Study Abroad in Greece with CYA (Semester/Academic Year)

My semester at College Year in Athens went above and beyond my expectations of what I could have ever expected from study abroad. In my time leading up to my semester in Athens, I had heard from students who had studied abroad previously that it was going to be a great time. I had created this vacation-like idea where I would simply be relaxing and having fun for three and a half months in Europe. And yes, it was the most fun three and a half months I’ve ever had. The density of central Athens is enchanting but not overwhelming. The community is warmer and more welcoming than any other. Every day I spent in Athens I felt like I was learning more than ever, even when I wasn’t in class. Living every day in Pangrati gave me a better appreciation for the little things and a better general sense of my place in the world. For me, the academics at CYA were the perfect balance of being intellectually challenging without taking away from time I could spend in the city. The field studies included in the program brought me places I never would have gone on my own and provided critical insight to appreciate them with. These field studies are also a perfect way to make new friends. The many adventures I went on during my time at CYA gave me a passion for exploration, trying new foods, and talking to new people that I never knew I had. I don’t know if there will ever be a time in my life I will look back on more fondly.

You went to classes in the city with erudite (and fun) professors, you made friends with people from different colleges or even different countries, you travelled to so many places and had your phone loaded with photos abroad -- and in the end you're left with friendships with people you had met on this way, and stories to tell others again and again. The aftertaste of this semester is so strong that I can't spare a day not thinking about it and how it's still transforming me into a better person long after the ending.

I studied with CYA in the spring of 2025 and had an overall great experience. I lived with a host family (organized through CYA)--who were wonderful and really helped with my cultural immersion process. The course offerings were great; there was a lot of variety.