It was hard for me to describe my study abroad experience to anyone who asked when I returned home. I would show them the pictures and tell them about the course I took, but nothing really captures how amazing it really was. People that have traveled to Greece definitely understand it’s beauty. Someone with a passion for history would understand the course I took in Greek history. Even though this is what my program consisted of on the surface, it became so much more than that. The entire month was one amazing blur, especially since we consistently moved from place to place. I experienced the whole country and learned the whole history in the short span of a month. However, the part that I don’t even understand or can begin to explain is how close I got to my study abroad group in just that brief while.
This was my first time traveling without my family and the people in my group made it so much easier to take on this challenge. They were the most outgoing, adventurous, intelligent, and wholesome people I have ever met, and I don’t think I would’ve ever known them without this program. So, for that alone I am eternally grateful for this experience. Whether it be hiking Mount Olympus, jumping off piers in Pefkochori, or climbing volcanos in Santorini, I knew this group would be down for anything. It changed how my entire experience went, knowing that they wanted to take advantage of every minute we had in this beautiful, exciting country.
Since I’ve been home, I’ve had time to reflect on my experience and even though I can’t really put it to words, I remember the people I met and the friends I made. More importantly, I know these friendships will last a lifetime. They were my family abroad, when mine was thousands of miles away. Bama Abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made, so my only advise to someone considering the program is to just do it, you won’t regret it.
