Each semester begins with an orientation period during which students are introduced to CYA's facilities, services, staff, academic procedures and policies, and safety procedures and policies. Students also receive an orientation on the city of Athens and Greece in general. Numerous planned activities provide the opportunity to get to know fellow students, as well as faculty and staff. During this period, students meet individually with the Director of Student Affairs and schedule a meeting with the Director of Academic Affairs to discuss their program of studies.

Orientation and acculturation, however, are in fact part of a process of adjustment that affects each student differently. The College Year in Athens program offers the opportunity to acquire a broader perspective of the world and an understanding of a very diverse, fascinating, and proud culture. Making the adjustment to Greek ways of life and attempting to learn the language can be simultaneously exciting, stressful, challenging, frustrating, and fun. Ultimately, participating in another culture and learning to live and study in an unfamiliar environment require patience, flexibility, an open mind, and equal doses of humor and courage.

Although most students report that participating in the CYA program was one of the most important learning experiences of their lives, they recognize that the experience, although unforgettable, was not always easy-either academically or personally. The greatest achievement of the year is often described as learning to cope with different sets of attitudes, values, and beliefs; to see through European rather than American eyes; and to endure and accept the unfamiliar.

At College Year in Athens, ensuring a successful and safe stay for each student means fostering an atmosphere of open communication between students and staff while encouraging independence and a positive approach to cultural differences.