What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to have an internship over the summer and combine it with my interest in winemaking. After searching through various internship abroad programs, I came across the Vinifera Experience internship by Cerca Trova.
had always had an interest in going somewhere adventurous and outdoorsy, and the pictures I had seen of the vineries surely fitted my checklist. The winery is producing wine based in 10 different grape varieties and its wine is served in well-known restaurants across the world.
After talking to the internship manager, I knew that this was the place to go and learn about winemaking.
The winery
Why did you choose Cerca Trova?
I specifically chose to go to Cerca Trova because I had spoken to other alumni from my university who had previously used the company themselves for other programs (Medical & Environmental) and they had an amazing experience. They told me how well organized everything was and the great level of support that they got from the coordinators at Cerca Trova.
In addition, the program runs in a famous winery and that guaranteed that my experience there would be worth it. Hence the combination of great support, affordable cost, and excellent placement was the combination that made me sign up.
What was your favorite part about Greece?
Greece is an amazing and safe destination. It is blessed with sun, friendly people, rich cuisine, and a truly unique landscape that spans from green forests to the deep blue sea. With its 2,500 years of history and its 1,400 islands there is plenty to discover in Greece and it will satisfy the most demanding visitor.
The vineyard was in a quiet village, located in a prosperous valley in central Greece surrounded by incredible wildlife, and close to historical sites and beaches. Both my coordinators and the vineyard/winery personnel gave me top tips for things to see, visit, and eat.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The opportunities I got. Opportunities at my work, opportunities to meet wonderful people, opportunities to be part of great moments. In addition, my experience abroad was unique because of the relationship I formed with the vineyard/winery personnel.
On many occasions they invited me out for coffee or dinner and I got to learn a lot and meet more people and hear interesting stories. I attempted to learn a bit to read more about the area and this helped me gain a better understanding of the people and the culture.
They were always very supportive of me and wanted me to succeed during my time there! It was such a great experience and we continue to talk even though I am back home.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The coordinators provided by Cerca Trova could not have been better. They made sure we always felt at home and were there to help with anything I needed. There was never a moment that I didn't feel safe and supported but I was still given great independence and space and that was really important to me.
They allow you to create the experience the way you want it to be. In addition, I cannot say enough great things about my onsite staff. Not only were they incredibly helpful, but they were also kind, caring, and so much fun! They always went the extra mile taking care of me and ensuring my experience was as amazing as possible.
My coordinators really made me feel like I had family abroad, and I can't wait for the day that I return to Greece and get to see them again!
Harvesting grapes
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have stayed longer! In my original planning I did not count in on how much fun this experience would be plus I had arranged other trips back home right after returning from this program, so it was difficult to prolong my stay.
I also wish I had spent more time after the program to travel around Greece and especially the islands. Although the placement was in central Greece, in order to visit the islands I had to travel to Athens and take a ferry, which meant that I would have been away from the program for many days and not just for the weekend.
I am planning to visit Greece again next year to see the rest of the country and definitely visit the people at the winery.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in the vineyards or the winery starts with an early morning. After eating breakfast, we would prepare all the tools and supplies needed for the winery field work or for working at the winery.
If the weather was good, we would go out into the field and spend around six hours pruning the vines, performing field maintenance, or harvesting grapes. We would also visit the winery to crush the grapes, monitor and maintain the wine tanks, aid in the bottling process, or work in the lab analyzing samples.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During weekdays after work, we would usually have a coffee or dinner. Then, I would go back to the accommodation to read a book and relax until it was time for bed.
During weekends, I got to travel around central Greece and see archeological sites such as Delphi and the fishing village of Galaxidi, go to Lake Plastira to enjoy the amazing views, or visit the coastal city of Volos and the magnificent beaches of Pelion.
On one occasion I got invited by one of the winery managers to follow them to Thessaloniki where he went for business and I had the chance to explore the city!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation was a fully-furnished shared apartment that was just a short walk from the town’s center. The place had a desk, TV, refrigerator, large bathroom and shower, washing machine, and A/C.
We had Wi-Fi at both the housing and the main winery building. Most rooms also had a balcony or a window with a view of the forested mountains or the valley. The rooms varied in size and had either one single or two single beds. There was also a maid service that would come in once a week to clean.
The kitchen was well-equipped and the lounge area as very spacious and comfortable. There was also a sitting area outside in the garden under shade which was ideal for reading a book or just relaxing. My favorite part of the housing was the location, where most amenities were within walking distance, including the supermarket.
Hands-on work at the vineyard
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
This is definitely an adventure, and you will encounter a lot of things including food, transportation systems, landscapes, people, and ways of life that may be different than what you are used to.
You will not encounter the same amenities and way of thinking everywhere, and you have to be prepared for this. It is these differences that should make you want to go to a new location and experience something new and it will be an experience like no other!
Even though it will push you out of your comfort zone, it will also ensure that you will have some of the most incredible experiences of your life.
Would you recommend Cerca Trova to others? Why?
The coordinators and Vineyard/Winery staff took care of everything I needed. They met me at the airport, and met me with the shuttle that took me back on my final day. They gave us a detailed program and location orientation and they offered advice on activities. They also had 24/7 emergency support which made me feel safe and at ease in case anything happened.
Throughout the entire program, I felt like I mattered to the coordinators and Vineyard/Winery staff. Even before departing from home, while in Greece and even after I could be in constant connection with them to get information. They have supported me throughout my entire experience just enough for me to feel comfortable, yet still feel challenged enough to grow and learn from mistakes.
The vineyard
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Spending time abroad has really helped me put things into perspective. I am more confident when I travel and it has inspired me to travel more. I feel that I can incorporate travel into my career and even feel more confident in living in new places.
My time abroad sparked a passion for travel and cultural exchange. Leaving your country and discovering what else is out there is incredibly important. In addition, I think meeting new people that are not familiar with your language and culture is extremely beneficial.
I want to keep traveling, so after college I am planning to return to Greece and travel to other countries as well, and I am very excited about it.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Study abroad also taught me a lot about who I am and what I want from life. This has played a huge role in how I look at my future, and what I want out of my career. I definitely have a better understanding of what to look for in a job when I graduate.
I feel deeply that this experience grants students with a new understanding of empathy, and shapes them into global citizens who will better contribute to their communities and to the global community. I have also learned how to unpack my experience and examine the different skills I gained, and look at how I can speak about the experience in a meaningful way.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel goes beyond seeing a new city or natural wonder in one’s own local area, their own country or abroad. Seeing new places and having new experiences are most certainly meaningful and important, and visiting the new is something I actively seek now for myself.
Any time someone tiptoes out of their cultural comfort zone it is a cause for celebration. Travel that involves intention and engagement with the local people and places, and creates the types of experiences that are authentic, you will carry with you forever. We are a global community and travel only facilitates our ability to connect with one another.
