Studying abroad has given me opportunities to expand my knowledge of the cultures, traditions, and ways of life across the globe in ways only possible by the experience itself. Being able to connect with students from other schools and adjusting to unfamiliar ways of life were skills I acquired while studying abroad in Athens. This has helped me to expand my cultural horizons and create stronger networking skills that will help me in my personal and professional growth. As an aspiring physician, having knowledge on other cultures is essential in connecting with patients and providing the most efficient and inclusive care. Taking a course outside of my home university allowed me to connect with other students from different parts of the world and to form lifelong friendships. As a science major, it is not often that I am able to dive deep into the humanities, so being able to take a religion class that followed the emergence of Christianity in Greece was a unique experience that allowed me to not only broaden my academic knowledge but also help me become a more well-rounded student and person. Furthermore, the cultural and academic knowledge, as well as the friendships and overall abroad experience that I have acquired throughout my time in Athens has followed me back to the United States. I am fortunate to share this invaluable experience with my family and friends from home in order to help them also broaden their knowledge about the world around us.

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

One important piece of advice that I would have for prospective students who are interested in studying abroad with CYA would be to not limit yourself to your comfort zone and to never hesitate to fully express the new culture and people around you. Immerse yourself into the culture and embrace it! There were eight total students from my home university traveling to Athens for the Summer Session I program; this made me feel comfortable with my initial travels and I found myself gravitating towards the people I already knew during my first week in Greece. As I began to meet others in the program though, and became closer with the students in my class who were from other universities, I noticed that I felt even further fulfilled with the experience as I had been able to form new bonds with people that I would not have been able to with had I limited my studies to my home campus. While I left Athens feeling satisfied with the fact that I was able to make the most of my time there, my one regret was not branching out to the great people from my class earlier in the program. While studying in a new country with people you do not already know can be nerve-racking, my advice to future CYA students would be to step out of your comfort zone because the connections you form with other students will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Furthermore, do not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone culturally! When I arrived in Athens, I had made a rule for myself to avoid any foods, brands, etc. that were American as I can get those anytime back at home. This allowed me to fully embrace Greek culture during my stay and I am so glad I did!

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:

STEM major

Favorite food in Greece?

Calamari Saganaki

Favorite class you took at CYA?

The Geography of Faith: Paul, and the Emergence of Christianity in the Aegean