Studying abroad can be a defining period in a student’s educational experience; it will transform their perspectives on the global environment and significantly contribute to their personal growth and future goals. However, you - and the student - may have a wide range of feelings about this upcoming experience, from excitement about its potential to stress at the idea of being far apart and dealing with a new culture.

Encouraging independence before students depart will make it easier for them to thrive once they are actually in Greece. Students may ask for help in preparing for their studies abroad, for example. Instead of offering to do something for them (filling out paperwork, calling our office, etc.), you can empower them by encouraging them to do the research necessary to complete tasks themselves. Before they depart, also make sure that you discuss their and your own expectations and encourage them to contact our on-site staff if they have any questions or concerns once they arrive in Greece. 

CYA’s North American Office will be in touch with students at every stage of the pre-departure process to ensure they submit everything necessary. Each student must submit all CYA forms, a signed participation agreement, and payment for program fees. Semester/year students must also submit an application for an ISIC (International Student ID Card) and attend a visa webinar.

CYA’s North American Office will be in touch with all students about arrival dates and how to book flights once they have been accepted into the program. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to Greece. Before purchasing a ticket, we recommend doing some research into student travel agencies, discount airfares, and the airlines themselves. Remember to ask about student rates. Once a flight has been booked, students must submit a Flight Information Form (found on the Accepted Student website) in order to notify CYA of their arrival date and flight information.

In an effort to enhance student safety and security, each CYA student is required to carry a mobile telephone with a Greek phone number.

Students who currently carry GSM mobile phones with international capability can use these phones while in Greece - if ‘unlocked’ - by replacing their SIM card with a Greek one. Contact your mobile phone service provider to confirm that your phone has international capability ant is 'unlocked'.

CYA will provide students with Greek SIM cards. With a Greek SIM card, incoming calls from anywhere in the world are free of charge provided that the student and telephone are (physically) in Greece.

It is good practice to make a data file containing all the information you and a student might need while they are away. We suggest that this file contains: