Based on your experience with CYA, what are some of the benefits of spending a semester or summer abroad? How has studying abroad contributed to your personal, academic, and professional development?

Personally, I think I’ve grown tremendously during my time at CYA. I came here without knowing anyone and came out with (hopefully) lifelong friends and incredible experiences. I really pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and was able to thrive. It’s not something I would have been able to do at home, and I really appreciate my experience abroad for showing me that I can do it.

Academically and professionally, my classes and my internship have provided me with a host of skills and experiences that I couldn’t have gotten at home. I’ve gotten to work with some of the biggest names in my field and do hands-on research. These experiences have been truly unique and I’m incredibly grateful for them.

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

For prospective students, I would tell them to take advantage of every opportunity. For example, signing up for CYA’s optional trips was probably the best decision I made before I came here. I went places and did things I wouldn’t have done on my own and I think it was less expensive than it would have been had I decided to travel on my own. Also, I would encourage students to go on CYA-sponsored outings with Niki! This is something I wish I had taken advantage of more, and I want CYA students to really experience Athens!

For students who have committed to CYA, I think it’s important to know that the adjustment period can be really rough. It took me about three days, which doesn’t sound particularly long, but they were really the longest three days of my life. Since I had been to Greece before, I thought it would be a breeze and I wouldn’t have to worry about any anxiety. I had people at my study abroad orientation at school tell me that the adjustment would be difficult, but I really was not prepared for how intense it would be. I would tell students that even though it is going to be difficult, it will pass, and the experience will be more than worth a couple hard days.

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:

Classical Studies major, Finances, Greece-based traveler, LGBTQIA+ student

Briefly describe a cultural experience you had that was significant to you in any way.

Every time I went to the bakery, I spoke with the lady who owned the shop! She didn’t know very much English, so we would talk in a mix of Greek and English which I thought was very cool.

Favorite food in Greece?

Zucchini balls!

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Aegean Prehistory: The Rise and Fall of Bronze Age Cultures

Favorite quote from abroad?

“For some reason, all of the churches are built in A.D.”