Submitted by Nicole Getz on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Athens, Greece sponsored by the Department of English…
This first week in Athens, Greece has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Before I arrived, I was extremely nervous for this experience, but also so excited. I had never been to another country before and I did not know the people on this program, so the anticipation was very overwhelming. At the airport, I felt a little more comfortable when I started to get to know my class.
When we first entered the city after the flight, we were driving to our apartment at night. In the dark, the city looked a little bit different than I imagined. It was a little gritty looking and we were in an area that was not very lit, so it looked dark. If I am being honest, the city was not what I was expecting and it made me feel a little uneasy. In the morning, I saw a completely different city. The sun was shining, and when I looked out from the balcony of my apartment, I saw the most beautiful view with the Acropolis in sight. I instantly felt so much better than I did the night before. The first day we had orientation at the Athens Centre, which is where we have class. It was so comforting meeting the people that work at the Athens Centre because they were so welcoming and excited to have us. Throughout the week, I began to get very acclimated to Athens and start to know my way around my neighborhood and the city. We did so much this first week, but one of my favorite experiences so far was going up to the Acropolis. Seeing the Acropolis in all its glory has been on my bucket list since I started learning about Greek mythology in sixth grade. To see this historical site and the beautiful view of Athens was a dream come true.
Our first weekend here was a free weekend where we were able to travel somewhere on our own. Some girls from my class and I decided to travel to the Greek Island, Corfu. This island was so beautiful and such an amazing experience. The highlight of this trip was actually the people we met. Our taxi driver from the airport to our place ended up being the kindest man. He helped us so much and even gave us a tour of the town! We also met a man who owned a small coffee shop. We talked to this man for two hours, and it was amazing to hear about his dream of coming to America. Something cool we did was sign an American $5 bill to give to him. He was so grateful and said that he would keep it forever and always remember meeting us. Yes, the views and things we did were amazing, but meeting these two men was what made this trip unforgettable. It really restored my faith in humanity and made me appreciate the people in my life.
Overall, this first week has exceeded my expectations. I have already done and seen so much and met so many amazing people. I am so excited to continue on this journey for the next two weeks!