Studying abroad, for however long, is a transformative experience that helps you find independence traveling in another country. It also helps you find out more about not only yourself but other cultures. I first decided to apply to CYA because I felt like I was missing something in my life and I needed to step outside of my comfort zone to find it. My family had just experienced a tragedy with the sudden death of my aunt in a car accident, and this opened my eyes to the fact that life can change on a dime, so if you have the opportunity to do something like study abroad, you shouldn't wait. Besides traveling to Canada (I live in New York so it is not too far of a drive), I have never been outside the country, let alone by myself. The thought of this made me nervous, but I knew that I needed to do it in order to grow as a person. During my time over the summer, I got to meet other students from all over and even learn about some of their cultures. Additionally, I took a political science class, which is outside my typical realm of knowledge. However, this allowed me to expand my scope of learning and also realize that there were aspects of that field that I could carry over into my area of learning, which is healthcare. I never would have gotten these diverse experiences that helped me become a more evolved, confident person if it were not for my study abroad experience. What advice do you have for prospective students who are interested in or planning to study abroad with CYA?

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

There is really no other time where you will have an opportunity like this where you can travel the world and get academic credit for it. I had always told myself that I would wait to travel until after college, but then I realized that the opportunity was right in front of me and I didn't have to wait, and I am so glad that I didn't. It definitely puts you outside of your comfort zone, and there may be times where you feel uncomfortable in a new environment, but one thing that I learned is that you have to embrace a little bit of discomfort in order to really get the full abroad experience. And there are so many resources to help you!

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

One thing that surprised me was how much people in other countries know about American politics. This gave me a reality check to become a bit more aware of what is happening in our own country, because even people in Greece are keeping up with the happenings of American politics.

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, Student athlete

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

On our last travel trip to Crete, our professor took our class up to the roof of the ferry during an overnight ride. While there, she taught us Greek cultural dances, and other classmates from different cultures shared their own dances as well. We all learned a little bit more about each other's cultures, and it was an amazing way to end a transformative summer session.

Favorite food in Greece?

Pork Gyros (specifically from Grill & Pita!)

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Reimagining Profitability in Age of Populist Politics with Eve Geroulis

Favorite quote from abroad?

"May the journey be a long one" - Eve Geroulis