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?

Studying abroad with CYA allowed me to explore Greece and Europe with like-minded people. Because I was abroad my classes would often visit the historical sites we were covering in person which gave important context. I consider myself a visual learner and being there in person allowed me to not only internalize the information I was taught but come up with outside observations a picture would never give me. Studying abroad has helped me realize the joys of traveling with friends and the importance of being open-minded to spontaneous activities. Professionally I improved because the professors I was taught by were all practiced archeologists with incredible passion for what they taught. I believe my archeological repertoire has improved significantly because of this experience as I already find myself putting some of the techniques I learned into use in the field.

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

Make sure you have extra room for souvenirs, also the thrift stores around Europe are great highly recommend a visit. Beyond that I’d say keep an open mind to new experiences, some of my favorite moments happened because of spontaneous trips.

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.

I did not have any political conversations however I found Greece to be very open minded. If there was anything I was not used to it would be the amount of protests but I do not live in a big city so I am not sure how common that is globally.

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:

Accessibility, Classical Studies major, Finances, Greece-based traveler, Mental health, Religion

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

A week after arriving in Greece my friends and I went to the restaurant Victory and the hostess brought us coffee and desserts at no charge. This experience emphasizes the hospitality in Greece to me.

Favorite food in Greece?

Moussaka

Favorite class you took at CYA?

The Topography and Monuments of Athens

Favorite quote from abroad?

"I can't believe this place is real"