College Year in Athens

I studied abroad in Athens through CYA for the Fall 2025 semester, and it was truly an incredible and rewarding experience! As a student of Greek heritage, this journey allowed me to better connect with my roots by fully immersing myself in the Greek culture. I made lifelong friendships, including bonds with other Greek-American students, which made the experience even more special! CYA provided me and my peers with all the resources and knowledge to navigate Greek culture, helping us embrace Greek life. This experience has enriched my understanding of my heritage and broadened my perspective on the world, and I will cherish it forever!

My time in Greece, through CYA, allowed me to discover new interests and passions as well as an appreciation for the field of classics. From the beginning, CYA does their best to help students with the transition to a foreign country. This includes offering an overview of modern Greek, so students can better assimilate, and making sure students are aware of the resources at their disposal, including travel resources, academic resources and health resources. CYA offers as many field experiences as they can in a short amount of time. This includes field trips with classes as well as field studies that introduce students to different parts of the country. The amazing experiences that CYA provides students the chance to appreciate the importance of classical studies in today's society.

My semester with College Year in Athens (CYA) was nothing short of life-changing. The four months in Athens were truly the best of my life, filled with personal growth, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. CYA pushed me out of my comfort zone from day one. Living in Athens, I had to adapt to a new culture, navigate unfamiliar streets, and embrace independence. The immersive classes—often held at iconic sites like the Acropolis—made learning dynamic and inspiring, connecting history and culture to our everyday experiences. This journey not only deepened my academic understanding but also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping into the unknown. CYA challenged me to grow as a person, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.