Setting abroad has shifted my perspective on the world around me, it’s made me more comfortable and confident within myself and being able to travel the world while learning about new cultures and people. Allowed for me to expand my education by learning about new ways of life, as well as focusing on an ancient and traditional values that existed before my time. The specific program that I was in allowed me to learn skills related with political science, the economy, archaeology, history, and most importantly anthropology. What I learned inside and out of the classroom will stay with me forever. As far as relating to anthropology, I was able to immerse myself within the people of Greece and allow a perspective of what it’s like to live alongside them. I did numerous anthropological Studies and ethnographies. The sheer beauty and history that is Greece, and specifically Athen,s is one of, in my opinion, one of the world‘s greatest wonders, and it would be a wonderful experience to share and promote for other students.

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

Some advice I have for prospect students would be to not be afraid of the unknown, specifically with leaving the country and going and meeting people that you don’t know, and then unfamiliar place, this experience can be daunting and overwhelming when you think about it, but this unknown and uncertainty can lead you to the best possibilities of your life, you could make lifelong friends and memories. I would also advise prospective students to do some research about the places that they are going and things that they will see and study. This will make the experience so magical to know the history and stories that you are seeing right in front of you.

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.

While I was in Greece, there were many political movements and activism displays, such as the no Kings protest, the war with Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine, as well as pride events. It was interesting to see these things being talked about and encouraged to be aware of. I believe that the people in Greece were more open about having political conversations; the people wanted to hear your opinion and also share theirs. When having these conversations with individuals, I noticed that they weren’t seeking an argument. If we disagreed, they genuinely wanted to know more and learn about American policies. While I was in Greece, I was also able to visit their Parliament and learn a bit about their government structure. They have a different legislative system compared to America, but I believe that their goals are the same: to grant and protect the citizens.

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, Finances, First-generation student, First-time international traveler, Mental health, STEM major, Gap year student, and other fields with relation

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

I believe the most significant cultural experience I had while Greece was when we were visiting I am monastery, I had a background in Catholicism growing up, and I wasn’t really introduced too many other religious cultures, when I was at this monastery and greeted with such kindness and compassion from the monks and members of the church, I was emotionally affected and cried tears of joy and compassion, the monks had made us lunch and we had hiked to a cave on their property. This whole experience hit close to my heart and gave me a profound perspective of how as humans we need each other and we look out for each other.

Favorite food in Greece?

Gyros, I loved trying all the different sauces each restaurant had one theirs and finding my favorite!

Favorite quote from abroad?

Don’t be afraid of the unknown, uncertainty brings, endless possibilities

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?

I did numerous activities while in Greece, exploring islands, trying a new foods and interacting with the locals, going to beaches, to their shopping centers, museums, learning about immigration, policies, activism, events, nightlife, group, activities, outdoor hikes, etc..