Being a student at CYA means you will have the chance to participate in the many different extracurricular activities we organize every semester. Many of these activities will enhance your understanding of Greek culture and immerse you in the vibrant local scene.

We encourage you to strike out on your own and find outlets of expression for your individual interests. Becoming involved in outside activities will also help you find friends with similar interests, but most importantly, you will have lots of fun. Athens is a rich cultural environment offering a wealth of things to do, from attending concerts at Athens’ Megaron Mousikis (Concert Hall) to joining the Athens Singers, painting in an Athenian artist’s studio, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen.

Wondering how to keep up with your dance lessons while you’re here, looking for art supplies, or searching for the best jazz bar in town? Check in with the Student Services Office.

Our Academic Center is located right beside the Panathenaic Stadium which hosted the first modern Olympics (1896). There is a jogging track through the park surrounding the Stadium which is ideal for keeping up with your running. You may also run in the Stadium early in the morning by purchasing an entry ticket. Contact the Student Affairs office for more details upon arrival or early in the semester.

Fall semester students can also participate in the annual Athens Authentic Marathon.

CYA students proudly participate in the 36th Athens Authentic Marathon – read the story on our blog

There is a Street Workout gym located in Fokianos Sports Park opposite CYA and the Panathenaic Stadium. It provides indoor and outdoor training in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees and greenery. It also offers innovative fitness classes and is fully equipped with weightlifting racks, TRX handles, pushup bars, dip stations, medicine balls, BOSU, heavy ropes, a pilates studio (Reformer, Wunda chair) and much more.

Being a student-athlete abroad – read Arianna Chen’s story on our blog

In addition to the faculty-led Optional Study Trips, various other trips are organized by CYA throughout the academic year depending on opportunities and student interest. Students get to experience various aspects of Greek life outside of the capital.

• Day at a farm in Halkida to harvest olives and grapes
• Visit a Winery
• Weekend retreats to Mt. Athos Monastery or a Nunnery
• Walking, hiking and skiing weekends on Mt. Parnassos
• Greek Cooking Lessons
• Embroidery classes
• Debates
• Film and theater lectures
• Various sports and athletic activities
• Basketball, volleyball, soccer, rugby
• Horseback riding, fencing, sailing, scuba diving
• Hiking trip to Mt. Olympus (fall semester)
• Running the Athens Classic Marathon (fall semester)
• Orange picking

*Most of the above activities require supplemental fees.