When I decided to study abroad, I knew I wanted to emphasize the “abroad” aspect. What I didn’t anticipate was just how manageable it would be to turn that goal into reality. Based in Athens, I’ve spent nearly every weekend in a new place, a concept that once felt impossible has quickly become one of the most defining parts of my European experience.
In just a few weeks, I’ve explored multiple regions of Greece and visited cities such as London, Budapest, Milan, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Prague, and Dublin. Each destination has been completely unique, from architecture and history to local culture and energy. What strikes me most isn’t just the number of places I’ve visited; it’s how each one has shaped my experience abroad in everlasting ways.
Some of my favorite moments have come from simply being present where I am. Wandering historic streets, lingering in cafés, or watching a city wake up around me are the surreal moments that I will remember for years to come. I have found myself in multiple places I’d only ever seen in pictures or read about in class. I’ve watched British soldiers patrol, marveled at the Danube as it winds through multiple countries, danced an Irish jig in, and skipped amongst the hills that inspired The Sound of Music. These moments make the world feel alive in a way you can’t capture from a textbook or Instagram post.
Equally important are the people I’ve shared these adventures with. Traveling with fast-friends I’ve made in my program has transformed every trip from a simple visit into a shared story. We’ve developed a system that works perfectly for us: I plan the flights and hostels, and they plan the activities at each destination. Together, we combine our skills to make the most of every trip. With them by my side, I’ve danced my way through Europe and skipped across city streets in pure glee. These shared experiences have made every destination feel alive and unforgettable.
Of course, this kind of travel takes effort. Early flights, tight schedules, and constant planning are part of the deal. But the accessibility of Europe has made this adventure attainable in a way I never could have experienced at home. What once felt exclusive to movie screens, visiting a new country almost every weekend, has become the rhythm of my life, exhilarating and addictive, and it’s changed how I think about travel entirely.
More than anything, this experience has reinforced the value of saying yes. Study abroad is a fleeting occasion, and opportunities pass faster than you realize. Saying yes to trips, embracing new experiences, and stepping outside my comfort zone have allowed me to see parts of the world I never imagined and make the most of every moment.
While each weekend brings a new destination, the bigger takeaway is the new perspective I have gained while abroad. Experiencing different cultures, environments, and ways of life has made the world feel both larger and more connected at the same time. I have learned that growth isn’t attained by staying put, but comes from showing up and giving your all to appreciate the moment that you’re in.
Looking back, the chance to visit a new country almost every weekend isn’t something I take for granted; it’s something I’ve deliberately embraced. Studying abroad has given me the freedom to see more of the world than I ever expected, but it has also reminded me that the best memories come from actively choosing adventure, even when it’s intimidating and outside of my norm.
Traveling every weekend is an experience all its own, and I’ve learned that the only way to keep up is to say yes, over and over again.
This blog was contributed by Meadow Votis, Global Ambassador for Spring 2026. Meadow is a Moody College of Communication Sophomore participating in an exchange program at College Year in Athens in Athens, Greece.
