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?

The benefits of studying abroad are trying new experiences and being outside your comfort zone. You have the opportunity to semi-live as an outsider, which gives you a new level of sympathy and kindness to migrants and people who are not seen as American or a part of the culture. It allowed us to experience and witness all the delightful parts of Greece including the food, lovely people, public transportation, and stunning scenery. It also made me appreciate the US and recognize the privileges I inherently have as a native-born citizen and being understood within the culture. CYA enhanced my personal development tremendously. It has taught me how to be a bigger, more well-rounded person who is more compassionate and open-minded. It has taught me time management, not to sweat the small things, to live in the moment, to appreciate the small things in life, and to be adventurous. CYA has contributed to my academic and personal development by listening to different viewpoints outside of America. It has taught me more about the world but has also caused interest in new fields I was unaware of before.

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

My advice is to make sure you are studying abroad for the right reasons. You should want to come to a foreign country to learn about the people, culture, and lifestyle. Do not study abroad because your friends are doing it, or you don’t want to be alone on campus, or you want to party and get pictures. I have seen people in the program study abroad for these reasons and they dropped out or did not love their experience. I would also recommend opening yourself to new experiences and being adventurous. Be kind to everyone and make an effort to be friends with others because everyone is in the same boat of feeling alone and scared the first couple of weeks. Now that I'm, leaving I wish I would've gotten closer and been more extroverted earlier in the semester so I could have gotten to know my friends sooner. Overall, study abroad because YOU want to, and when you come, be down for everything the programs and country throw at you.

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:

First-time international traveler

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

Going to Crete and going to a pottery village in the mountains

Favorite food in Greece?

Gyro

Favorite class you took at CYA?

The European Union: Challenges and Strategic Choices

Favorite quote from abroad?

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?

I went to CYA held activities, went to the gym, and tried new restaurants