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?

Studying abroad not only helped me learn more about myself but about my roots and upbringing. Being thrown into a new country by myself has allowed me to feel more comfortable with my own company, especially as an extrovert. Besides helping me grow personally, studying in Athens has helped me connect more with my culture since my mother is from Greece. This experience has helped me grow immensely by pushing me to become more independent and advocate for my wants and needs. Studying abroad has also introduced me to the field of urbanism, which I have not had the opportunity to study at my home institution. Studying in Athens has allowed me to approach my majors from a worldly perspective due to the connection between our studies and the culture around us.

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

My advice for future CYA students is don’t be afraid to explore on your own. Four months flies by and you don’t want to regret not visiting places because you didn’t have someone to explore with. Going abroad is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and becoming more independent, so really take advantage of that and do things that you truly want to do. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to locals and learn more about the culture! Locals will give you the best recommendations for Athens, and they also really enjoy learning more about the US (and practicing their English!)

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:

LGBTQ student, Finances while abroad, low-income, first-generation

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

For Greek Easter, I spent my time on an island called Milos. Greek Easter has always been my favorite holiday growing up due to the emphasis on food and family, and the fact that it was my name day. Although I am not extremely religious, I went to the midnight service for Easter. The whole town came together at this one church and fireworks filled the sky at midnight. After the service, everyone went downtown to this one taverna to eat. The menu only consisted of a few items, but it felt extremely homey and comforting. This moment was very special to me because it reminded me of my Greek family at home, which I missed dearly after being away for nearly four months.

Favorite food in Greece?

Bifteki or Tirokafteri

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Radical Geography and Feminist Urbanism. International Experience and the Case of Athens