As the fall 2019 semester recently ended, many students have been reflecting on their volunteer experiences in Athens. With the help of CYA’s Executive Director of Student Affairs, Nadia Meliniotis, CYAers had the chance to volunteer in many different fields, enriching their study abroad experience through engaging in important charitable work. Two CYA students, Veda Chandwani and Sophia Musiak, describe their eye-opening experiences working for medical and environmental causes to CYA.

CYA student Kate Foster has been making the most of her time in Greece.

A self-proclaimed mythology fan, Kate was attracted to Greece’s rich history long before she arrived here. For her, living in Athens has provided her the chance to explore various aspects of the country’s history. She has had the chance to visit famous ancient sites from the Acropolis to the temple at Delphi to the palace of Knossos. Just two weeks ago, Kate even ran the 5k race of the Athens Authentic Marathon. But these experiences are only one part of her study abroad experience.  

Caroline Barnes, CYA alumna from summer ‘16 and spring ‘18, recently sat down with CYA for an interview about her multiple CYA experiences, her love for Greece, and the amazing work she’s been doing for refugees in Athens.

Earlier in the semester, 9 CYA students, Michael (Mike) Pakuris, Sophia Musiak, Lydia Bontrager, Blaike Cheramie, Alexandra (Alex) Gallaher, Veda Chandwani, Annelisea Brand, Genevieve Fisher, and Abigail Brown participated in a cleanup of the Vravona wetlands with HELMEPA, the Hellenic Marine Protection Association.

This past Sunday, during the 37th Annual Athens Marathon, over 60,00 people from around the world followed the ancient route from Marathon to the center of Athens. Many CYA students either ran or volunteered during the Marathon. Three CYAers, John Schurer, Cameron “Cammi” Whiteside, and Kaarin Pidge ran the full marathon. Callan Napier, Andrew Sharpe, Sophia Musiak, Abby Wolfe, Noah Mattapallil, Joey Simone, Alyssa Czaban, and Katherine Foster also took part in the day’s activities, running in either the 5k or 10k races. Congratulations to all who participated!

Imagine leaving your home country for college and spending the following years picking up the customs and cultural practices–maybe even a language–of a new place. Now imagine traveling away from that school to take part in a study abroad program…and learning all over again. How would you feel? How would you adjust?

This fall semester, three CYA students are in this exciting position: attending an American college abroad from home, and then spending part or all of this academic year in Greece. Here, they share what’s stayed the same across their travels, what’s unique about Athens, and the strategies that have helped them through it all.