When asked to sit and write about my study abroad experience I must say it was extremely difficult to choose just one thing to write about. From the food we enjoyed, to the people we met and the hospitality we were shown, to the sites we saw, the experiences were simply overwhelming.

On the island of Kalymnos, we were able to meet with several local political and cultural leaders. This island in general was my favorite of the islands we visited. Upon arrival we were taken to a resort owned and operated by the family of the Director of Tourism who made sure we were able to experience all the islands had to offer. The view from the hotel was something straight out of a travel magazine.

After being given a private tour the Museum of Folklore and The Museum of Natalis, we were invited to hike up to watch the sunset over the island from inside a castle erected in the 1400’s. From this vantage point our guide was able to point out all of the historical landmarks of the island. It is one thing to explore a city from within it is another to see it from above.

Within the Chrysocheria castle walls there still stands a small chapel with the religious relic which depicts Mary with golden hands, that people still travel far and wide to view. There also still stands a bell that was used to alert the town which we were able to ring. To be in the presence of such monumental history is something hard to explain. I am extremely grateful to have been able to attend the Summer 2024 Study Abroad Program in Greece as these experiences will stay with me for life.
– Lytichia, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

My experience is Greece was nothing short of amazing, must be one of the best countries I have visited in Europe. My favorite Island in Greece was Kalymnos because I could go either hiking up to the most famous rock-climbing spots in the world or dip my feet in the cold Mediterranean Sea just a few feet from the hotel. I also enjoyed the tasty food. I could believe all the new foods I got to try. My favorite had to be tacos. We were at this restaurant on the Island of Rhodes, and we got to try duck tacos., I never thought I that’ve been something to eat there but I’m glad we had had it. I also enjoyed the Greek festival we were invited to on Kalymnos because it was full of Greek life and dancing and fireworks that lit up the night sky, it really made for a spectacular night.

I also enjoyed taking the ferries to other Islands as well because that’s something we don’t have here in Florida. I remember one of the days that got windy and there were huge waves rocking the ferry and causing it to crash into the waves splashing everyone on the top deck, which I thought was quite comical. I also couldn’t believe how crystal clear the water was there, and believe me it was so refreshing, although it took me a minute to get used to the water with it being so cold, I even brought my own inflatable tube from home, so I could just relax after walking around all day long. I also love visiting old castles that were built between the 13th century and 15th century. Overall, my experience in Greece was far better than I expected and would do it all again in a heartbeat. – Benjamin, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

From the two weeks I spent in Greece, I can firmly say that it is a truly beautiful country, and this past trip is something that I will continue to remember for years. For a man of the Florida gulf coast such as myself, the mountains and valleys are a welcome change of terrain. Traveling past Mount Parnassus on the way to Delphi where the central pagan oracle was located, you can see why the ancient Greeks considered the area to be a sacred place and even the center of creation itself. However, the most excellent natural feature of Greece that I saw was the Aegean sea: the clarity of the seawater is incredible, and the deep blue of the ocean that envelops the archipelago is absolutely sublime.

To be in a region with so much history was staggering: No matter where you turn in Athens, Aegina, or any of the other locations we visited, you’ll see buildings from a distant or not so distant past; even the smaller isles like Kalymnos, Symi, or Halki have reams of history and lore behind them. While the classical sites such as the Acropolis of Athens or the temples of Delphi are the best-lauded features of Greece’s storied history, it should not discount sites such as the castles of the Knights of St. John that checker the Dodecanese islands or the mosques and buildings constructed by the Turks. Even modern sites such as the monasteries of St. Nektarios and St. Savvas hold a deep significance to the people of Greece and form a part of Greek history, despite their 20th century origin.

Putting it succinctly, it was just wonderful to be in Greece, a country of great places that I had always wanted to visit (and would love to return to one day), and I saw plenty of less-known places that are just as wonderful, like the beautifully quaint island of Halki. Furthermore, I am glad I traveled with the wonderful group of people we had, I was worried there would be issues and division between everyone, but fortunately that wasn’t even close to being the case. My utmost thanks to the other students on the trip, to Professor Moutsatsos, to our guide George, and to the organizers of the trip. I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying that the memories of this will be treasured for years and years to come.
– Tyler, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

If you are thinking of studying abroad, just do it! It was one of the best decisions I
ever made & worth it. Get out there & go experience life! Do not let anyone or anything hold
you back! It will truly benefit you in every way & things like this are & can be a once in a
lifetime opportunity. This opportunity truly benefited my personal & academic enrichments
with everything I experienced throughout my trip. The beauty in Greece is absolutely
unreal! One of my best & most favorite experiences was when we went to the Cultural
Museum of the Lyceum of Greek Women.
As a Greek young woman myself, this place was very empowering to me. Greek
women throughout mainland Greece & its surrounding islands, have an empowering story
of strength & determination. While we sat in the museum & heard the stories that were
being told about the challenges that Greek women faced back then, it was truly something
to hear. For one, their husbands & sons would often embark on long journeys away from
home for dangerous work risking their lives for sometimes months on end. While there was
no way of contact back then, no one was ever sure if they would return home safely. This
physical separation highlighted the authority of Greek women back home. This history
serves as a reminder that Greek women had to rely on their strength, perseverance, &
determination, not only for their survival but to also ensure their families were protected.
Greek women played a crucial role in shaping Ancient Greek society.
– Konstantina, SPC Greece Study Abroad Program, May 2024

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