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 22, 2024)