What inspired you to work for Philotimo Abroad?
International education has long been a passion of mine. As a student I studied abroad in Israel, France, and Poland. My career path led me into higher education, international development, and nonprofit work in the medical and healthcare arenas.
Thanks to my study abroad experiences, I was able to work in Sub Saharan Africa and across Central and Eastern Europe for global health campaigns.
The opportunity to work with Philotimo Abroad was the opportunity to pull from all different aspects of my background. It has allowed me to make possible for today's students what was made possible to me years ago—an experience that shaped the trajectory of my life.
Why do you do what you do?
Look up the meaning of Philotimo! Loosely translated, it means Love of Honor—that is why I do what I do. I believe there is a true importance in helping students to broaden their horizons.
With many kinds of jobs, you wear one hat and deal with one type of client or partner. With a dynamic group like Philotimo Abroad, I engage with people from all backgrounds.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
When traveling for the first time, and even now before every trip, I remind myself that there are going to be times where I feel somewhat out of my comfort zone.
Then I remind myself that that feeling is the point of leaving my day-to-day habits, routines, mentality, and attitude—I just have to breathe and take it all in. Engage with the culture, especially the people directly, in any way I can.
I also remember that I am a representative of my country when I travel. That matters to me a great deal. I keep this in mind and open myself to the adventure ahead.
Fellows on the go!
What makes your organization special?
Philotimo Med Abroad lives out its namesake—Love of Honor. We at Philotimo have the honor of working with students who aspire to work under the Hippocratic Oath for the wellbeing of patients.
We have the honor at Philotimo to facilitate the mentoring work of our Greek medical partners - those who have already dedicated their careers to providing care for others. We take pride in building these bridges between people and countries.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Philotimo is not an average study abroad program. We only accept the best of the best students after a formal application process. Our students are recognized and respected as visiting fellows by Greek hosts.
Once accepted for a fellowship, each student's specific background and interests are taken into account as the hospital of the esteemed University of Thessaly plans their observation/shadowing experience.
We allow students to experience the field first-hand to really explore and discover what it means to pursue studies in the field. For those whose dedication is strong, the Philotimo Med Abroad experience bolsters their med school applications and sets them far and above the rest!
Thanks to our relationship with the University, programs are truly personalized. The shadowing program is based in the beautiful and lesser-known Region of Thessaly which is often called the Gem of Greece. Thessaly is not only home to the charming and chic city of Larisa, it is in the heart of the tradition and practice of modern western medicine—the workplace and resting place of Hippocrates himself.
A group of our fellows soaking in the culture and nightlife of Larisa.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission on the broadest level is to diversify the medical workforce and build bridges among those who share the common convictions, desires, spirit of exploration, discovery, and adventure in their work in the medical professions.
Those who care about others, approach their chosen profession with integrity, and in the spirit of Philotimo and under the shield of the Hippocratic Oath.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Our fellows take away a new confidence that comes from being immersed in the field of medicine and respected for the value they bring as US ambassadors to Greece.
Already recognized for their excellence as top students, once they are fellows working among Greek colleagues—experiencing the culture and visiting the most compelling historic sites—participants leave knowing they have stepped outside their comfort zone, explored, and discovered a new perspective on the world.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It goes without saying that once you have stepped out of your day-to-day routine, and once you have left the familiar behind, you open yourself up to wearing new lenses with which to see the world. People better understand where they are from through all their senses. It changes you, and enriches your life experience.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is the kind of travel in which you take every opportunity to experience your new environment.
That may include single moments of reflection atop a historical site, joking around with kids in the street, ordering coffee in a chic café, tasting the delicious foods of the country in which you find yourself, or working side-by-side with new colleagues—all these experiences make for meaningful travel.
