Outside walkway at the American College of Thessaloniki
What inspired you to travel abroad?
It has always been a dream of mine to study abroad since I was little, so it was never out of the question whether I would go or not. I am very curious about other places and different cultures and histories that I want to experience them all!
Why did you choose to study abroad in Greece specifically?
The history of Greece is one of my favorites to learn about, so Thessaloniki was the perfect place to live, study, and literally walk through ancient history everyday.
What was your favorite part about Greece?
Of course the food, wine, and the places to see. Greeks are also very proud of who they are and where they are from, so it was very refreshing to see their smiles light up when talking about their country!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The people! I know how generic this sounds, but it is true. My experience would not have been the same without the people I was with. I still keep in contact with the full time students who attend ACT and other locals I met as well as the Americans I studied with. I have actually met up with some of the people I have studied with in Michigan and New York! These are the people who have had some of the largest impacts in my life.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They were awesome! In my apartment building our washer broke and they were able to get us a new one right away. Also, if I ever had a question or needed help they responded right away or tried their hardest to help from receiving directions to culture shock.
Nighttime view in Thessaloniki
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Although I did go off on my own exploring, I wish I would have done it more - like going to a restaurant by myself.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up in the morning to get ready and would either make myself breakfast or walk down the street to the little cafe to get a frappe and pastry. After I ate, I would walk down to the bus stop (the school provided us a free bus) to get to class. After class I would take the city bus to my apartment, walk around the shopping street, or go to the market and get a gyro on the walk home or make dinner.
Later me and my friends in the building we lived in would either do homework, walk around the city together, or run in and out of each others rooms socializing. Eventually we would go to bed.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed exploring the city and the little alleyway restaurants, and also traveling!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
A small two bedroom studio apartment. I liked the balcony the best. My roommate and I spent many hours sitting out there chatting, eating, people watching, and painting. Our balcony was in the middle, so the other girls in the rooms next to us would also come out and we would all enjoy each others’ company
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
There is not much homework given out (at least there wasn't in the classes I took), but there are papers and projects throughout the semester. Don't stress too hard!
Would you recommend the American College of Thessaloniki to other students? Why?
Yes! It is the perfect school and city to study abroad in, without being completely overwhelmed by new surroundings.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The experiences, the culture, and the people. Traveling changes you for the better; you become better able to understand different people and their way of life, and the way others see the world. It changes the way you see the world as well. You become more grateful for the people in your life and where you come from.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I honestly have not been able to sit still for longer than two months. I am always taking small trips. I crave new adventures and new people.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me is to actually experience the place where you are. Before going to a new country, read a brief history on it and learn some basics of the language. You will go a lot farther and be more successful in your travels. Avoiding touristy areas also helps you to receive a true cultural experience.
