feeling homesick the whole semester I was there, and now being back in the states, I feel homesick from Athens!

 read more

What a wonderful program! I loved living in the city center of Athens! The professors and staff helped me learn about the Greek culture- past and present! I traveled to Delphi, Crete, and the Peloponnese (Olympia and Sparta) on the included field trips

guided by the professors- experts in their fields. I ate the local food at the many tavernas and drank coffee at local cafes. My classes went on field trips to museums, sites, and cafes around Athens. I miss Greece already!

 read more

The strengths of College Year in Athens definitely included the fact that they were able to offer a variety of opportunities for all academic and non-academic interests. They also did a fantastic job with our experience outside of the classroom. What

I learned outside of the classroom was most definitely the most valuable piece I took away from studying abroad. College Year in Athens does an incredible job at making sure you learn not only in the classroom but also outside of the classroom with the optional and required field trips that are offered. Outside of the classroom I was able to connect with the Greek culture by visiting coffee shops, going to the National Garden, and even going to a different part of Athens and interacting with the locals. I was luckily able to learn a little bit of the Greek language and was able to interact on a different level with the Greek population. I also volunteered most of my time at the refugee center in Athens and I was able to immerse myself in the culture and the lifestyle of a refugee. I was able to learn incredible stories about individuals who were of a variety of ages and came from different places. Outside of the classroom I was also able to learn a lot about myself, who I really am and the impact I can have on a society and those around me. In academics, College Year in Athens shines! Especially because they have some of the greatest professors in the social science realm of studies. Not a heavy course load but one always needs to make sure they do the work and pay attention, like any class. The living arrangements were not the best but they also weren’t the worst. One has the option to live with a host family or live in an apartment with other individuals. Everything you need is in the apartment and if it isn't there you can request something. Also, the staff was extremely nice and responded quickly if there were any issues that had arisen within our apartment. I cannot say better things about the director and the program staff, they are absolutely incredible. During my time in Athens, they were extremely helpful, attentive, and focused on each student’s own needs in order to succeed. I enjoyed working with Nadia, she was helpful in assisting me in attaining my internship with the refugee center. I absolutely enjoyed my internship at Caritas Hellas, the refugee center located in Athens. I was able to connect with all types of individuals on an extremely personal level. I was in a different country surrounded by people from various different backgrounds and beliefs, yet for some reason I felt a connection with each and every one of them. I am so thankful I was able to assist the little time that I was at the refugee center. I will never forget my time there, the people I interacted with, and the way I felt when I was there. Reflecting back on my experience, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 read more

Studying abroad in Greece with CYA was the best time of my life. They went above and beyond to make sure that we saw as much of Greece as we could, and that we learned as much as we could. Living in Greece was completely different than living in the US,

but I can honestly say that I enjoyed the laid back lifestyle a lot more than the rushed one in the US. I've been gone less than a month, but I already miss my home away from home in Athens.

 read more

CYA was amazing. The neighborhood was perfect and there was always something to do. Night life is so fun! Nadia always sent out a weekly news letter with events around town which was soooo helpful and Jennifer was always ready to find something for you!

There is so much to see and explore. Greeks are so welcoming and they have a way of making you feel as though you never left home. This experience was life-changing and I can't wait to go back! The library had a few technical issues such as wifi but this is something that could be fixed. Home-stay was great and not very far and the farmer's market was the best part along with the waffles from Poco Poco <3

 read more

CYA was an amazing program to study abroad through. Something I really valued was that CYA incorporates field trips to different regions of Greece, exposing the students to the regional histories and cultures. In addition to the three field trips incorporated

into the curriculum are multiple optional field trips ranging from a day trip to nearby sites, an overnight trip to hike Mount Olympus, and get aways for the entire weekend to places like Cyprus or Andros. As a student you meet other students from across the United States and local Greeks. It was very easy to find a niche in the neighborhood, and become friends with coffee shop and restaurant owners and workers. There are many opportunities to go and explore the city and other countries. The professors are amazing, doing everything they can to provide a wonderful learning environment, and to help the students gain a better understanding of Greece. They're great to go to for suggestions and questions. Many of the classes have on-site components which provide incredible learning opportunities.

 read more

My experience abroad in Greece with CYA has been nothing short of wonderful. I chose CYA's program because of the experiential, hands-on learning that it claimed to provide, and I was not disappointed. All of their professors were experts in their field,

and they accompanied us to off-site classes, and even week-long field trips; their lectures on-site truly enhanced the learning experience. Being able to see everything we were learning about in person was truly a game-changer. Not only was it a great place to grow academically, CYA also encourages you to fully understand Greek culture, giving out recommendations for activities to do and places to go. They will help you find opportunities for things you are interested in, whether it be sports, volunteering, or marble carving. My experience here has been fulfilling and CYA has helped facilitate that.

 read more

For two month Greece was my home. I walked the city knowing (somewhat) of where I was going. When I first got to Athens, I was very nervous. However, through my classes I learned what it was like to live like the Greeks. I ate so much amazing fresh food,

met new friends, and gained the confidence to travel anywhere on the weekends. This program introduced me to my new passion of trying things and discovering who I was.

 read more

I learned more in this course than I have in any previous archaeology/art history course I've taken. Learning was so much more effective for me being able to actually see the artifacts and archaeological sites we were learning about. My professor was

highly knowledgeable in the class topic and all the activities we did inside and outside of the classroom gave me a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean Bronze Age, in terms of both art and daily life. We stayed in an apartment very close to the academic building, in the heart of Athens, and I had my own room and only shared a bathroom with four other girls. The rooms were spacious, there was plenty of room and storage, and its proximity to everything was fantastic. We traveled quite a bit for my course, as well (including Santorini and Crete), which was my favorite part of the program. Overall, I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a lot while also seeing many different parts of Greece -- there's plenty of time spent in class, but just as much discovering the country on your own!

 read more

It would be an incredible feat if I could sit here and express all the gratitude and love I have for this country, its people, and the program that immersed me in all of it. My life changed because of my year in Greece, and College Year in Athens made

that absolutely possible, with the best of their ability. It would have been so easy to let myself be sheltered in my little Pagkrati apartment, but CYA knows how to reach out to even the most shy of students. There was never any shortage of activities outside of schoolwork to immerse students in the culture: I went on hikes with a Greek hiking group most Sundays, and traveled to parts of Greece that most other students never see. I went sailing for three days around the Saronic islands, and I even got to sail to Mykonos. I tried Greek dancing (keyword, tried, but definitely enjoyed) and volunteered in the Agora archives and handled original 1930’s excavation notebooks! Then for the summer (because I couldn’t stand to leave after spring term ended), I became an au pair to a wonderful Greek family. I packed years of experience into my single year in Greece, and all of that was done with guidance from CYA. They truly respect their students as adults, and that’s why the classes are also as engaging and diverse as they are. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had class on the Acropolis, but I know I’ve been inside the Parthenon twice because of those classes. With the care of one professor, I presented my first academic paper and performed in a comedy by Aristophanes. CYA even provides trips to Crete, Delphi, the Peloponnese, and Thessaloniki led by the wonderful professors who bring not only the ancient and modern history of the places, but also the personal familiarity and humor you can’t find with a typical tour guide. Of course, since being back in the States, I miss the real Greek gyros and the strong coffee. I miss the friendliness of the shop owners who took personal interests in your life and helped you learn Greek along the way. I miss the weekly farmer’s markets that packed every fruit and vegetable you can imagine. I miss wandering the streets of Athens and using the Acropolis as a personal compass. And not even the last, certainly not the least, I miss the crystal waters of the Aegean. Hopefully, it won’t be too long until I’m back there again, and I encourage everyone to experience this same amazing, unforgettable adventure.

 read more

One of the best decisions I've ever made was choosing College Year in Athens to be my study abroad experience. CYA made Greece feel like my home. The staff and professors were wonderful, engaging, and experts in their respective fields. There were many

opportunities to immerse ourselves into the culture and to feel like a Greek. Learning greek and speaking it to the Greeks was something I got joy out of every single time. I loved spending time among the Greeks and I will always count Greece as one of my homes. The Greeks are kind, passionate, and engaging people. Oh, how many times I wished I was Greek! One of my favorite things about Greece is the rich history and I cannot describe the amazing feeling of standing in the Parthenon or in the Ancient Agora and trying to absorb the monumentality of the history that is still standing after so many years. I would recommend this program to any and everyone!

 read more

The course was challenging but fair. The work did not interfere with exploring Greece, and made me think more about what I was seeing. The journals and writing forced me to think about my surroundings and made me appreciate my trip so much more! Professor

Turina was extremely prepared and knowledgeable. She helped explain a lot of culture differences and helped us assimilate to culture and way of life. I participated in class the same amount that I would at Siena, and it made me enjoy the course so much more. If you didn't participate in the discussion then the course would drag, but being engaged made it fun and extremely beneficial. The grade was based on 4 big assignments, daily journals, and class participation. It was simple and easy to know how you were doing in the course. The administration was beyond helpful. They helped with anything and everything. Recommended a ballet for us to go to one evening and made sure everything went smoothly and we were safe. The apartments gave you the chance to be independent. Walking around the city and walking to class everyday gave us a chance to really feel like a local and dive right into the culture. The hotels were extremely nice and clean. The food took some getting use to but was delicious. Lunch at CYA was always Greek food, giving us more opportunities to try different things, and the portions were enough to fill you up! There were always options to have 'American' food at restaurants, but the local fish was always a tastier option. We were able to dive right into the local culture. The people were extremely friendly and wanted to talk to us and ask us questions. It was very inviting and welcoming. Eating and sharing meals with locals made the experience so much better! I felt as safe as anyone can feel when traveling in a foreign country for the first time. There were certain areas we stayed away from for obvious reasons, but CYA made us aware of any issues and made our safety their number 1 concern.

 read more

Studying abroad was one of my college bucket list items, and I had been looking forward to doing it since I started planning for college. I couldn't look back and say exactly what my expectations were, but I can say they were high. I'm glad I ended up

choosing CYA, because the program and the trip I went on managed to exceed what those expectations were. Everything from the living arrangements to the classes I took were amazing, and I'm so happy I was able to have this experience in Greece. The apartments CYA houses their students in are large, with excellent utilities (and air conditioning) that made feeling like living in Greece a possibility. The apartment buildings were Greek apartment buildings with non-student residents, which really made one feel as if they were a part of Greek culture. The classes were very interesting and it was fascinating to learn about Greece while in Greece. One of my favorite parts of my trip was going to the Greek islands for a week. It was an amazing experience seeing island culture up close and staying in some of the most beautiful places in the world. The food, in both the city of Athens and on the islands, was delicious even if the person eating it wasn't a fan of Mediterranean food. This was an excellent program that provided an excellent experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat.

 read more

The connections and memories made here are those that last a lifetime. The exploring of many different parts of Greece allowed for me to learn much more than I ever could have on my own in this wonderful country, in numerous different ways. Whether it

was through cultural experiences, in the classroom, on archeological sites, or just interactions with the locals, it resulted in an unforgettable experiences that would not have been possible if not for CYA. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad, whether it's over the summer or during the semester. My only regret is that I couldn't stay longer.

 read more

I didn't know what to expect when I first came to Athens. I had never been to Greece before, and I had never taken any classes outside of North America. I knew it would be different, and that I would meet a lot of people and see a ton of new things, but

I never thought I would have the amazing and life-changing semester that I did. Athens, first and foremost, is such an amazing city. I love history, and it was really cool to be able to see places where some of the most important moments in history happened. To stand beneath the Acropolis, to have class right beside the First Olympic Stadium, and to see the place where Socrates and Plato taught their pupils, truly was awe-inspiring. Being able to experience different parts of Greece helped me to more fully appreciate how great a country it is. The people, first, are definitely some of the nicest people you will ever meet. It was not uncommon for restaurant owners to give our group a complimentary dessert after the meal, and want to know more about our experience as Americans in Greece. People were extremely helpful, and always willing to recommend a good restaurant or site to see. Greece as a country is absolutely amazing as well. Getting to see Thessaloniki, Delphi, and the Peloponnese was an opportunity that I will be forever grateful for. These are off the beaten path, and really gave me a chance to experience parts of Greece I would have never travelled to on my own or with my family. Lastly, CYA was absolutely incredible. These professors are so qualified in their fields, and they really do just want to see you grow. They were so kind, and I learned so much. Thank you, CYA!

 read more

This summer I studied abroad with CYA. I took a course called the Anthropology of Food in Greece: the Mediterranean Diet and More. On the surface this course already sounds incredible. I mean what is better to do in Greece than eat food! This course was

even more incredible because not only were we able to eat Greek food, but we got to experience the entire Greek lifestyle. From sharing and eating meals together to seeing food production, we got to experience it all. This summer has been absolutely amazing and honestly much of the time felt completely surreal. I would recommend this program and CYA to anyone even considering studying abroad.

 read more

Spending a semester in Greece through College Year in Athens was a life changing experience for me. I was surprised at how quickly I felt comfortable in the city, which was at once very familiar and welcoming and also completely different from anywhere

I'd visited before. The locals were friendly and eager to talk to me about our shared love of Athens and to help me with my Greek conversation skills. Learning a new language in the classroom is one thing, but it's quite another to put that knowledge to use in the "real world," but everyone was patient and helpful and seemed genuinely pleased that I was making an effort. As a classical studies major Athens was the obvious choice for me when I decided to go abroad, and CYA did not disappoint. I was able to study modern and ancient Greek side by side, and also take archaeology and art history courses held almost exclusively at nearby museums or on site. One class we were even allowed to go inside the Parthenon, an area that is blocked off to the public. Often studying for a midterm meant walking to the National Archaeological Museum for another look at a significant sculpture, and researching for a paper meant heading up to the Akropolis to inspect a set of ancient foundations and form an opinion about their implications. Athens is a vibrant city full of good food, loving cats, impressive street art, and passionate people who truly care about the world and their place in it. Of course my classes were incredible, but what I really took away from my semester was everything else, from hands-on marble carving workshops to countless opportunities to travel both within Greece and to other countries in Europe. Travel highlights include the archaeological sites of Delphi, Mycenae, and Knossos, and a weekend trip to Barcelona. I was also able to participate in a weekend sailing trip through CYA in which we slept on the boats and visited a few different island near Athens. During my time in Greece I've forged friendships that will endure for years, and memories that will last a lifetime.

 read more

It’s hard to avoid falling into clichés when describing my semester with CYA Athens, because those four months really were life changing, eye-opening, and nothing short of a dream. Of course, the country of Greece is unspeakably beautiful, and I am

amazed at the huge variety of places I was able to see. From the otherworldly landscape of ‘Meteora' with 15th century monasteries perched atop shocking rock formations to the volcanic cliffs of Santorini… The beaches and mountain ranges were surprisingly diverse but equally spectacular, and each island, village and city had a uniquely charming vibe. The best part of experiencing Greece was not the breathtaking vistas, however. It was the people of Greece, hands down. Sometimes I still shake my head in grateful amazement when I think of all the ways and times that I was shown generosity, warmth and downright familial love from too many people to count. This alone changed me, and is something that I hope to pass on to others wherever I go in life. The CYA staff was not an exception to this rule; in fact, they were all some of the most wonderful and interesting people I met in Greece. The academic component of this program was just as excellent. The material for my classes was stimulating and fascinating, and the professors were fantastic. They gave us more individual attention than I’ve ever had in college and took us on once-in-a-lifetime field trips like inside Parliament and an Orthodox monastery, and to archaeological sites, museums and exhibits. As if this weren’t enough, CYA takes all of its students on multiple school-wide field trips that last for as long as one week. This gives you the opportunity to hear about historic and cultural sites from experts in the field in a way that would never be possible as a tourist. All in all, I can hardly overstate how highly I recommend College Year in Athens. It opened my mind to new perspectives and taught me so much about the world. But also, it taught me so much about myself. I truly can say that I feel like Greece has become like a second home, and that is in large part thanks to CYA.

 read more

It is hard to sum up the experience I had with CYA in words.. I can honestly say that the 8+ weeks I spent in Greece have been the best weeks of my life thus far, in part thanks to CYA. I am a science major at my home university, but the two classes I

took in Greece that focused on the anthropology of the Mediterranean diet and the archaeology of the Bronze Age really opened my eyes to some more of my academic interests and enriched my liberal arts education. The professors at CYA are obviously passionate about what they are teaching, and I think that this attribute really made us students not only want to learn more but to actually care about what we were learning. The structure of the summer programs allowed for personal travel and exploration which were huge parts of my experience as a whole and really instilled within me a desire to continue traveling in the future. While studying abroad through CYA, students lived with other students from the United States. While I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be living with a more international crowd, I think that this arrangement had some “pros” as well. Culture shock is a real thing and to be able to come back home to other American students that were speaking English and experiencing the same emotions was comforting in a experience that was often very overwhelming and uncomfortable. I was in Greece during the summer of 2015 when the economic situation was very interesting and sometimes unsettling, yet I always felt safe being with CYA because they continuously ensured us that everything would be okay and had emergency plans in place if things went awry. I think that that speaks greatly for the structure of the program. I would recommend a program in Greece to anyone that is looking for a experience full of culture, history, and the iconic hospitality that is often associated with the beautiful country.

 read more

I studied abroad with CYA in the spring of 2015. I am of Greek descent, and so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to study in Greece. Going into the semester, I didn't really expect much from the program and I had no strong feelings about CYA one way

or another. However, once I got the Greece and started experiencing life in Athens, I came to quickly appreciate CYA. They made sure that everything from finding your apartment on the first day to finding an internship in Athens was as easy and trouble-free as possible. They have a wonderful woman, Nadia, who connected me and my friends with several different organizations, including recreational sports, hiking, academic groups, and even teaching English to refugees. Even more, CYA provided us with several wonderful trips through Greece. These trips are super fun (literally driving through beautiful Greece -- trust me, it's stunning), and they're at no extra cost. We went to Delphi, Thessaloniki (Greece's second largest city), Sparta, and a plethora of archaeological sites. I wish I could do it again! Regarding academics, CYA can really be whatever you want it to be. I managed to get all of my classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I had a four-day weekend every week. My days with classes were busy, but two of my classes met on-site, and so I would spend my mornings walking archaeological sites and visiting ancient monuments. For one of my classes, we actually held class inside some of the monuments, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaia. 10/10 would do it again. My only qualm with CYA is how much time you spend with other American students. I didn't end up making too many Greek friends, as most of my time was spent with my classmates. However, I think this was more my fault than anyone else's, as CYA provided ample support for people looking to get involved in the city and community -- I just didn't take advantage of that as I should have. Over all, I loved CYA and can't recommend it highly enough.

 read more