My semester abroad has impacted who I am as a person and helped me grow so much! Prior to this semester, I had never traveled abroad before and was nervous to enter a new environment without anyone I had previously known. Studying abroad helped me to become more independent and decisive as it placed me in a setting that involved lots of planning to make travel dreams a reality. I did many spontaneous things that I never imagined myself doing such as striking conversations with coffee shop locals and booking a solo trip to the town my family is from in Italy. In this way, I believe studying abroad instilled within me a sense of adventure and a craving for new experiences that I will take back to campus and beyond. Additionally, I feel I became significantly better at navigating abrupt changes and disruptions to plans as well as accommodating the interests of many people through planning activities in Greece and abroad. Studying abroad improved both my problem-solving and creativity skills, and I never imagined being able to navigate new countries and cities on my own. Next, I gained an immense amount from living in a new city and learning about Greek culture. I feel that the experiences that I will remember the most from studying abroad are those that represent becoming immersed in Athens such as visiting the Tuesday morning Farmers Market, practicing my Greek at Kekkos, chatting with locals on the Metro, and eating taverna dinners. Alongside this, many of my classes included opportunities for immersion such as interviewing locals, visiting monasteries, and having classes at coffee shops. I feel that the combination of all of these different types of experiences helped me to understand Athens from many different angles, which is one of my greatest takeaways from studying abroad. Lastly, the amazing friendships gained from study abroad are a huge highlight of the program. I feel so grateful to have met so many special people and I feel confident I will keep in touch with many of them, both individuals from Greece and students from across the United States.

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

Be comfortable with going with the flow! You will meet amazing people, try exciting new things, and visit beautiful places, but there is no way real way to plan for everything that’s coming. You can’t fully expect many of the experiences you will have abroad which makes it even more special!

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.

In Greece, I found that people were extremely willing and eager to discuss political issues that would be considered taboo in America. Prior to the US Presidential Elections, some of the team of the bakery I was working with began sharing their opinions on the Presidential candidates as well as asking for my opinion. Although I felt that some of their opinions on the election were rooted in false information and inaccuracies, I simply shared my own opinions as honestly and plainly as possible. I believe my coworkers appreciated hearing my feelings towards the candidates even as they opposed theirs. Our dialogue helped me to see how some individuals in Greece view American politics, as well as my coworkers to see how a young American viewed the same election.

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-time international traveler, Greece-based traveler, Mental health

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

One of my roommates had family friends living in Greece and we were lucky enough to have dinner at their home one night. I enjoyed and greatly appreciated the experience of being able to visit a Greek home as well as eat a home-cooked Greek dinner. I also loved getting to know the older couple and learning about them and their lives in Athens.

Favorite food in Greece?

Spanakopita! (I could eat one for every meal!)

Favorite class you took at CYA?

Ancient Greek Art and Archeology

What extracurricular activities were you involved with in Greece?

Volunteer at Pastry Family, Student Council, Social Media Ambassador, Run Club; I also enjoyed exploring coffee shops, clothing stores, thrift shops, new restaurants, and Plaka!