Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

I’m having a difficult time putting my experience into words, but if I were to describe my emotional and physical experience of studying in Greece through a single piece of music, it would be Agape by Nicholas Britell. My four months in Agia Paraskevi felt like stepping into the delicate notes of the song, intimacy, growth, and reflection. I wandered through sunlit narrow streets, island-hopped to Aegina, Agistri, Metopi, Mykonos, and Hydra, explored the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, the historic towns of Nafplio and Delphi, and soaked in the rich history of Athens and the majestic Acropolis.
I studied at The American College of Greece, the campus sits on a hillside at the foothills of Mount Hymettus, surrounded by a stunning landscape that fueled my studying sessions. I really enjoyed my classes,  particularly one of my capstone courses, Marketing Strategy & Topics. For our project, my group developed a three-year marketing plan for Macedonian Thrace Brewery, a Greek company, and presented it to the company’s executives. Receiving their live feedback was an invaluable learning experience, and our group was one of the two considered for potential hiring. Another unforgettable moment was attending an online session with Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing, where I had the opportunity to ask questions.

I loved immersing myself in the new rhythms of daily life navigating public transportation, finding my go-to local grocery stores and cafés, and running trails. Living at the foot of Mt. Hymettus sparked my newfound love for hiking, giving me the freedom to hike at any time of the day. Everywhere I went, cats and dogs appeared as a small but comforting reminder of home. I adored the unpredictability of each day, how every corner held a surprise, every interaction taught me something new, and every moment became a chance to experience and learn in ways I had never imagined.

While in Europe, I knew I wanted to travel, and getting around was more affordable than from the United States. I had the chance to explore Budapest, Hungary; Zurich, Switzerland; London, United Kingdom; and Italy, visiting Venice and the Dolomites. I wandered through their famous monuments and tried local foods. My time in Greece was transformative, giving me the confidence to take my first solo trip. Learning to navigate public transportation there for the first time laid the foundation for traveling independently. This experience strengthened my confidence and showed how much I value my solitude.

While travel expanded my independence and sense of self, living in Greece also prompted me to notice the realities of daily life beyond my perspective as a visitor. I appreciated how affordable daily life felt like grocery prices, cafés, and dining in local tavernas. Based on my research before arriving in Greece, I understood that the cost of living was generally more affordable than in many other European countries, and that impression became even more apparent as I settled into daily life there. However, on my first day, a local asked how I was finding the prices. Having just arrived from the airport and still exploring the town, it was difficult to fully formulate an opinion at that moment. She shared that rising costs were making everyday life increasingly difficult, which reminded me that my experience as a visitor differed greatly from that of those who live there, as prices in many areas reflect what visitors can afford, even when local wages have not increased at the same pace.

Living in Greece allowed me to form friendships and engage with a different academic, cultural, and social environment. Through my coursework, travel, and daily life, I developed a stronger sense of independence, adaptability, and self-awareness. Being surrounded by hardworking, driven individuals strengthened my belief in the power of education and affirmed my desire to continue learning, growing, and exploring beyond my comfort zone. This experience clarified my academic and career goals and reinforced my commitment to continued learning and traveling the world. Studying abroad challenged me to navigate unfamiliar systems, think critically and be more trusting of my own decisions. These four months were not only formative but foundational, shaping the perspective I carry forward in my education and future endeavors.

This opportunity was made possible through the Schreiber Scholarship, along with the Margaret Thomson Pavelka Scholarship, for which I am incredibly grateful.

A cat in Hydra: