Living like a Local in Greece

I haven’t really thought about how I will create a LIFE while studying abroad. Making friends? Yes. Trying everything I possibly can? Most definitely! But I have no idea how I will make a life there in only a short 4-week trip. It’s interesting to think about because I want to get involved with the community there, by talking to as many people as possible and joining clubs or going to presentations. I want to fully immerse myself into this culture—which may not be difficult to do because I go to Greece so often. And I want to live like a local. But having a life means so much more than any of that, to me at least.

It will be scary creating a life in this new place because I know I will become so attached I won’t want to leave. EVER! I’m usually an outgoing person if you put me in a room full of strangers while I am out of my comfort zone; I am not worried about making local friends—especially since I speak the language. The problem comes in when I am getting ready to leave. I know how upset and sad I feel when my international roommates or friends go back to their home country—I am devastated. The one thing I can hope to get out of this experience, besides learning more academically and culturally, is to make bonds with the friends I make there that are unbreakable, which can be tricky to do in a few short weeks.

The easy part of studying abroad, the part I am not scared of in the least which isn’t necessarily a good thing, is what my day-to-day life will look like. I like to think I’ll have a routine going for the schoolwork and the two courses I am taking for the month, but the rest of my time will be taken up by spontaneity and impulse. Wherever the wind takes me (and yes, I am aware that is incredibly cheesy!).

I want to experience everything this opportunity has to offer me by making both other international friends as well as local friends. I will try to get involved with the campus activities, which may be difficult because of my short time there. If there are trips to see the ruins or go to museums, I am there! If friends want to go out for a fun time, I can’t wait to go. Every opportunity that is presented, I want to take; that is my strategy for getting involved and taking in as much as possible.