I think that studying abroad with CYA was honestly the best choice I have ever made. It has undoubtedly changed my life and helped me discover myself. With CYA, spending a semester abroad exposed me to many different cultures, ecosystems, people, places, and experiences that I would have never been able to experience anywhere else, never mind the United States. I was able to travel to many different cities, islands, and ways of life that I didn’t even know existed. Through classes and field studies, I was able to broaden my mind and understanding of the world around me and better understand my place within it. I am an only child of a single parent, and traveling alone to a country halfway across the world was completely outside of my comfort zone. I was the only one from my grade at Holy Cross and did not know a single other person who was attending the program. I was honestly terrified and doubted myself and my abilities. However, the second that the transport van from the airport pulled into view of the Kallimarmaron and the CYA sign outside the library, I started to get truly excited and believe in myself. Being abroad, I was able to grow in my religion, work on my mental health, and learn that I am capable of fully taking care of myself in a place full of unknowns. I learned time management, coping skills, and self-sufficiency. I also was able to take incredible classes where I learned the Greek language, studied archeological artifacts and how they were made, and took part in creating a theatrical production based on Greek tragedies. I was challenged academically yet still supported and encouraged through it all, which helped me to find new passions and develop my existing skills. While abroad, I learned better communication skills with peers and professors, along with friends and strangers. Even though I was put in endless (literally) foreign situations, I found myself benefiting from them in ways I didn’t imagine. I gained confidence and leadership skills that will translate back to my home university, while also learning to appreciate and listen to others and their unique perspectives. Now that I’ve nearly completed this experience, I smile remembering my past self struggling to buy groceries on my first night and am just a little bit envious of all she has in store in the coming months.

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

First piece of advice to prospective applicants would be to do it—study abroad with CYA! But aside from that, I would say keep an open mind and get out of your comfort zone. Studying with CYA in Greece is the absolute best time and place to challenge yourself and grow, and the best way to do that is to try new things and experience the unknown. Also, know that it is never too late to make new friends and that they can be found anywhere. Coming into this experience, I wish that I had known to book trips earlier! Flights, hotels, and even ferries can get so expensive (even more than I ever would’ve guessed) and even sell out the closer it gets to the date of travel, regardless of peak season or not. Also, I wish I had known to travel to the Acropolis more before tourist season began, and to share more meals outside on my apartment balcony with friends.

How was the political climate in Greece different from what you are used to? If applicable, describe a time when you had to navigate a political conversation during your time abroad.

Once, when I was getting my nails done, I was asked about what it’s like that there are school shootings back in the States. The question caught me completely off guard, and I was honestly shocked that someone had just casually asked that. However, I came to understand how that type of blunt, unapologetic questioning is just how Greek people show interest and care. I had never navigated a conversation like that in the States with a complete stranger, but I ultimately found it incredibly insightful and meaningful. I shared my feelings openly with her, as uncomfortable as that was, and then suddenly found myself in a mutually passionate conversation where we both learned new things from one another and left more educated about each other’s countries and cultures. At a coffee shop, I also had a fascinating conversation with an older gentleman about Russia, in which I similarly learned a great deal of new information and heard a new perspective while still openly discussing and sharing my own opinions without judgment. I have found that the political climate is both incredibly different and still similar to the United States. The countries do not share the same issues necessarily, or problems on the same scale; however, the passion and care of the Greek citizens have only matched or exceeded that of many Americans I have interacted with about both their own country along my own.

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, LGBTQIA+ student, Mental health, Religion, Student of Greek heritage, student with passion for Ancient Greece

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

My grandfather’s family was from Greece, and I was fortunate enough to have him come visit me while I was abroad. We climbed to the top of the Acropolis and it was an incredibly special moment for both of us where we were able to celebrate our shared heritage in the country together.

Favorite food in Greece?

Feta Cheese!

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Ancient Materials and Technologies in the Greek World 

Favorite quote from abroad?

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?