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?

I think it is always a great experience to study in a different country because it allows you to gain perspective. Participating in a dig in Greece, being led by Greek professors was a valuable experience because it allowed me to see a different way of teaching. Experiencing these differences I believe will be very valuable in my future because I will be able to work with people from all over the world and be a compassionate and open-minded individual.

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

Don't be scared to take the leap! If the program you are looking at seems outside of your comfort zone, then all the more reason to do it! The challenges you face and the good times you have will allow you to grow as an individual.

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

I remember working on the dig site and the other workmen who were working with us found out I was Greek and their faces lit up. They proceeded to ask me where my family was from in Greece and called me my Greek name. Even though we had a few words we could communicate with each other I could feel that they cared and that was really special to me.

Favorite food in Greece?

kolokithokeftedes