All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Paris: New friendships, experiences and degrees!

Bonjour!

This trip had truly been amazing!! The experience I have gained from this class and group are amazing. This was my third study abroad trip. Every time I go abroad with SPC I always come back with new friendships and experiences! We stayed in Paris, France for seven days and got to visit many museums.

I also received my bachelor’s in science in Elementary education during this adventure! I got to celebrate abroad which made it even more special! We got to celebrate the Christmas season and learn about the history of art. Being able to see the artwork we did assignments on was truly eye opening. Just so many amazing things!

– Abigail, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I will never forget it!

Paris! The city of love, and oh did I love it. This trip felt so magical, it felt like I was living in a Christmas Hallmark movie. Every single day I was just in awe by how beautiful not only by the country itself, but the art within it. My favorite places that we visited were the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower. I felt like a princess walking around the halls and gardens of the palace, it was truly an amazing day of learning and the weather was perfect. The Eiffel Tower was breathtaking, getting to see it sparkle was a surreal moment for me because I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be where I was in that moment.

I have made so many great memories as well as formed great friendships with a couple of the girls from the class. We were inseparable; Angelica, Neamiah and I, grateful to have shared precious moments with them. Even the locals in our area were all so nice, our tour guide Pierre was super cool and helpful as well; he was one of us by the end of the trip. In conclusion, my trip to France was absolutely amazing. If I had the chance to do it all over again I would, this trip to Paris is very special to me and I will never forget it.

– Amil, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I have dreamed about traveling!

My trip to Paris was an experience I will never forget. My whole life I have dreamed about traveling, I have always wanted to see the world and experience new cultures and this trip was the start of it all. I had never been out of the country before so when I read about this trip I knew it was something I needed to be a part of. After a long day of travel we had finally landed in Paris. Boarding the boat tour and seeing the Eiffel tower sparkle was surreal, I really enjoyed just walking around and observing everyone. Everything is different, even down to the way they dress. On this trip we saw so much! Noter dame, Saint Chappelle, the Eiffel tower, Musee Dorsee, the palace of Versailles, christmas markets and so much more.

The weather was perfect, it was cold and we had several beautiful sunny days. The best was when we went to the top of the Eiffel tower, it was so clear you had a perfect view of the whole city. The very top was definitely cold and windy but the stunning view made it all worth it. The Christmas markets were fun to walk around, seeing all the different food and shops. Montmartre had to be one of my favorite places, its the art district and everything was so pretty to look at. The buildings are all a little different and each having a story behind it. Overall this trip is something i will never forget,
if anything it has only fueled my love for travel and experiencing new cultures.

– Sydnee, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

SPC Paris: I’m so grateful for the experience.

I cannot properly explain how impactful the SPC study abroad trip to Paris was to me and my education. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a full week in France alongside a group of wonderful girls and a professor who was so passionate about our education and was excited to see us engage with the subject matter. We were also given opportunities to explore the city on our own time, and I was able to see Arc de Triomphe, which I’ve wanted to see since I was a kid. As a history major, I was so excited to see some iconic paintings and famous architecture and was not disappointed.

Across the seven days, we visited Notre Dame, Musee D’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and so many other gorgeous places. We took a few walking tours around the city led by really cool guides who told us wild stories about the history of Paris. Visiting a foreign country can feel so daunting. Especially when you don’t speak the predominant language, but SPC Study Abroad provided us with everything we needed to have a safe, enjoyable time. This trip was maybe the most fun I’ve ever had in my life and I’m so grateful for the experience.

– Natalie, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

I am so happy to have had the opportunity to study abroad with SPC!

Traveling to France in December was my first international trip. This made the experience even more exciting and meaningful to me. Being in Paris felt unreal at times, especially seeing famous places like Notre Dame in person after only ever seeing them in pictures. Walking through the city, stopping into places like Shakespeare and Company, and just taking everything in made art feel way more real and approachable. The cold weather and shorter days gave the city a calm, cozy feeling that made me slow down and really notice the details around me.


What surprised me most was how much art I noticed outside of museums. The buildings, cafés, and even the way the city is laid out felt so fun and creative. Seeing people sketching by the Seine or artists selling their work on the street made me realize that art is part of everyday life in France, not something separate or distant. Since this was my first time traveling outside the country, it helped me see art from a completely new perspective and made the trip feel really special and memorable. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to study abroad with SPC and will definitely consider doing it again!

– Alissa, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

A December in Paris

Spending a week in Paris in December was a truly wonderful experience made possible by the SPC scholarship. Walking through the city felt surreal as I finally saw famous landmarks and explored world-class museums in person. The combination of yellow lights, cozy cafes, and calm streets made every single day feel new and exciting. It was incredible to engage in such deep learning beyond the classroom within such a historical and beautiful setting. This journey was more than just a vacation; it was a meaningful opportunity that permanently broadened my global perspective.


My favorite experience of the entire trip was visiting the breathtaking Palace of Versailles to witness its immense scale. Walking through the palace and seeing the iconic Hall of Mirrors in person was an unforgettable highlight. Even the expansive gardens remained stunning in the December air, adding to the magic of the visit. This trip deepened my appreciation for history and culture in a way that textbooks simply cannot match. I am incredibly grateful to the SPC scholarship for making such an inspiring and unforgettable journey possible.

Au Revoir

– Neamiah, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025

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

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!

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!

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.

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