Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece, for the past four months has been an incredible and eye-opening experience. Being surrounded by historical sites such as the Acropolis, walking on cobblestone streets, seeing street cats, eating delicious Greek food, drinking freddo cappuccinos, and speaking Greek with locals has made it truly unforgettable. 

Coming from Japan and having lived in the United States and various Western European countries, immersing myself in a Southern European country for the first time was especially eye-opening. Compared to the structured and efficiency-driven environments I was used to, Greek culture emphasizes a slower, more relaxed pace of life. For example, siesta culture means local stores sometimes close as early as 2 p.m., even on weekdays, kafeneio culture involves long hours in coffee shops, and “Greek time” reflects a more flexible approach to punctuality. This was initially a culture shock, but I eventually adjusted to and came to enjoy this way of life. 

I studied at the American College of Greece, located on the slopes of Mount Hymettus. Being 30–40 minutes from downtown Syntagma allowed me to experience both nature and city life in Athens. My favorite class was Modern Greek, where I learned and practiced speaking the language. This allowed me to communicate more closely with locals and immerse myself more deeply in Greek culture. I was also able to reconnect with an old family friend from Greece; spending time together and communicating in Greek made the experience especially meaningful. 

During my time in Greece, including school excursions, I visited sites such as Aegina, Epidaurus, Nafplion, and Delphi. Seeing these historical sites firsthand and learning about classical history was a memorable experience. I also travelled to cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Venice, Istanbul, Paris, and Lisbon, which exposed me to a wide range of cultures, food, and histories. These experiences also gave me the confidence to take my first solo trip, helping me become more self-reliant and comfortable with solitude. 

Studying abroad in Greece has increased my cultural awareness and helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and change. It has broadened my perspective and strengthened my confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments. 

I am very grateful for the Dan Cole Scholar/Demertzis Prize and the Suzanne T. Hotchkiss Foreign Travel Grant, which made this experience possible.

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: