ALEXIS PHYLACTOPOULOS
President
College Year in Athens (CYA) is a study abroad program in Greece that has offered a rigorous intellectual experience combined with manifold possibilities for personal growth for almost 60 years. Whether you choose to study with us for a semester, a year, or even a summer or winter session, you will be able to select from a wide range of cutting-edge university courses in the humanities and the social sciences. What’s more, all our courses are taught by faculty who are both experts in their fields and committed to providing a highly engaging educational experience. We also offer modern academic facilities at our central premises in Athens. Perhaps most importantly, we provide this rich set of academic opportunities within a safe and supportive environment, with a team of experienced staff ready to offer practical and psychological help and advice, so you can concentrate on making the most of your time in Greece.
What further sets CYA apart is the emphasis we place on learning outside the classroom, facilitating direct contact with places and events you could never otherwise experience so intimately. Whether you are studying ancient history or archeology, urban design or contemporary politics, you will participate in pertinent on-site classes and CYA field study, as well as in voluntary work and a range of internships. These learning experiences will help you to immerse yourself in the culture of Greece, a country which has stood at the juncture between East and West for thousands of years. Athens epitomizes this cultural and historical mix; the latest in the contemporary arts rubs shoulders with still-resonant ancient sites in diverse neighborhoods, some of them rich with world-class libraries, museums, galleries, and music venues. By living and studying in such a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and by traveling through the many breathtaking landscapes of Greece, you will develop new perspectives on the world, while enriching yourself through meaningful contact with different cultures.
It is for these reasons that many of our thousands of alumni report that studying in Greece with CYA was a truly life-changing experience. The CYA family looks forward to offering you the same adventure, and I personally look forward to welcoming you to Athens so you can achieve your academic and personal aspirations.
Alexis Phylactopoulos
President, College Year in Athens