While visiting Greece I felt a great sense of sonder. Looking at all the little souvenir shops in athens, the pistachio markets in aegina (which also serves the best pistachio ice cream ever), the bars in rhodes, the restaurants in Kalymnos, you begin to realize that this isn’t just a dreamy vacation spot in the mediterranean. It is so much more than that, it is people’s entire lives, their careers, how they provide for their families. It truly is a humbling experience. On top of that, walking through places like the acropolis in Athens, or old town in Rhodes, you realize that you are walking through the lives, dreams, and failures of many Greeks dating back to the middle of the 5th century BC. And within all of those ancient ruins, are the MANY cats who call these historic landmarks their homes.
Going into this trip I felt quite apprehensive as I never met anyone in this group before, and I thought I was not going to befriend anyone. I was quite foolish to think that, as we persevered through the steep steps of Lindos and the acropolis, we united together and a great sense of esprit de corps was formed.
While island hopping the Aegean sea, each place was another portal for us to explore the Greek culture. Moving from the bustling streets of Athens to the quiet and tiny Halki, emphasized the different lives experienced in the small towns versus the big cities. Nonetheless we were welcomed with warmth from the animals and people.
All in all, this is a magical experience that I got to enjoy thanks to the study abroad program. My advice? Just do it! Especially if you like cats.
– Izela, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

What I’ve tried to make most during this trip was to connect. Connecting to my past, to other people, to language, to food, to customs, to a culture that has been isolated from me for my twenty-years of life. I felt this connection at its strongest when being out in the Aegean Sea during the ferry rides. Having the salt, sun, and air go through my hair and face while wondering without a thought at the many islands, rocks, and mountains on the coastline made me feel like I was something more than a stranger in a strange land. The sea had a welcoming characteristic; the light blue reflected to the eye a sense of calm and collectiveness, rather than a dark abyss one might see in any other ocean. The wind gave a sense of adventure, like I was Odysseus coming home, and the sun felt like a blanket for comfort, and less like an oven. The salt wasn’t dehydrating to me, but instead a connection to nature, and the tiniest atoms and molecules that built this beauty.
Seeing the islands and coastline along the way, one cannot stray away to wonder about the stories the rocks and soil hold. How many people have cried, laughed, triumphed, and failed on the land? How many lived to tell the tale, or didn’t to tell at all? Because as a student of history, we don’t often hear the stories from the people who were caught in the crossfire of the legends of empires, war, and tyranny. We never will know what the reign of Tyrants, Sultans, Pashas, Basileus, or Emperors was like for the humble Shepard or fisherman who dwelled on the island, or how their decisions affected them, but we will always remember those who ruled them. I never got to hear those stories from my great-grandparents, or grandparents, but basking in the same sun, swimming and exploring in the same waters, as they did, truly was a keystone to that connection. – Nicholas, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

I had always dreamed of studying abroad in Greece, and it was a dream come true for me. Since I was young, my mother and I often discussed the idea of going abroad, and her top choice was always Greece. This greatly influenced my decision to join the study abroad program and visit Greece, which made the trip even more enjoyable for me. Throughout the entire journey, our exceptional professor and tour guide were able to answer all our questions and impart a wealth of knowledge. I had the opportunity to learn about many things that my mother and I always wanted to know more about.

During our time there, we explored numerous places and encountered countless unique ruins, artifacts, and cities. The trip was a tremendous learning experience for me. My favorite part of the study abroad trip was undoubtedly the opportunity to explore various places and parts of Greece instead of confining myself to Athens. This provided me with insights into the diverse lifestyles in Greece. The city life in Greece is vibrant and fast-paced, while life on the different islands we visited was more serene and laid-back. I was also extremely grateful for the chance to visit all these different islands because each one had its own unique atmosphere, and they were all amazing and distinct from each other.
– Jessica, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

One of my favorite memories from the Greece Study Abroad Program was the opportunity to immerse myself deeply into the Greek culture through dance. While in Kalymnos, we attended a vibrant festival at the local church to celebrate St. Constantine. The atmosphere was electric with the sounds of traditional music, the aroma of delicious food, and the lively movements of dance.
Participating in the dancing allowed me to experience a profound sense of community and continuity. The dances were more than just physical activity; they were a form of storytelling, expressing the rich traditions and history of the Greek people. I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and belonging within this beautiful community. The people of Kalymnos known for their hospitality, made the festival a truly inclusive event.
Dancing at the festival was an eye-opening experience. Each step and rhythm were a link to the past, connecting us to the heritage of the island and its people. It was fascinating to see how dance served as a universal language, breaking down barriers and fostering connections among everyone present, regardless of background.
The festival also offered a sensory feast. The traditional Greek music, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms, provided the perfect backdrop for the dances. The delicious local cuisine, with its fresh and flavorful ingredients, added another layer of enjoyment to the festivities.
This immersion into Greek culture through dance was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will cherish forever. It was not just about learning new dance steps; it was about embracing a new way of life and understanding the cultural significance behind the movements. The warmth and hospitality of the people in Kalymnos made this festival an unforgettable highlight of my time in Greece. – Ella, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024