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?

I'd say that community, trying new things, and learning a lot about both the past and present of a culture are some of the biggest benefits of studying at CYA for a semester and honestly made me wish I was here for an academic year. Studying abroad has opened my eyes to a lot of different topics both within my own academic discipline and outside of my usual sphere, which has been very eye-opening in helping me discover my own interests and fall in love with Greece. Plus, while I've been here, I've been working with the MediaLab which has helped me get a taste for working with a social media team—which is one of the jobs I'd pursue in the future if not working as a professor!

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

It's okay to go on solo outings—not everything has to be done with a large group if you aren't comfortable with it. But it's also important to make sure you've put research into the safety of where you're going and the time of day in which you're traversing. A solo trip to the port is perfectly okay!

How was the political climate in Greece different from what are you used to? If applicable, describe a time when you had to navigate a political conversation during your time abroad.

People are much less filtered. They will express their opinion even if its the opposite of your own, and are super willing to hear other people's opinions even if its a heavy differentiation.

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, Mental health while abroad

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

When visiting Crete, I sat with Professor Demetrios Kritsotakis who is from the island for lunch and tried lots of traditional Cretan foods!

Favorite food in Greece?

Saganaki!

Favorite class you took at CYA?

This is a tough one, they're all good! Attic Tragedy.