College Year in Athens
- Location: Athens, Greece
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
The College Year in Athens Academic Center is located in the heart of Athens, next to the Athens Marble Stadium opposite the National Gardens. With its suburbs, Athens has a population of over 3.7 million representing more than a third of the total population of Greece. The city has attracted visitors since ancient times, with its classical monuments, famous museums, and numerous theatres (Athens has more theatres than any other European city). The city faces problems like poor infrastructure, pollution, and overcrowding; however, since the 2004 Summer Olympics were held there, the city has made a largely successful effort to transform its appearance.
- Visa:
Required. The visa application process requires FBI clearance and fingerprints. Students should use an FBI-approved channeler to assist with this process and CYA provides students with more information.
Non-US citizens should consult with CYA and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford College. Haverford is responsible for submitting tuition payment to CYA. Students pay room and board costs directly to CYA.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Students must enroll in an appropriate-level Greek language course, either ancient or modern Greek. One semester of Modern Greek fulfills the language requirement.
Academic Credit
Four courses per semester are considered the equivalent of full-time study, but a student may elect a fifth course, whether or not it is required by the home college. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Ancient Greek Civilization track offers courses in Art and Archaeology, Classics, Greek Language, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Religion. The East Mediterranean Area Studies track offers courses in Art and Archaeology, Ethnography, Greek Language, History, Religion and Sociology.
Whenever relevant, classes are taught at historical sites and museums. Field trips to places of interest including Crete, Argolid, Northern Greece, Delphi, Olympia, Sounion, Marathon, Isthemia, Nemea, Mistra, Osios Loukas, and Thessaloniki.
Course Highlights
Anthropology, Art History, Archaeology, Cities, Classics, Economics, Environmental Studies, Greek, History, International Relations, Latin, Literature, Modern Greek Language, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, Urbanism & Sustainability, Urban Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Held during the first few days, students take time to meet with the program director and learn about Greek society and culture.
Number of Students
Approximately 100 students attend each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Students live in apartments with other study abroad students on the program. Apartments are close to the CYA center. Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
Options
- Semester
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Early September to mid-December
- Semester II: Late January to mid-May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: October 1