Lorien Williamson in Athens, Greece
Program: College Year in Athens (CYA)
Term: Spring 2026
Major: Psychology
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience a new culture firsthand while broadening my understanding of how culture influences human behavior as a Psychology major. I selected CYA because of its strong academic offerings, emphasis on experiential learning, and the opportunity to immerse myself in Greek culture and history. The program allowed me to take psychology courses that supported my major while also studying Greek history and Modern Greek language. Overall, CYA offered the perfect balance of academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal development.
One thing that surprised me about Greece was how much the country balances its ancient history with modern life. Before studying abroad, I mostly associated Greece with its archaeological sites and historical significance, but I was impressed by the vibrant contemporary culture, strong sense of community, and everyday traditions that are still an important part of life. Learning Modern Greek and interacting with locals also helped me appreciate the warmth and hospitality that characterize Greek culture. These experiences gave me a much deeper and more nuanced understanding of Greece than I could have gained as a tourist.
One of my favorite memories from studying abroad was sitting at the top of the Panathenaic Stadium with my friends, taking in the view and reflecting on how much we had experienced during our time in Greece. It was a simple moment, but it captured the friendships, adventures, and sense of gratitude that defined my semester abroad. Being surrounded by such an iconic historical site while sharing the experience with people I had grown close to made it especially memorable. It’s a moment I’ll always associate with my time at CYA and in Greece.
One of the biggest challenges I overcame was adapting to life in a new country and becoming comfortable navigating unfamiliar environments on my own. From adjusting to a different culture and language to learning how to use public transportation and travel independently, there were many situations that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Over time, I became more confident, adaptable, and self-reliant. Looking back, those challenges were some of the most valuable parts of my study abroad experience because they helped me grow both personally and academically.
My advice for future CYA students is to say yes to as many opportunities as possible and make the most of your time in Greece. Explore Athens beyond the tourist areas, take advantage of the program’s excursions, and don’t be afraid to travel and try new things. I would also encourage students to build relationships with their classmates, as the friendships you form can become one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. Most importantly, be present and enjoy every moment because the semester goes by much faster than you expect.