Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

It’s my last week in Greece as I’m writing this note, and I can confidently say that my semester abroad experience was everything I hoped for and more. Athens is well known for it’s historical significance, and climbing Lycabettus hill for a view of the Acropolis hill tucked in between billboards and traffic will quickly give you a metaphysical reality check. Although, it’s the rich culture and lifestyle of people in Athens that made me realize how underrated this city is. In comparison to the US, the approach to daily life here is laid back and cozy. Coffee meets, lunches, and especially dinners may go on for hours, and the gleam in people’s eyes tell you these times of day are worth cherishing most. I am grateful most of all for the opportunity to experience Athens culture and incorporate this into my own life moving forward, wherever I am. I could go on about Athens, but I also visited Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete among Greek islands, and Amsterdam, France, and Italy in the last four months. At the beginning of the semester, I aimed to see more places, but somewhere along the way I learned to truly value quality over quantity. Instead of producing itineraries by the minute and checking things off a list, I enjoyed trips where I allowed myself time take a step back and appreciate the diverse settings and cultures around me. In the Cycladic islands, I found the most beautiful beaches, charming white buildings, and happiest people. And as a Nepali, I was fascinated by the geographical diversity in Crete. A secluded island having beaches with pink sand as well as mountain ranges comparable to home, I think Crete was the most remarkable out of all.

I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Demertzis, and Professor Dan Cole for the awarding me the Dan Cole scholarship/Demertzis Prize, and the Global Engagement Office for their continuous support and guidance.