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?

A huge benefit of studying abroad is getting the experience of living more independently in a new country while also having a support system (like roommates). Being abroad made me more motivated to do a thesis in my senior year, because I was constantly reminded of how I love my Classics major, and I’ve had opportunities to consider more about my future education and career. Personally, I am also much more confident and independent trying new things in a new country!

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

My main advice would be to keep an open mind! I ended up taking different classes than I originally planned but it worked out great and I loved them all. I also wish I was a bit stricter with my budget at the beginning of the semester. Greece is very affordable, but I travelled a lot more than I expected and it definitely affected my budget.

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:

LGBTQ student, Finances while abroad

Favorite food in Greece?

I already loved gyros before coming to Greece, so it was great to be able to eat it all the time. My favorite new food was zucchini balls (kolokithokeftedes), which I had for the first time at my first taverna dinner during orientation.

Favorite class you took at CYA?

My favourite class was beginner’s modern Greek! It was a bit different from my other major-related classes which was a nice change. I absolutely loved my professor Angeliki and everyone in my class which made it such an enjoyable experience. And I really valued being able to speak a bit of the language while in Greece!