Greece is famous for many reasons: the Santorini blue-and-white houses, olive oil, and, of course, ancient ruins. Before coming here, I associated those kinds of things with Greece. But my time studying abroad here has made me realize Greece is so much more than those images people see online.
A Different Kind of Study Abroad
My study abroad program, Ancient Greece in Situ, is distinct from what other people think studying abroad is meant to be. While many programs are centered in one city, where students attend classes in the same location, my program involves traveling all over Greece, visiting ancient sites and museums in chronological order, while classmates teach each other about its history.
Finding Comfort in Constant Change
At first, moving from place to place seemed daunting, yet I’ve grown to find a sort of comfort in this schedule. Though intimidating, this kind of routine allows you to explore more of what your foster country has to offer and leaves you excited for what is yet to come! My program has allowed me to grow close to my peers while still pushing me to step outside my comfort zone.
You’re Never Truly Alone
One thing anyone will learn from their time studying abroad is that they are never truly alone during their experience. There’s a good chance many of the people around you are visiting the country for the first time. Everyone is trying to figure things out together, whether it’s navigating the airport system, adjusting to the time difference, learning the transportation system, or picking out what to eat for dinner! Even when you feel overwhelmed, chances are your classmates feel the same way. These shared moments create an unmatched sense of connection. You adapt, learn, and grow together.
Realizing Greece Isn’t So Different After All
There is always some form of nervousness at the beginning, as you anticipate what is to come. For some people, the realization that they are in another country hits at once. For others — like me — it takes a few days for that feeling to truly sink in. There’s this idea that everything will be completely different, as if you stepped into a different universe rather than a different country. Yet you’ll find it’s the little things that’ll make you realize you’re still on earth. You’ll look up and see the same moon at night. The same sunlight shines down on you in the morning. You’ll see cats and dogs that look just like the ones back at home.
I realized that much like the United States, every place in Greece has its own personality. Each city feels different from the next, from a bustling city like Athens to a town like Heraklion. It made me chuckle, as it reminded me of just how different Texas is from Texas!
All this to say, different doesn’t mean bad. Experiencing these differences and similarities has made me feel more comfortable, and it’s even one of the best parts of my time studying abroad!
A Little Goes A Long Way
I won’t deny there will be moments where you miss home, and you’ll find yourself struggling to make simple decisions. On my first trip to a Greek grocery store, I found myself confused about which chocolate to buy. What was the difference between the chocolate wrapped in orange compared to the one wrapped in blue? Is this a protein bar or their version of a wafer? It can be overwhelming to try something new.
Something I would recommend to anyone studying abroad is to start by trying things that are familiar but different. It’s commonly known that other countries have completely different versions or flavors of products we already know from America. Whether it’s trying a different Oreo flavor or a different flavor of soda, those small differences become part of the experience. Although I was hesitant at first, I’ve grown to love Fanta lemonade here in Greece, and I will be taking home at least three!
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
My time abroad in Greece has shown me that stepping outside your comfort zone does not always have to mean feeling completely lost and alone. Growth comes from expanding your comfort zone little by little through new people, new places, and new experiences! Greece started as a place I thought I could only experience through a window, but it has become so much more through the memories I’ve made here. Studying abroad will broaden your perspective and leave you eager to step outside your comfort zone for a new adventure.
This blog was contributed by Alexandra Couoh, Global Ambassador for May 2026. Alexandra is a College of Liberal Arts junior studying across Greece through the faculty-led May Term program Ancient Greece in Situ.
