Miss Molly Herring, based on your experience with CYA, what are some of the benefits of spending a semester or summer abroad? How has studying abroad contributed to your personal, academic, and professional development?

I have always believed the best way to learn is to do so on your feet. To me, this means to study abroad, volunteer, explore, travel, and learn. The benefits of this experience are endless, but CYA showed me even more. It is deeper than just exploring a new place, trying some souvlaki or gyros, and petting all the street cats. It is about learning how to connect with people, across language, cultural, and even sometimes generational limits. It is about taking every weekend to try a new beach, a new Greek dish, and a new greeting.

CYA has contributed to my personal growth in allowing me to continue exploring my own comfort zones, which are continuously expanding. Academically, I didn't see a lot of options for me at first, being a Biology major. CYA gave me an independent study in a similar ballpark, and it was the most challenging and rewarding course I have ever taken. Professionally, I was fortunate enough to work with Athens Insider Magazine, giving me access to a workplace I could see myself in. Additionally, I worked with the CYA social media team and gained experience in writing and photography.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are interested in or planning to study abroad with CYA?

To prospective students, I would advise to always go. This is something my dad has taught me since I was little. Take advantage of every one on one walk, every last-minute coffee invite, and every secret beach. If you are planning to study abroad at CYA, there is already a whole family network of people ready to invite you in and embrace you if you are open to it. Just by being a CYA student, you are loved!

Please select any of the following that apply to you, and that you would be willing to share about your CYA experience with other students:

STEM major

Dear Molly Herring, briefly describe a cultural experience you had that was significant to you in any way.

I was able to interview about a dozen different strangers for Athens Insider Magazine through a project I started called "Humans of Athens." It was my favorite thing to do during the semester- walk up to a friendly face and ask them what they are doing, why they are here, what they are passionate about. I sat for hours listening to people's stories - a musician, a professional athlete, a street corn vendor, a photographer, students, and more - and we all connected in Athens. The city is so warm and welcoming, even though not everyone I talked to was Athenian. This is an experience I hope to continue after CYA and to take further than Humans of Athens.

Favorite food in Greece?

Dolmadakias and goat greek yogurt

Favorite class you took at CYA?

ENVR 350

Favorite quote from abroad?

LOOK AT US.