COLLEGE
YEAR IN ATHENS (CYA)
Athens, Greece
The College Year in Athens provides exciting study opportunities for Holy Cross students
interested in ancient Greek civilization and Mediterranean
studies. Set in the vibrant city of Athens, the program is
designed to give students an appreciation for and understanding
of both ancient and modern Greece, as well as neighboring
countries. The curriculum is divided into two tracks, Ancient
Greek Civilization and East Mediterranean Studies. Courses
follow a Level 1, 2, and 3 structure, with Level 1 being open
to all students and Level 3 being for more advanced students.
Classes are taught in English by American and European professors.
Frequent site visits complement classroom study and the city
of Athens is a classroom in and of itself. Students can choose
between a Fall semester program (Sept.-Dec.), and a Spring
semester program (Jan.-May). Each semester allows about 15
weeks of instruction and provides one full semester of academic
credit. Open to Classics majors only.
The College
year in Athens is a non-profit educational organization based
in Cambridge, MA and offers this program through the Athens-based
International Center for Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies.
Courses taken so far at CYA for Holy Cross credit
Athens,
located in southeastern Greece, is the capital and largest city
of the country. Situated on the Attic plain on the Greek mainland,
it is surrounded by mountains on three sides, the most important
of which are Párnis, Pendéli, and Hymettos (Imittós).
Two minor streams, the Kifisós River in the west and
the Ilisós River in the east, flow through the city.
With its port, Piraeus (Pireás), which is located about
8 km (about 5 miles) to the southwest on the Gulf of Saronikós
(an inlet of the Aegean Sea), it forms a unified metropolitan
region. Athens dominates the economic, cultural, and political
life of Greece.
The Capital
of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess
of wisdom and knowledge. This is where democracy was born. This
is where that marvel of architecture, the Parthenon was
created. This is where art became inseparable from life, and
this is where Pericles gave the funerary speech, that monument
of the spoken word.
Athens the
symbol of freedom, art and democracy is the conscience of civilized
world.
In Athens
memory never fades. Wherever you stand, wherever you turn, the
city's long and rich history will be alive in front of you.
In the center
of town are two hills, the Acropolis with the monuments
from the Age of Pericles, and Lycabettus with the picturesque
chapel of Ai Giorgis (St. George's).
The Contemporary
City
A large
portion of Greece's industrial activity is concentrated in and
around Athens. Athens today is a modern city, alive and on the
go. Modern, but romantic as well, with busy streets and squares,
shop windows a riot of colors, as well as little alleys in quiet,
peaceful neighborhoods such as Plaka and Mets.
In the countless
shops, the visitor will find whatever he/she may need. In the
tavernas and restaurants he/she can enjoy any taste sensation,
in the nightclubs, discos and bars he/she can drink and dance
the night away, because in Athens the fun never stops before
daylight.
Study Abroad Contact Person:
Professor Brittain Smith - Associate Director
|
