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