There were so many benefits regarding my experience with CYA for the Spring 2024 semester. Some benefits were that I got to explore and travel, see parts of the world I have never seen before. Benefits include being comfortable being alone some times and gaining a deeper sense of independence. Being abroad here also taught me that I can slow things down and actually enjoy living life while also staying on top of academics too. Here I was learned how to balance work/life/school which was super important. Studying abroad has also helped me learn what I want in life, I feel like the lifestyles here are very different from the US and it makes me rethink what I want to do, but in such a good way. Through my classes and internships I got to gain knowledge in more fields. Through CYA too I also made a lot of new friendships and these are friendships that I know are going to last. Experiencing something like study abroad with a group of people and spending almost every day with them over the course of 4 months makes you bonded and I am so grateful for it.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are interested in or planning to study abroad with CYA?

Before I went abroad I had so many questions. Some of the things I wish I knew before starting by study abroad experience was how to deal with finances and what is a good way to budget. I also wanted to know how Athens specifics such as what are things to do in the area, whether the cost of living is high, where are there could hiking/beach sports, f public transit easy to use? I felt like, for me personally, one of the things I really wanted help with besides budgeting or how to plan or prep for it, was packing. I never been to Europe before, let alone outside the NorthEast in the U.S., so I had no idea what to pack or how much to pack.

please select any of the following that apply to you, and that you would be willing to share about your CYA experience with other students:

Finances, First-time international traveler, Post-graduate networking

Favorite food in Greece?

Souvlaki

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Feminist Urbanism and Radical Geography