Our Student Ambassadors want to share their CYA experience and encourage others on their home campuses to consider the life-changing beauty of Greece and its inhabitants. One of the first questions we always ask them is: “What do you wish you knew before starting your study abroad experience”?

In this post, we present to you the top 10 pieces of advice for current and future CYAers:

Tip 1

Don’t think twice about going because it will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. I met so many people from all around the US and the world. The confidence you will gain is only something you get after traveling and experiencing new cultures. – Carly Yon, Fairfield U

Tip 2

Pack less! You won’t need as much as you think you do. You’re going to be so busy traveling and experiencing new things, you’ll want a light suitcase to carry only the essentials! – Meg Flanagan, Saint Michael’s College

Tip 3

Don’t expect an easy A just because you’re not at your home institution. In fact, it’ll be harder to maintain with class because you’ll be drawn to everything happening around you and it’ll be easy to place the experience over the academics. Balancing the two will be a true test. – Julissa Nunez,  Smith College

Tip 4

Go on the weekend trips, try all of the food you’re not used to, and hang out with people you don’t usually hang out with. Be open and be ready for change and growth. – Angelica Karafas, UNC Chapel Hill

Tip 5

Try and speak the language -even if you make a fool of yourself, it’s a great learning experience and something that you can laugh about years in the future! – Melody Abbott, Carthage College

Tip 6

Make the most of your time and opportunities abroad. Buy a camera, take lots of pictures, pack light, book plane tickets early, embrace discomfort, ride public transportation wherever you travel, go on at least one CYA field trip. – Justin Brendel, Haverford College

Tip 7

Don’t be afraid to get lost in Athens. I have no doubt that you will stumble across surprising side streets with great food vendors, restaurants, coffee shops and more. A friendly “Signome” can go a long way! – Shiro Burnette, The University of the South: Sewanee

Tip 8

Get to know all your classmates early on! I made so many amazing friends through CYA, but there were also many people in my class that I didn’t get to know until later on in the course and I wish I had been closer to them throughout the class! It’s nice to find your group of close friends from the start, but make sure that doesn’t close you off to meeting everyone else too. – Kim Johnson, U of Michigan

Tip 9

You don’t have to travel outside of Greece, in fact, I don’t encourage you to. There is plenty to do and see without trying, I think that enables you to discover Greece on a deeper, local level compared to as a more passive, observing tourist.. – Sonja English, Wesleyan University

Tip 10

The choice between a homestay and the apartment made a difference in my social life and my academic life. My host parents were there for me to help me with many small issues. I learned to use the transportation system in Athens, about nice places that are off the tourist’s agenda, and much about Greek food. – Felipe Togni, Acadia University