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Office of International Programs

Greece: CYA Athens

"Living in Athens feels like waking up in a history book. It is so incredible to experience a place with such a rich past!" - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Steeped in art, history, culture, and architecture, Athens has a Mediterranean pace and coziness coupled with an endless zest for life! Classes are taught in English and a great fit for Anthropology/Archeology, Art History, International Relations, Political Science, History, Environmental Studies, Philosophy, and Religion students.

"Living in Athens feels like waking up in a history book. It is so incredible to experience a place with such a rich past!" - Rollins Alum

Steeped in art, history, culture, and architecture, Athens has a Mediterranean pace and coziness coupled with an endless zest for life! Classes are taught in English and a great fit for Anthropology/Archeology, Art History, International Relations, Political Science, History, Environmental Studies, Philosophy, and Religion students.

  • Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
  • Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
  • Professional application: materials are edited and submitted on-time, and are thorough and thoughtful.
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA.
  • Required advising session (30 minutes). Please visit our home page to schedule an appointment.

Fall 2024 

  • Sept 2: Required Arrival Date and Check-in
  • Sep 3-7: Orientation
  • Sep 9: First Day of Classes
  • Oct 18-24: Midterm Exams
  • Oct 25-Nov 3: Recess
  • Nov 28 - Dec 1: Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec 13-19: Final Exams
  • Dec 20: Semester Ends 
  • Dec 21: Program End Date/Departure (Check-out by noon)

Spring 2024

  • Jan 22: Required Arrival Date and Check-in
  • Jan 23 - 27: Orientation 
  • Jan 29: First Day of Classes 
  • Mar 8 - 14: Midterm Exams
  • Apr 26 - May 6: Spring Break 
  • May 10 - 16: Exam Period 
  • May 17: Semester End Date 
  • May 18: Program End Date/Departure (Check-out by noon)

Flight and Orientation

  • Students are esponsible for booking their own flight.
  • Members of the CYA staff meet students at the airport to guide them to a taxi to the CYA apartment.
  • Each semester begins with an orientation period during which students are introduced to CYA's facilities, services, staff, academic procedures and policies, and safety procedures and policies.
  • Students also receive an orientation on the city of Athens and Greece in general.
  • Numerous planned activities provide the opportunity to get to know fellow students, as well as faculty and staff.

Visa

  • All U.S. citizens studying in Greece must obtain a student visa before departure.
  • As part of your visa application, you must have an in-person appointment at a Greek consulate. This may involve travel time and additional expenses
For general information about the visa process and visas for non-U.S. citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page. 

The CYA Athens Academic Center is located in the heart of central Athens, next to the Marble Stadium and opposite the National Gardens, with a stunning view of the Acropolis. Classes take place at the Academic Center and around popular sites in Athens on field trips. 

Courses

  • All CYA courses are taught in English
  • Many courses include study-travel to important historical sites and as much as possible courses make use of the resources of Athens and of what can be seen or experienced directly in the city.
  • Examples of past study-travel include locations relevant to ancient, Byzantine, or modern Greek history, such as Crete, the Peloponnese, and Central and Northern Greece.
  • Modern Greek Language classes are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged.
  • CYA Courses (Fall)
  • CYA Courses (Spring) 

Bonner Students During Spring Semester

  • During the spring semester, CYA offers a course called Citizen, State & Society: A Service Learning Approach. The course examines the emergence of volunteer and social organizations in Greece that have become an integral part of political life, but are not commercial in nature nor part of the state.
  • Students in this course engage in a minimum of 45hrs of service work during the semester that can be applied to Bonner requirements here at Rollins.

Transfer of Credit

  • Most classes at CYA are worth 3 credit hours each and students typically take 4 or 5 courses for a total of 12-15 credits. 
  • All courses on this program will appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit and grades  appear on the Rollins transcript and are factored into the Rollins GPA.
  • It can take up to 3 months to receive the official transcript.
  • Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
  • This program has Registrar approved rFLA200 seminars and competencies, check them out here!

 

  • Students live in an apartment with four or five students in double or single rooms in the Kolonaki and Pangrati areas of Athens, about a 10–20-minute walk from the Academic Center and nearby shops and other amenities.
  • The apartment is fully furnished and includes a common area, kitchen, bathroom, balcony, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, laundry lines for air-drying, and ironing equipment.
  • CYA provides a mid-day meal Monday through Friday, except on holidays and during longer academic breaks, such as spring break. For other meals, students typically purchase groceries and cook in their apartments, or eat at local cafes and restaurants near the apartments and the program center.

Activities & Excursions

  • CYA offers extracurricular activities, such as Greek dance, cooking lessons, hiking and climbing trips, a talent show, athletic activities, weekend skiing on Mt. Parnassos (spring semester), and running the marathon (fall semester). Extra fees may apply.
  • CYA is able to offer interested students a variety of opportunities. Please visit CYA's page on volunteering for more details.
  • Students visit major sites relevant to ancient, medieval or modern Greek history during trips to the Peloponnese, Delphi and either Crete or Northern Greece - Thessaloniki. Itineraries vary between the fall and spring semesters and according to the academic focus of each group of students within the student body. 
  • You can also add on optional trips offered through CYA at a competitive price.

Things to Consider

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

  • Tuition: $30,290
  • Housing: $5,115

Also Includes

Orientation, lunch daily, study-travel, International Student Identity Card, airport meet and assist services, student support services, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

  • Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL: $1,200, onsite $630
  • US Passport: $165
  • Visa fee: $100 plus costs associated with travel to nearest Greek consulate for visa appointment
  • Refundable Housing deposit: $230 (returned to student after program end)
  • Additional meals/food not covered: $1,350
  • Books, course materials, supplies: $150
  • Personal expenses: $860
  • Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
  • Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students can also apply for additional scholarships through the CYA website.

Living and Working

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Greece has a low cost of living compared to the United States.