The opportunity to study abroad was something that I had always dreamed about completing. I come from a first-generation rural background and I am the first person in my family to travel internationally so, prior to arriving in Greece, I was incredibly anxious. Once I arrived though, I was certain that I made the right choice in choosing CYA. Studying abroad with CYA allowed me to be introduced to a culture I had zero experience in and provided a space for me to grow as a student and an individual. I learned from incredible NGOs working in Greece and gained hands-on experience from experts. I was able to branch the environmental policy I had studied in books to real-world situations like advising future beach clean-up protocols and creating future avenues Greek youth can be involved with. Personal growth occurred at every step of my journey in Athens from budgeting and exploring grocery stores by myself to connecting with antique store owners over lemon throw pillows.

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

To prospective students planning to study abroad with CYA, some advice I can give is to jump fully into the experience of Athens. I was incredibly anxious to travel internationally for the first time and to be in a nation where I did not speak the language. From the moment I landed in Athens though, I was met with incredibly kind strangers with unforgettable stories that were always willing to lend a hand. Had I let my anxiety hold me back, I would have completely missed out on so many memories, friendships, and more.

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.

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:

Finances, First-generation student, First-time international traveler, Mental health, Religion

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

When I was on the island of Samos I entered into a store that sold canned goods and antique home decorations. Struck by the vastly different items, I began speaking to the owner. He jumped right into conversation and vividly spoke about how this shop used to be his childhood home and his mother spent hours daily in the kitchen cooking with specific ingredients that he still carries in the store. When asked about the decorations, he emotionally recounted the pieces that were a part of his childhood and the items that were entirely new as well. That morning, a friend dropped off two throw pillows that showcased embroidered lemons. Noticing the citrus tattoo I had he asked if I too liked lemons but I candidly told him my tattoo was simply an orange slice. Before I left he hugged me and gave me the nickname "orange girl" to match his own name "lemon boy". This touching moment with a stranger is something I will never forget from my time abroad.

Favorite food in Greece?

My favorite food in Greece was gyros and my favorite drink was freddo espresso! My roomates and I would walk 5 minutes to a tiny to-go restaurant and grab gyros every Friday night. I would also go by Shake and Bake, a coffee shop around two minutes from CYA, everyday before class! I wrote the owner a thank you card before leaving Athens as a token of my appreciation.