Studying abroad with CYA has had a tremendous impact on my personal, academic, and professional development. This semester in Greece has challenged me more than any other semester while simultaneously providing me with endless amounts of new experiences, relationships, adventures, and growth. Study abroad has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone, but forced me to stay there for four months!

Personally, I have grown in humility and open-mindedness as I've learned about Greek culture and norms from my professors, the field study trips, Greek locals, and from simply living here for the past four months. Struggling to learn Greek and feeling out of place for being an American truly taught me how important it is to be willing to learn about and accept new cultures, whether you are in the majority or the minority.

Academically, CYA provided me with a rigorous yet fascinating curriculum and I loved the hands-on aspect of many of my classes. I enjoyed learning from professors who were genuinely passionate about their classes and sought to know me on a personal level, and I loved going out into the city of Athens for class in order to apply our classroom learning to the real world. Professionally, CYA allowed me to volunteer at a local organization that taught me a lot about the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Greece. It was such a great experience and allowed me to build relationships with Greek locals and kids while also helping out at a school. Ultimately, CYA provided me with a well-rounded study abroad experience and it has made an amazing impact on my life!

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

One thing that is important to remember when studying abroad is how difficult change can be, and that it takes time to adjust to life in a foreign country and being surrounded by new people. There may be social pressures and the beginning can be overwhelming because you are hit with so much new stuff all at once, but it is important to remember that everyone is in it together and that the best way to get through it is by supporting each other. The beginning of my study abroad experience was definitely the most difficult, but it was also really good for me and taught me how to intentionally reach out to new people and form relationships with others in my program!

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:

Greece-based traveler, Mental health, Religion, Student of color

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

Celebrating carnival weekend on the island of Naxos was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Seeing all the island locals and tourists from around the world line the village streets with costumes, face paint, torches, and drums was truly an unforgettable experience!

Favorite food in Greece?

Spanakopita

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Modern Greek Language and Culture

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?

Volunteering, playing music at a conservatory