Alumni Interview with Ellie Cassidy

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I've always wanted to go to Greece.

Why did you choose Webster University Athens?

I'm a student at Webster's home campus.

What was your favorite part about Athens, Greece?

Meeting my roommates, the people in Athens, and the faculty at school. Overall, my experience in Greece solidified the type of people that I want to spend my time around. The culture of the people in Athens (as I experienced it) was communication oriented, friendly and overall just humanitarian. The staff at Webster Athens was so helpful and kind. The program director is one of the best people I’ve ever met. The other faculty was also incredibly resourceful and there for me whenever I needed.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

Seeing my life through the perspective of another culture. Being born in America is a privilege, which can be hard to see when you’ve never left the country before. I had taken for granted the opportunity oriented society I came from. I feel like now, I am more aware of how I can use my privilege to help those who don’t have the same chances as me. That overall perspective shift was what made my experience in Greece so worthwhile.

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

Webster Athens had the most attentive, caring, and kind people in the world. Everyone is so smart and always there for you if you need them.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

Extended my time.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

We normally started our day by getting on the train to help at the refugee centers. There we would either help with the children while parents took English and Greek classes, sort donated clothes or help out in the kitchen. After volunteering, my roommate and I would get lunch and chill for a little. Later we would meet up with our friends to go shopping, to the beach, on a hike or just explore the city. We would almost always end up getting food and hanging out at one of the bars in the city.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

Traveled to other parts of Greece or went to the beach. As a part of the program, we were taken to the islands of Poros, Aegina, and Hydra. We traveled to all three islands in one day by boat. The day happened to fall on my 20th birthday, which was incredibly special and I will remember it forever. In addition, the friends I made in the program and I arranged a separate trip to the island of Santorini. Santorini is one of the most iconic locations in Greece (with the white buildings and sunsets). When I go back to Greece this Spring I hope to be able to travel to Milos, Mykonos, Crete, and Skopelos. It is incredibly easy to travel throughout Greece and other parts of Europe from Athens.

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

Double rooms are the best because there is a perfect balance of being close to your roommates and having personal space.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

Try to figure out your monthly budget before you get there. Knowing exactly how much you can spend each month is the best way to check and make sure that you know where you are as each month goes on. I would also advise anyone who is going abroad to just take things as they come. My experience in Greece was pretty much perfect and I would attribute that to not only the best program, but also just by dealing with things as they happened. You should for sure have goals of places you want to see and things you want to do, but if you try to force relationships or love for something you don’t, then you’re going to be disappointed.

Would you recommend Webster University Athens to others? Why?

Webster Athens is the best place to study abroad and I'm genuinely so thankful that it exists. It is the most affordable option I found coming from a middle class midwest family, to be able to travel abroad. The staff isn’t going to coddle you, because if you are going abroad you should be adult enough to speak up for yourself and get help when you need. When you need something, though, the program’s staff is going to help you figure it out. For example, my roommates all went to Vienna one weekend and I decided to stay home. I went out for a hike on a really hot day and forgot the keys to my apartment. When I realized what I did I called one of the program coordinators, on a Saturday, and he was there within 10 minutes to help me.

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?

Getting perspective on how many opportunities there are in the world. Like I previously mentioned, the amount of privilege I have as an American is insane. No matter who you are, there will be some sort of perspective shift you will face abroad. Other benefits from my experience abroad was I saw places that I’ve heard and read about for forever, so seeing those was incredible. Also, you get confidence by trying new things and that is basically all you do abroad.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

I learned a lot about myself abroad, so I feel more confident. I learned that I want to go back to Greece. I met such amazing people in Greece and I absolutely want to keep those relationships. My life at home is a lot more directed than it was before I had this experience. Before, I knew that I valued travel and had certain specific qualities that I thought would make me feel successful. A lot of those have either changed or developed and I’m very grateful my time abroad at Webster Athens helped me find that.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meeting people that you care about and helping who you can.