All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Greece: A new beginning and adventure to be had.

Travel

July 29th at 12:43 pm , I was out of a plane onto tarmac and staring out at the mountain lines and Mediterranean sea in Greece. From all the troubles of prior airport and traveling hiccups, I knew from stepping foot on that tarmac that there was a new beginning and adventure to be had.
After initial settling in, meetings, and orientation we were to begin our primary goals of working with Kambia Brigades as acting “Junior Consultants.” Our group of 10 were split up in two teams that were to focus on our clients goals, with the guidance and help from our professor and Kambia. Our client had already an established business and was looking for better marketing, social outreach, and a general organization of the store. Both teams worked tirelessly to make our clients goals come true. I think during moments like that, it does not occur that we have travelled more than 450 miles across the country to aid in whatever we can to make our clients plans come to fruition or aiding in setting a template that is geared to their wants.

When getting into Athens, meeting our client, it was evident the care and passion everyone had. We all had hundreds of ideas running in our head of the best way to execute our plans. But it was because after meeting our clients and forming a personal connection, we all wanted our clients to succeed and we all wished we had more time to work with them to see their jobs and ideas into fruition.

While the work could have been stressful at moments due to the expectations we put on ourselves, our teams had worked in a way that we could make our clients request come true and provide the tools they want for future use. At the end of the day, we all had come together and breathed a sigh of relief and pride for the amount we could do in a little time.

To celebrate, our latter leg of the trip was filled with excursions to the Acropolis and seeing the Parthenon and literally walking over the ruins of an Athenian neighborhood from 5 AD. Or seeing Plaka and the rows of flea markets with homegrown products and handmade items from the islands (like Crete). But the best was seeing the ferry and island hopping to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Out of all the islands Hydra was my favorite. Coming to port you were immediately greeted by cats lounging in the sun next to the clear waters of the Mediterranean. During July and August most people on the islands who live there are also either on vacation to other islands in Greece or at markets on the mainland selling their products. Because of this, walking into the neighborhoods of Hydra was next to empty and the sounds of nature and more cats was what welcomed you to the islands.

Overall, I am so glad I was able to go on this trip and make bonds with my first acquaintances and friends who I am going to be hanging out with later. Meeting our curators and guides from Greece, and our client from Morocco I will always hold my first trip across the Atlantic dearly to my heart and traveling with SPC as a new chapter from my life.

(P.S. An important tip from this is always pack a pair of extra clothes in your carry on.)

– Ana, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: New country, culture, and collaboration!

Travel

Let me start by saying that studying abroad was an experience that brought new friends, new memories, and new perspectives that will be with me for the rest of my life. I’m Kendyl, a business major from clearwater who had the opportunity to visit Athens, Greece for the 2025 summer session. I was nervous at first, but the pre-departure preparation was detailed and reassured me that I was in good hands with SPC. They provided answers to all questions I had, and this is all before we even stepped foot at the airport! The trip was organized and detailed, which allowed the students to be present and focused during the active days to make the most out of it. Even when our departing flight to Athens was delayed, Professor Rojas put the students’ best interest first when making new accommodation.

There is nothing like being immersed in a new country, culture, and collaboration with fellow students. You get to learn many things about the world and its rich history, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself as well. My favorite part of the trip was helping local immigrants to pursue their business dreams and collaborate with my team on solutions that were presented to them. The fulfillment of helping others and working together to accomplish something bigger than us made all the early mornings worthwhile. I also enjoyed the last 2 days of exploration where we got to travel to 3 different coastal islands and visit the 3000-year-old Parthenon monument with a guided tour of the history.

– Kendyl, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: Great ideas, great people, and, of course, great food!

Greece 2024, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Traveling abroad to Greece was an experience that blended breathtaking scenery with rich cultural immersion. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by the vibrant views of Athens. It was more than just a journey—it was a dynamic consulting project that brought theory into real-world practice. Our team partnered with a local client, Fatima, in Athens to assess her operations, explore marketing opportunities, and recommend strategies for growth financially and social media presence. The experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and creative problem-solving—skills I will carry into every future consulting engagement. During this project it gave me real life perspective on how things internationally are different and how we appreciate what we have. The friendships, connections, and memories I made will last with me forever.
Beyond consulting program, it was the smaller moments that stayed with me. Strolling through narrow village streets lined with beautiful flowers, listening to traditional Greek music played live at cafés, and watching the sunset melt into the sea are memories I will treasure forever. The trip not only deepened my appreciation for Greek history and culture but also reminded me of the joy in connecting with people across languages and traditions. Greece wasn’t just a destination—it was an invitation to slow down, savor life, and see the world with fresh eyes. Greece taught me that successful consulting isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the connections made between great ideas, great people, and, of course, great food.

– Jennifer, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: It was a classroom, a challenge, and an unforgettable experience all in one.

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

I’ve been fortunate to participate in several SPC study abroad programs — from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the vibrant markets of Morocco — and now to the historic capital of Athens, Greece. Each trip has been unique and enriching, but my time in Athens stood out for entirely different reasons than my past study abroad experiences.

From the very beginning, the way our professor pitched this trip was spot-on. In other study abroad programs, you might watch someone “milk the cow” — observing experts and listening to them explain their work. In Athens, you actually milk the cow yourself. This wasn’t just about sightseeing or sitting through information sessions; it was about taking on the tasks and responsibilities that the guides and professionals normally handle.


One of the most valuable parts of this trip for me was working at Fatima’s shop. It gave me a firsthand look at running a small business in a completely different cultural and economic environment. Even more special was how Fatima and I connected over Morocco — a country I had visited on a previous study abroad. We shared stories about its culture, markets, and traditions, and that connection made the experience even more personal and meaningful.
That difference was powerful. It challenged me to apply my classroom knowledge in real-world situations, and it validated my SPC experience by proving that I’m not just taking classes for credits — I’m actually learning, growing, and gaining skills I can use in my future career.

If I could, I’d take this trip again in a heartbeat. While there are still a few details to refine, I truly believe this should be a top choice for business students. Athens wasn’t just a destination — it was a classroom, a challenge, and an unforgettable experience all in one.

– Matthew, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: I will be forever grateful for this experience.

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

This was my first time traveling out of the country and while I was excited, I also didn’t know what to expect. The trip had a rough start when we missed our connecting flight and had to stay overnight in a hotel, leaving 24 hours later than planned. While giving my family updates they told me this was all part of the journey, and they were right. This was an interesting icebreaker for a lot of us who had just met. Once we arrived, we hit the ground running. We got to learn about Greek culture, try the local food, and work on strategies to help our clients.

Thinking back, I wouldn’t change a single thing throughout this trip. I learned how to roll with the punches and adapt to an ever-changing environment. I made some amazing memories with people who started off as colleagues and turned into friends I will have for life. It was a great experience, and we couldn’t have done it without the guidance of Professor Rojas. Once we were finished everyone was so proud of the work we accomplished in such a short amount of time, and I feel as though we all left with a newfound confidence in our abilities. This trip taught me lessons I will follow for life, and I will be forever grateful for this experience.

– Kaitlynn, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: I will always cherish this study abroad.

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

This experience was both my first time leaving America and studying abroad. It was the most life changing, unique and challenging experience I have ever had while in college. When we first got to Athens, I was amazed by how Greek people communicate and how different the driving and traffic is compared to Florida. The mountains were the first thing that caught my eye as we were getting out of the plane, they were breathtaking. And the streets and restaurants were so unique and the Greek food was so good.

Furthermore, I learned so much from Kambia program about refugees in Greece, the Greek business world, the financial debt crisis in Greece and much more. Even more, Dr. Rojas was the most wonderful professor I’ve had and he helped each of us succeed in this business study abroad. He showed us he truly cared, taught us so much and guided us through this experience. Also, the team of students were incredible and we worked hard on the project to help our client and their business. We all supported each other and created friendships along the way. I will always cherish this study abroad and carry the lessons from it.

– Camila, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: A truly unique and insightful business experience!

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Studying abroad is often described as a life-changing experience, and for our consulting team in Athens, Greece, that proved to be true in every sense. Immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the city, where ancient history meets modern innovation, we had the opportunity to work on a real consulting project that blended academic insight with real-world challenges. Strolling through vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, engaging in conversations over strong Greek espresso, we gained a deeper appreciation for the local culture’s emphasis on hospitality, relationships, and community. These cultural lessons weren’t just enriching on a personal level, they directly informed our approach to crafting a business plan that respected and reflected the values of the market we were working in.

Our project brought together a diverse team of junior consultants, each bringing unique perspectives, skill sets, and problem-solving approaches. Collaborating in an international environment challenged us to navigate differences in communication styles, decision-making, and timelines, while remaining united in achieving a clear, actionable outcome. We worked closely to research the industry landscape, analyze the target market, and design a business plan that balanced creativity with strategic practicality. This hands-on experience was more than just an academic exercise, it was an opportunity to see how cross-cultural collaboration fuels innovation.

By the end, we didn’t just walk away with a completed plan; we left with sharper skills, global awareness, and the shared pride of having contributed to a truly unique and insightful business experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

– Ben, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: Fresh perspectives and Unforgettable moments

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

When I applied up for the Greece study abroad program, I knew it was going to be amazing, but I didn’t realize just how much it would stick with me. The main purpose of our trip was to work on a consulting project partnered with a humanitarian group supporting migrants and refugees. It was incredible to see how what we’ve been learning in our programs could directly contribute to addressing real-world challenges. For me, it felt a lot like what I imagine a capstone would be. It pulled together everything I’ve been learning in my business program and gave me the chance to apply it in a meaningful way. It also gave each of us the chance to lean into our own strengths and come together as a team to create something we were proud of. This wasn’t just “a class in another country”, it was a chance to do something meaningful that actually mattered to people.


Once we wrapped up the project, we headed to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, and as a total sucker for history, I was in my own personal Golden Age. It’s one thing to see pictures in textbooks, but it’s completely different to be there, imagining what Athens was like thousands of years ago. Our guide was incredible, sharing stories, myths, and details that made the history feel alive around us. After our time at the Acropolis, our group grabbed authentic gyros (that I wish I could have brought home with me), then wandered through the charming streets of Plaka with its colorful shops, lively cafés, and that perfect mix of history and everyday life.

We ended our trip with a cruise to three islands — Hydra, Poros, and Aegina — each with its own charm and stunning views. Hydra had car-free, postcard-perfect streets. In Poros, we climbed to the famous clock tower known for breathtaking views and great photos over the harbor, and in Aegina, I got to swim in the Mediterranean — easily my highlight of the day. It was the perfect conclusion to a week that blended culture, history, and real-world learning. As someone who has studied abroad before, I still found Greece full of fresh perspectives, unforgettable moments, and the kind of experiences that remind me why I keep seeking opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

– Sam, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Greece: Perspective, gratitude, and memories!

Greece (Business), Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Finding Connection and Creativity in Greece
This summer, I had the chance to step out of my comfort zone and into the heart of Athens for a study abroad program that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Our team partnered with Mirza Made It, a small sustainable fashion brand creating one-of-a-kind bags and accessories from upcycled leather and canvas. From the first meeting, it was clear that Mirza wasn’t just running a business—he was sharing his story through every piece he made. We explored the markets, researched retail spaces, and dug into Greece’s growing sustainable fashion scene, all while soaking in the history, energy, and culture around us. Each day felt like a balance of professional challenge and personal discovery.


Lessons I’ll Carry Forward
What struck me most about working in Greece was how much business revolves around relationships and trust. Things didn’t move at the fast, transactional pace I was used to—it was about taking the time to connect, to listen, and to understand someone’s vision before jumping into solutions. Our team adapted, slowing down our approach, building on Mirza’s ideas, and shaping recommendations that felt true to his values. By the end of the trip, I realized this project wasn’t just about helping a business—it was about learning how to work across cultures, finding the human side of entrepreneurship, and seeing how creativity can bridge any gap. This experience gave me more than skills; it gave me perspective, gratitude, and memories I’ll carry for a lifetime.

– Macie, SPC Greece Business Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: I would recommend this study abroad!

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

The study abroad trip to different locations of Costa Rica was one of the best experiences to see and experience. I am beyond excited to have that on my resume between working super hard with different weather environments, whether it was raining or 100% humidity. I quite enjoyed the learning of different animals and having some Hands-On experience. It was not as much of the medical side of veterinary medicine, but more zookeeper work. It is a good skill/ experience to have due to growing as a wildlife veterinarian technician knowing husbandry and nutrition of different animals. I am also very thankful that we got to experience a bandage/ wound repair on a sloth that was sadly electrocuted, which is a common outcome for a lot of animals in Costa Rica. I was very excited to learn what different countries and cultures have in place for wildlife. It was interesting to see the different places and what they do with rehab and release.

Some locations are stricter with volunteers’ involvement than other places. There were places that had different standards for releasing animals. One location gave every animal a chance to be released in their different steps to seeing how they grow and become releasable. It was also very exciting to see that Costa Rica has a huge program legality for wildlife and for their protection. It was very exciting to find that the laws and fines went from a small amount to thousands of dollars which is a huge deterrent for people. It is common for people to have these wild birds or monkeys then return them to the wild for whatever reason. It warmed my heart to see that there are a huge amount of people and even the government programs that protect these wild animals. Whether they are on a critically endangered list or not. The only thing I would like to add is more hands on in clinic veterinary medicine experience other than ear cleaning, nail trims, and bathing. Even though those are also very important. I wanted to see a more in-depth side of wildlife medicine rather than hands-on medical treatment of dogs and cats.

There were times when I was out of my comfort zones due to AC not being as commonly had at places that we stayed, but I learned that I could adapt and see how strong my passion for this field is than environmental conditions. The experience has still pushed me to still want to work with exotics and do rehabilitation. It was also a huge bonus to see how chocolate and coffee are made. The hiking of water falls and seeing beaches with wildlife around consisting of monkeys and birds. The passion from our tour guide and the bus driver topped the experience. Everyone in Costa Rica have so much love for their culture and their country. I would recommend this study abroad.

– Jordan, SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025