CYA offers students an academically outstanding program of studies combined with the vibrant experience of day-to-day contact with the people, monuments, and landscape of Greece and the Mediterranean. Our program specializes in creating a caring learning environment that imparts knowledge by first-hand experience, immediate observation, perception, and enjoyment.

We place an emphasis on learning beyond the classroom, offering hands-on learning experiences in the abundant environment of Greece. Many classes are held on-site adding a new dimension to learning and a global understanding of the subject.

All courses at CYA make use of the abundant resources in Athens and of what can be seen or experienced directly. The Archaeology and Art History courses provide a wealth of opportunities to study authentic materials and original artifacts on-site and in the world renowned museums of Athens.

Courses from other disciplines also bring you in direct contact with the local community – such as Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Politics and Modern Greek.

Our extensive curriculum is complemented by field study to key historical sites. The program is carefully designed to enrich classroom material and provide a deeper understanding of Greece. English is the language of instruction for all courses at CYA.

CYA courses are rigorous and require serious academic work however we recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds and institutions with varying experience in the subjects they will be studying at CYA. All CYA courses are designed for upper-level undergraduates, and may be taken at two levels — three-hundred level and four-hundred level.

Three-hundred level courses are designed as a first exposure to the subject, and are of general interest and wide in scope. Some three-hundred-level courses, particularly in Ancient Greek Studies, require students have some background in the subject, as indicated in their description. Qualified students can opt to take any three-hundred-level courses at the four-hundred level by formally declaring their intention to do so and completing reading and writing assignments similar in size and scope to those expected in four-hundred-level courses.

Four-hundred level courses are more specialized and academically more demanding. Courses listed as four-hundred-level are seminars on special topics and are reserved for those able to engage in advanced work. We advise you to read the descriptions of all the courses carefully before choosing your CYA academic program to make sure what you select is appropriate for you.

All Three-hundred level courses can be taken at Four-hundred level by completing the required additional coursework equivalent to that of four-hundred-level courses.

The semesters listed for each course indicate when the course is usually offered. The schedule may be altered before the beginning of the semester. Final course offerings and schedules for fall and spring semesters are posted in May and November respectively.

Unless required by the home institution, Modern Greek Language courses are not mandatory but are strongly recommended. The vast majority of CYA students enroll in first semester Modern Greek. For students who have taken Modern Greek before coming to Athens, we offer a range of language classes from Beginners II (second semester of first year) to Advanced II (second semester of third year). For those who wish to take Modern Greek beyond the introductory level and whose needs are not met by the regular courses offered, we may provide additional classes if there is sufficient demand. Please contact the Academic Director for further information.