Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece has already been one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. Being in a completely new environment has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect and it has helped me grow both personally and academically.

Since arriving, I’ve been able to fully immerse myself in the culture here and it has honestly been incredible. The history, the food, the pace of life, and the way people interact all feel so unique compared to what I’m used to. Athens has such a strong sense of identity and you can feel it everywhere from walking through ancient sites to just sitting at a cafe and observing daily life. It’s been an awesome experience getting to live in a place with so much history while also being part of its modern culture. Even simple things like navigating the city, adjusting to cultural differences, and interacting with people from different backgrounds have taught me a lot about adaptability and awareness. It has made me more independent and more open minded.

The donation I received through the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship for Study Abroad has also allowed me to take full advantage of being abroad by traveling beyond Greece. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit countries like Switzerland, Morocco, and Spain, along with others which has expanded my perspective even more. Being able to experience different cultures, languages, and ways of life firsthand has been one of the most valuable parts of this journey and it would not have been possible without this support.This opportunity would not have been possible without the generosity of the donors behind this scholarship. I am incredibly grateful for their support in making this experience accessible to me. It has allowed me to fully engage in my time abroad without the added stress of financial burden and I do not take that for granted.

Diego at Levada do Alecrim in Madeira, Portugal