Based on my experiences some of the primary benefits are immersing yourself in another culture, gaining new perspectives on your fields of study, and becoming a student of the world. By studying abroad I have expanded my knowledge and interactions beyond the scope of my home institution and now feel like I belong to a wider web of people who love to learn not just my student peers back in the U.S.. Studying abroad also gave me valuable networking connections that I believe will aid me in the future no matter what my career path may be and give me personal connections so I'll always feel like I have a place where I belong away from home. Lastly, I found CYA's academic model that emphasized field studies and being out of the classroom to be an incredible and informative experience that helped me engage with material and culture more.

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

Just be open to new experiences and take advantage of the extracurriculars and extra activities provided by the program. For example, I did the marble carving workshop and frequently attended activities organized by Nicki. These prevented me from spending too much time in my apartment and allowed me to do new things that I might not have done otherwise. I also recommend doing as much travel outside of class as you can particularly just around Greece. Trains and ferries are relatively affordable and travel like this not only let me learn more about Greece, but helped me become more independent.

In terms of what I wish I knew before starting my study abroad experience I think one particular thing is do not be too focused on just taking classes within your current fields of study. If you branch out you might find something new that you love! I ended up finding interests in things that I had never considered to study before and it made me wish I could have taken classes in some of these things.

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.

It was definitely a little more turbulent than I was used to. I never felt unsafe, but I was surprised by the frequency of protests and did sometimes have to plan around these to get to class since we often met somewhere like a museum or site. I never really talked to anyone about politics though so if this is an uncomfortable thing for some people it was at least easy to avoid.

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, LGBTQIA+ student, Mental health, Post-graduate networking, anthropology and studio art major

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

A cultural experience I had that was significant was the Kypseli walk with Nicki early in the program. Nicki took us to Kypseli neighborhood and took us to a handful of businesses owned by immigrants. This was not something I would have done on my own and I learned so much about the diverse people who live in Greece.

Favorite food in Greece?

Souvlaki Kotopoulo! (chicken souvlaki)

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Either Archaeological Drawing or Modern Greek!

Favorite quote from abroad?

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?

I was involved in the marble carving workshop, embroidery classes, miscellaneous organized activities (walks, workshops, talks, performances)