Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece has been an unforgettable experience filled with growth, adventure, and cultural immersion. One of my favorite aspects of my program has been the excursions organized by my school. These trips, such as the Downtown Athens tour, the Aegina Island excursion, and the trip to Delphi, have allowed me to explore incredible historical and cultural sites while connecting with other study-abroad students. These shared experiences have helped me build lasting friendships and create cherished memories.

Adjusting to a new culture initially felt intimidating, especially being in a country where I didn’t know the language. However, the kindness and patience of the Greek people made the transition much smoother. Most locals speak English and are eager to help, which has been comforting. Immersing myself in the Greek language has also been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed trying to learn phrases to use in everyday life, such as kalimera, efharisto, signomi, nai, oxi, etc. Another highlight has been trying the delicious cuisine. Dishes like gyros, souvlaki, tzatziki, greek salad, and moussaka have not only introduced me to new flavors but also become staples in my diet—I can’t wait to find a great Greek restaurant back in the United States!

Navigating daily life in Greece came with its challenges, like figuring out where to buy certain groceries and adjusting to "siesta" hours when everything closes in the afternoon between 2:00pm to 5:00pm. My first grocery trip with another student turned into a three-hour adventure as we learned to translate labels and locate pasta sauce across three different stores! It became a very fun, memorable experience that I’ll always look back on with a smile.

I have experienced profound personal growth through studying abroad in Athens, Greece. Exploring new cultures, languages, and countries—including trips to Santorini, Rome, Italy, Switzerland, Paris, and London—has expanded my worldview and taught me the value of adaptability and open-mindedness. This experience has widened my perspective and made me more confident in engaging in different cultures and environments.

I am deeply grateful for the Margaret Thompson Pavelka ’70 Scholarship, gifted by Rebecca McGowan, which made this life-changing opportunity possible. Thank you for supporting my academic journey and helping me create memories and growth that will last a lifetime.