Submitted by Jasmine Pennington on the 2024 Spring program in Athens, Greece…
From the very beginning of exiting the airport; I could tell everyone knew I was American. It was insane the complete change from wearing sweatpants or pajamas to going grab something at a nearby store. When I first went on campus for classes, I was so stunned. It was as if everyone woke up and chose business casual attire. I believe every woman I have seen, owns a blazer or a long trench or some alternative that is dressy. So, the two massive suitcases I bought felt obsolete. I thought I could not let it get to me and continue to dress in my style and try not to draw any more attention to myself as an American tourist. But, last night I went to Zara and I saw this long cute trench in a nude color and it was 20 euros off and was fitting so perfectly. So, I caved and now have assimilated into European culture to wear these style coats and not just throw on a sweatshirt and sweatpants. It was a different look for someone who is used to campus at UD. At one point I wore my Comfy around campus because finals week was my last reason.
Finally, I would like to say that as much as i want to assimilate fully, i will never be able to. In Greece, the outfits, the smoking culture, and the insanely late dinners makes me feel blessed to have such lower standards of living. I just really can’t wait to explore using the Metro here. Another quick thing I’d add to your welcome and congratulations letter to study abroad is to bring your UDID with you. There is a massive discount at the metro station Syntagma, but it only works with US institutions that are public. Some of my friends had to pay 90 euros for a 3 month pass, and I paid about 38 euros. Lastly, I hope to find the confidence to wear the European coat I got, but it feels silly to me to be so dressed and end up sweating while hiking up the terrain to campus. (Submitted on January 31, 2024)
Today, I woke up insanely late and immediately had the energy to head to the gym. Mind you, I don’t use the gym since the first week because it was always crowded. But, today the gods themselves shined upon me and the gym was practically empty. I really enjoyed today even with the late wake up call. I finished my workout around 2ish and set off to go back home. I was rudely interrupted by a cat nicknamed Moo and I sat with him for a while and then headed to the closest cafe near school. I love ordering a hot latte with cinnamon and sugar. It’s sooooo good and I would highly recommend it. I don’t have classes today so it’s fine that I woke up late, but I am becoming increasingly more stressed about classes. The structure here is way different than America and I am taking 3 history courses. One teacher is requiring us to know each name of the art, the time it was made, the place it was made, who made it, and what is the significance for over 50 artworks. I am just not a art history person but there wasnt any other classes listed that I could take to fill my breath requirements. I would rather memorize 50+ paintings than to ever take a philosophy 101 course. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!
Side note: I just loved the walk to campus and how walkable the city itself is. I did buy a metrocard but I would rather walk. I once walked for 2 hours instead of taking a bus because I felt like it would be pretty outside. (Submitted on February 12, 2024)
I applied to some internships back in the States. I still feel weird about not being at UD and the many benefits it offers. The whole campus here closes at 8:30. How am I supposed to utilize the library when it’s closed? I truly miss UD and the routine of it all. I knew I would get homesick soon, but I didn’t know I’d miss the small things like going to Dunkin for a coffee and playing Russian roulette with CR dining hall food. I miss the culture of walking to class in Pajamas and even to Lil Bob in the most mismatched outfit I could find. I miss the excessive homework and the attention to detail. On this campus the teachers here don’t baby you and give reviews before the exam, it is 99% a speech and 0 information on the slides. I actually get overwhelmed by having to only rely on word of mouth from their lectures. It’s just too much to write about and they never say what’s important and what’s not. For my art history two class, I don’t know where to begin to study. Also, the first week of coming here I fell down their rocky stairs and bruised my tailbone, and then a week later I fell down their treacherous path to campus and slipped and landed on my knee. I just wanted to quit right there because I was injured twice when I just arrived. Also, I loved cooking before coming here and now it feels like a chore for survival. I am counting the days to come home. The only redeeming quality is the nature here, it’s very peaceful and despite being homesick, it’s starting to feel like home.
So, Yesterday night I went with a group of girls to watch the sunset at Glyfada Beach. At the bus stop, there was a Greek man who actually lived in New York for over 20 years and now is back in Greece. He was telling us how social security was 1000 euros a month and he could survive living there because of how expensive it was. It was very funny, that he was saying how much he hated America but lived there for so long just to collect social security checks. He even gave us advice on the fastest ways to the beach and recommended we wear masks, but we didn’t have any on us so he gave us extras that he had. We arrived just in time to watch the sun go down, it was perfect and peaceful. I’ve attached the photo to show how calming the water was. Then, we all went to get lunch and then we all ate at a sort of Chipotle-styled place they weighed small portions and I was upset to pay more than I would have if I just went to Chipotle. It still was a fun night and taking the 2 hour bus was worth it to see this view. (Submitted on March 7, 2024)