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?

As an archaeology student specifically, it was amazing to see the things that I had learned about in my courses in-person. I would get so excited walking past the Acropolis, or going to see various museums (especially the NAM). It really helped get a physical sense for what I've been studying. Even not through the lens of an archaeology student, though, it was an invaluable experience. I truly feel that being immersed in another culture for four months allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the world and the interactions between various peoples, as well as to more fully understand the perspective of those living in Greece specifically and Europe in general. It helped me to get a sense of cosmopolitanism I was lacking before. It certainly didn't hurt that Greece was beautiful, either! I would have found it a valuable experience even if it were not directly relevant to my field of study. Moreover, I think that learning about the ancient world (as we did on the field study trips) can be useful even for those not studying it, to broaden their understanding of how our modern world came to be.

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

I would want them to be aware that the culture of Greece is going to be different than what they are used to in the U.S. (or other places, but I am speaking from the perspective of a student from the U.S.). It is not different in a bad way, but there are certainly differences that can be jarring at first even though they are not negative. I would also advise prospective students to make sure to explore the country (and even just the city of Athens itself)! I found the course material rewarding and important, but I also got a lot out of simply existing in Athens and being physically in Greece. I would recommend any prospective student be sure to explore.

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, Religion while abroad

Favorite food in Greece?

Spanakopita!

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Bronze Age Archaeology and Religions of the Middle East

Favorite quote from abroad?