I have been blessed with the opportunity to study abroad this spring semester in Athens, Greece! *Impatiently waiting to board while writing this* I cannot contain my excitement I have for the upcoming three months. I have been dreaming of this opportunity since high school and the time has finally come. It was a hard goodbye to my family and friends, but it will all be worth it once I step foot onto the cobble stones of Athens, Greece. As this has been a dream of mine for awhile now, I have complied some expectations for this trip that I hope (but know) will be met. Here are some of my top expectations.
1. Explore New Cultures
As I plan on traveling to more than one country while I am abroad, it'll be crucial for me to learn how to adapt to the new cultures very quickly. Thank god I am not doing this by myself and have people from my school who can help me along the way if I need it. They are in the same boat as I am and I'm sure we are all feeling the same way. Visiting each country will allow for me to appreciate them and bring back knowledge with me when I come back to the states.
2. Learn Another Language
This will be the biggest barrier while I am traveling. A BIG adjustment I'm sure not many people are use to. I got a little handy dictionary that will come in use when I need it. Immersing myself into the culture and going out to practice Greek with the locals, I am positive some words will come along just smoothly. Greek is a hard language to learn but I'm sure I can push it through.
3. Make New Friends
You are immersed in a new cultures and culture shock is quite common when you travel abroad for a very long time. It can be difficult to adjust, but eventually, I'll get the hang of it. I am traveling with a pretty small group of amazing people and over the course of three months I know we will end up getting pretty close. Which is great of course, because I will have more friends to come back to when the fall semester approaches. The locals will be essential in getting from place to place, finding new food, and attractions. I'm positive I'll make some local friends along the way.
4. Have a New Favorite Food
I am pretty daring when it comes to trying new things, but food can be a different story. We all know that food in different countries tastes different in each. Another culture shock I'll have to get used to. I pretty much am forced to acquire likeness of new foods especially since I will be there for three months and I don't want to be disrespectful. I absolutely hate greek yogurt here in the U.S., but who knows? Maybe I'll fall in love with some authentic greek yogurt! We'll see about that... Bring on the baklava!
5. Not Wanting To Come Back
Every single person who I have talked to about studying or traveling aboard said they would do it over and over again. I have not heard one bad thing! It helps alleviate some stress and nerves and makes me even more excited to get across the pond. These people never want to leave and say to me that it is a once in a lifetime thing that you'll never regret. I can't argue with that.
As you can see I have a lot of great expectations for my time in Athens. And this isn't even half of the list! This trip will give me great life lessons and teach me things I would have never known about myself if I didn't take the first step.
Greece, I'm coming for you.
