Dear Debra Lacey, 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?

Studying abroad for the semester was a great way to meet new people and open my horizons to new points of view and perspectives. Over my time abroad, I didn’t deal with the typical “culture shock” anymore, but it made me begin to seek out new aspects of a culture I had never experienced before. It helped me to be more open as a person and more likely to travel again in the future.

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

Be aware and try to stay in groups, but while you do that, try your best to be open-minded and try new things that you may not be used to!

How was the political climate in Greece different from what are you used to? If applicable, describe a time when you had to navigate a political conversation during your time abroad.

There are a lot of police that hang out in groups throughout Greece and often times students would engage in conversation about the purpose of the police being there. It was interesting to see the difference in policing style for Greece based on the way their government is set up. I’d like to learn more about this!

Miss Debra Lacey, 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:

LGBTQ student
Student of color
Finances while abroad
Mental health while abroad
STEM major

Favorite food in Greece?

Souvlaki!

Favorite class you took at CYA miss Debra Lacey?

Greek Mythology