Studying Abroad in Greece

I have been accepted to go to the American School of Thessaloniki in Greece, taking two summer courses about ancient Greek lives and art. I want to do so many different, exciting things while I am in Thessaloniki for the summer; however, it is going to be difficult to put my mind into a tourist-like mindset. My entire family is from Greece, and there have been so many things I have been able to experience since I go to Greece every summer, from the time I was months old. My main goal is to do many of the touristy things I would not normally go out and do. Of course I’ll want to focus a great deal on the courses I’ll be taking at the University, but I would love to visit the archeological sites and art museums in Greece’s second largest city; too many, that may sound like a horrendous time to spend your day in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but I am a nerd at heart and love visiting historical sites and learning as much as I possibly can. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to go out and experience the nightlife, something I could never do while visiting family during my summers in Greece, and spend my weekends at the beach.

            Even though there is so much to experience in this city, I am absolutely terrified to be going to a school in a different country. I feel more comfortable because I know the language and customs; however, I have never taken classes in Greek before or been by myself in a different country. I’ve always been with friends or family anytime I’ve been traveling. I have flown on many planes without anyone, but I have not found myself in any part of the world with only myself. It is an incredibly terrifying and exhilarating feeling.

            So while I have this newfound freedom, I want to do many things when I eventually go and spend 4 weeks in Thessaloniki. I want to make as many friends as possible while I am in a very different place than Maryville, TN. I also would love to be able to make as many connections with professors for future opportunities that may arise such as different career paths. However, my main goal, the thing that would maximize my experience, is taking in everything that a completely different city such as Thessaloniki has to offer. I feel as though I’ll be able to get out of my comfort-zone, something I started focusing on when I came to Maryville College, while I am in Thessaloniki and be able to take every opportunity that comes my way. I see so many international students that come to Maryville College and have an incredible time. That is my goal for this summer.

Post #1: Goals

Goals and Personal Agenda:
-While I am studying abroad in Australia, there are several goals that I want to accomplish that range from academic to adventurous. Obviously, academics are the most important aspect of studying abroad. Since my major focuses on learning about other countries and cultures, the best way to do that is to experience it for myself. Another goal of mine is to be an active member of the community. Volunteering has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I plan on getting involved by giving back and helping others as much as I can when I get to Australia. Also, I want to explore the diverse Aussie environment. That includes snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, venturing out to Australia's outback, and getting lost in the thriving cities of Sydney and Melbourne. I hope to make a lot of friends in Australia.

Feelings About Studying Abroad
-I feel very confident that I will be able to be successful when I go abroad. I am so excited about this wonderful opportunity. I'm not too nervous about the trip since I have already traveled abroad without knowing anybody and being told to navigate through major cities in Europe. One thing I am nervous about is being able to pick up on the slang words and phrases. I mean, I know they speak English in Australia too, but with all the different terms they use, I know it will take some time to understand what people are talking about. 

3 Things to Maximize the Experience
 1) Take lots of pictures. I love photographing everything (except for selfies). 
 2) Try out all the different types of food. I am a huge foodie! I just love love love food! I am willing to try anything new, especially food. 
 3) As I mentioned before, I love to volunteer and help out in whatever way I can. Getting involved is one way that I feel comfortable when I go to a new place. It is a great way to meet new people and it gives me that warm feeling of knowing that I am helping other people.

First Post… To Ireland

Goals and Personal Agenda

            While studying abroad, I want to expand my personal horizons and also explore my artistic direction. One of the major reasons I wanted to go abroad, and to Belfast in particular, is so that I would be able to integrate more successfully into the design community. I want to see how design can be approached in different ways. I want to get out into the world and see what life and art can be outside of Tennessee in a more urban environment. I have worked with a lot of international people in my summer job, and I love being able to connect with people from other cultures. It's difficult to do that sometimes at Maryville, and I would love to get the outsider's perspective of that experience. I really want to just push myself as much as possible socially, academically, and artistically. 

            Feelings about impending journey

            I am nothing but excited about being able to go abroad. I have very few qualms about meeting new people and being pushed into new situations. I am comfortable with the social aspect, and everyone speaks English where I’m trying to go, so I’m not worried about that. I am nervous about getting accepted just because it’s not 100% yet. I can't wait to get my acceptance letter, though I know I will be one of the last ones in class to receive it. I’m also nervous about being able to pay for everything. I will definitely need to apply for scholarships and save up for this trip. I know a few people who went on the recent Celtic Connections trip, and they all told me how expensive living is in the UK. I am nervous about being able to pay… I think that's my biggest reservation in this scenario. I really want to be able to explore without reservation and be able to go out without having to constantly be worried about my finances. 

            3 Things I want to do to maximize my experience

            I want to make sure to get involved on the campus I go to. I don’t want to end up just lazing around and missing out on any opportunities I might have. I want to meet people, and explore, and learn about the culture.

            I will definitely do research before leaving for Ireland because the cultural and religious environment is very different from what I’m used to, especially in Belfast. I want to be up to date with the issues.

            

Feb. 19, 2014 - On why I want to travel and what I want to do!

What do I want to accomplish, or, why do I want to study abroad?
I have always wanted to travel, particularly to the United Kingdom. My great-grandfather was from England and moved to Wales after WWI, where he met my great-grandmother. My grandmother lived in Cardiff until she moved to America with my grandfather. I was always very interested in this region and hoped to visit my family who still live there - plus, it's absolutely beautiful!
Two summers ago I went to Scotland with the MC Concert Choir. We sang in Iona Abbey and the St. Giles Cathedral, and we stayed in a hotel built in the 1600's (yes, it was very spooky). We visited several castles, where I realized that they are way cooler in person than I could have ever imagined (and it's not like I was expecting anything less than stellar).
This trip was right around the point in time where I decided I wanted to study history rather than psychology - a decision I am still quite happy with. I thought of how incredible it would be to visit England, Wales, and Ireland and to go back to Scotland. Then I thought that it would be even better to stay for an extended period of time while I experience the area and study my favorite subject. As it turns out, this school offers some really great history classes that are very relevant to my senior thesis that I would really love to take. They offer a class on America in WWII. I've taken a class here on Europe in the 20th century, where we focused a great deal on WWII. How awesome would it be to take a class in Europe on America during the same time period??
Of course, I also want to make friends and generally have a good time - experience life in another country! And England seems like it'd be a perfect fit.

My feelings on the journey
I'm nervous, of course, about being officially accepted. If I am accepted, after jumping for joy, I'll be concerned about travel logistics, saving money, and making sure I know what to expect and what to do once I get there.

3 things to maximize my experience
1. Castles!!! I am planning on doing heavy research well before leaving on the castles in the area. I'll make a list of the ones near by and the ones that are a bit farther away and figure out how to visit as many castles as possible. I'd like to know a bit more about them before going inside, as well, so I can learn even more.
2. Keep in touch with my family in the area. I hope to visit with them as much as possible! Plus, they'd know where some interesting sites to visit are that I might not otherwise find!
3. Find a church in the area. I'd love to visit the Church of England - there's an experience I'd never have in America! I'd also really love to visit the oldest churches in the area. After visiting as many different churches as is reasonably convenient, I'd continue to attend whichever one I like the best. I love going to church, and it is something that would help keep me grounded while I'm so far from home.
4. One more thing - I'd have to make a brilliant playlist for a trip like this!

Thoughts before studying abroad: Post 1

Hey! SO, I've never traveled outside of the US, or without friends or family so this is a very new/exciting experience for me!! 

What do I want to accomplish while studying abroad? 

      I want to accomplish having an unforgettable experience, taking advantage of my experience, and meeting new people. I also want to help someone while there, whether it be giving them money, or teaching them something new. I also want to accomplish getting involved with the natives, and improving my Spanish. 

How do I feel about studying abroad?

     Oh wow! Well, I am very excited but also extremely nervous! I'm excited because I plan to see some of the international students I have met while I have been at MC. I am also excited to just have the experience to travel abroad. I am nervous about being seen as "a typical American" due to my distinct southern accent getting in the way, and just about stereotypes in general. I am also nervous about getting something stolen, or just doing something to offend someone. I am going to try my best to learn cultural norms and slang words. 


What are three things I want to do to maximize my experience? 

     That's easy- make friends, shop, and eat! ...Just kidding...
BUT, I do want to do those. I think to maximize my experience I'm going to:

1. Make a to-do list and try to do as many of those thins as I can. Example: Attend a One Direction concert in Barcelona or Madrid (yeah, they will be there!), visit most of the cities in the country, visit another country, make a new friend, make good grades, etc. 
2. I want to really get to know my host family and share things with them that make them want to visit the US, and hopefully get advice from them about where to travel and things to do. 
3. I definitely want to engage in the culture, and be as close to the internationals as I am here. I want to make this a learning experience I will never forget. I want it to be something I share with others and make them want to study abroad. I also want to be open minded and thankful for everything while over seas. 

That's all for now. See ya! :)

Blog 1: Goals

           I am so excited to study abroad this summer! I plan to go to Scotland for four weeks to take a course about nursing and the healthcare system there. I have never studied abroad before, or been out of the country, or even been on a plane. Honestly, at this point the plane is what I worry most about! But I also have some fears concerning simply trying to make my way in a completely different place, and finding out how to focus on my studies in the midst of it. I look forward to growing as a person and learning everything I can about Scotland and its culture. I wish I had a better story about how I became interested in Scotland - I love to read, and just got really attached to it because it provided the setting for some books I hold near and dear.

           I have always wanted to travel, and my goals for this trip include gaining experience in the art of traveling, learning about a new culture, meeting interesting people that I can learn from, and also getting knowledge from the course I plan to take about going into healthcare as a career. I want to expand my horizons! I feel like the more places I go, courses I take, and experiences I have, the closer I get to being able to figure out what I want to do with my life and what exactly it is that I have to offer.

          Currently, my main strategy for maximizing my experience in Scotland is to prepare as much as possible, so that when I get there I know exactly what I want to get out of my trip and how I will go about it. Also, I want to make sure that when I am there, I always maintain a mindset that will encourage me to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. In addition, I think that it will be important for me to find a healthy balance between going out and experiencing the culture, and staying in to focus on my coursework.

One Step at A Time...

What do I want from my experience?
Hmm. Well of course I want to have an amazing time overall.  I want to have tons of fun and make friends with people from all over the world, so that when I have another opportunity to travel, I will already have global connections.   I want to experience a new cultural and try mass quantities of delicious foods.  I also want to learn.  Last Spring, I changed my major to International Studies from Neuroscience.  I know huge change!  I have always known that I wanted to be in a profession that allows me to help and work hands on with people.  I finally decided that I truly want to focus on human rights and social justice issues, and what better way than to study problems being faced around the world.  This realization has had a huge influence on my choice of program.  This summer I will be in South Africa, studying Human Rights at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.  I honestly cannot believe I have be given this opportunity.  This program will provide a glimpse into the social and legal world of South Africa's citizens.  I hope to gain useful knowledge and skills that I can bring home with me, and incorporate into my personal and professional life. This opportunity is getting me one step closer to reaching my dreams.

My thoughts and feelings about my journey.
At the beginning of this process, I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of great opportunities available.  In fact, I wanted to do them all, but everyone knows that isn't possible.  I finally narrowed it down between two programs: 1. Belgium and 2. Costa Rica.  However, just as I was about to apply, I came across the Human Rights program in South Africa.  Initially, I thought to myself this is too good to be true, and I was ready to find the catch!  But to my surprise, there was no catch.  Actually, it was perfect: a new exciting WARM place, a perfect academic program, and the cost was reasonable.  So now here I am, rushing to make sure each and every step/document is complete, so that hopefully everything will go smoothly.  I am completely excited to begin my new voyage and kind of terrified all at the same time.  I know this will be an amazing adventure, and I constantly remind myself that different is a good thing.  After all, I think the point of traveling abroad is to experience new and different things.  In all honesty I am completely excited, terrified, and overwhelmed at the same time!

3 things I want to do to "maximize my experience"
1. I want to live with either an international student or a native student.  I believe this will enhance my experience by allowing me to make friends/connections with people from around the world.
2. I want to be forced out of my comfort zone because that will help me to grow as a person and also lead to further discovering who I am as a person.
3. Most importantly, I want to build relationships with my classmates and also the locals that I plan on doing service work with and for. 

And lastly,  I hope to have an experience of a lifetime!

Until next time,

Taylor

Goal Setting & Maximizing Your Experience

What do I want to accomplish?
-I am going to Australia and New Zeland to study not only the rainforest ecosystem, but also how modern day society interacts with this rare ecosystem. I have been studying facts and figures in environmental issues since day one at Maryville College, and I decided it was time to get out in the field and experience hands on what I have been learning. I want to get away from the life I have now, and experience something that I have never done before. I am excited to be a new student in a place that no one knows me. I know this will help me become more of an independent person. This trip is more than just learning about rainforest conservation, it is also an opportunity for me to go out into the world that I have seen little of. I want to accomplish three things. 1) Growing as a student and a person. I want to get out of my comfort zone. 2) Start a life time of traveling. It is a desire and a goal for me to always travel and experience beyond what I know. 3) Having experience when I get back that will open more doors for me after my time at Maryville is over.

Feelings towards my journey?
-My feelings are mixed together. I am so excited that I got accepted to study this summer across the world. I look at pictures, I reread classes I am going to take, and I am pumped about all of the field time that I will have while I am there. I think I have squealed every time I reread and look at stuff about the program. I have many fears as well. I am terrified about the plane ride. I am a terrible flyer. I will also be alone while I fly, which will only make it worse. I am scared going into a country where I will know no one. I am worried about my baggage being lost. I am uneasy about not adjusting to new surroundings and a new schedule. I know it will be a huge culture shock to me being away from wifi, cell phone, and my friends and family. All these fears, I feel like, will disappear once I get settled and situated with my other classmates and teachers. I know fear holds a lot of people back from doing what they want, and I do not want to regret letting fear hold me back. So as the departure date approaches, I know I will be having small panic attacks, but I know it will be all worth it once I am there. I cannot wait to be out in the field getting hands on experience. I cannot wait to look back on the friends I made, the places I saw, and the lifelong memories that will never go away.

3 Things you want to do to maximize your experience?
-1) Get over the fact I will not have a cell phone. This is embarrassing, but I know that will be the first thing that I will miss. I am constantly around social media and texting. I want to get out of the mind set that I need to talk to my family and friends. I do not need to be relying on a device to help me cope with a new environment. The great thing about this program is we will be so deep in the rainforest, I will not be able to get service or wifi. So I will have more time to get to know the other students and make deeper connections without my phone. 2) To focus on the work and experience. I know I am going to new countries and going to see thousands of things I have never seen before, but I must focus on the work and experience. I want to remember everything I will learn and see. I am going to take notes, pictures, and take what I learned back to my everyday life. 3) Have fun. I want to make friendships, memories, and accomplishments that I never thought I would. I want to push myself, and then get rewarded with a brighter future. Overall, I am there to learn and have the time of my life. I honestly cannot wait.

What do I want to learn: before I go, while I am there, and when I get back?
-I want to learn tips on how to adjust to a new schedule and world. I am excited about this class because I can express everything I am feeling with other people who are going through it too. While I am there I want to learn every single thing I can. As cheesy as that sounds, I want to absorb everything. When I get back I want to share and apply what I have learned.

Meandering Paths: The Beginning of a New Journey

The anxiety, the nerves, the annoyance, the excitement: it all begins anew with the prospect of going abroad.

It's interesting--isn't it?--, how leaving this country and venturing to another sounds like a ton of fun until the deadlines creep out of the shadows. Deadlines are the looming giants that scare me into second-guessing myself, into believing that maybe I don't want to go abroad, or worse, that I never did. At the same time, though, there's something terribly exciting about the challenge of uncertainty. It's another barrier to break through and a brand new path to take. That in itself should be enough encouragement to purchase that ticket and climb onto the plane.

But it's not.

Don't misunderstand, reader. I love the notion of adventure, but it isn't something that I actively search for. I find adventure in the pages of books, in the languages that wrap around me like warm, comforting blankets. The thought of going to those distant lands? I really don't know how I feel about it.

I shouldn't be so apprehensive. I've been through this process once, though it was never fruitful because of some unexpected drawbacks. I've filled out the applications, I opened the acceptance letter, and I completed the predeparture classes. Was it enough to feel prepared? No. There is nothing that truly prepares you for that first step off the plane. There is not a single person on this Earth who can perfectly describe that first breath of air or the feeling of being lost in this vast world we live in. 

But that's okay. Sometimes you don't need words to understand that everything will be okay. And everything will be just fine, reader. I'm certain of that.

The question remains, "Why are you going in the first place?"

Why am I going to Heidelberg? Fascinating question, that. The first answer that comes to mind is that I have to. A German minor requires me to spend some time abroad. However, that isn't the clear cut answer you're looking for, is it? There has to be something more, right? I can't be so dedicated that I would go just for the sake of education alone.

I would. I am that type of person. But you're right, reader. There are other reasons for me going abroad.

I want to get lost. I want to wander foreign streets and speak this language that I hold dear. Meeting new people, learning about their lives, making lasting connections: little things that have become clear cut goals.=

At some point, I want to travel this world, especially the beauty that is Europe. If I can't take that first step to the first country, how on Earth will I ever be able to cross every border that I ever dreamed of?

Those goals are abstract, I know, but the primary one is this: step outside my comfort zone. Why? Because I honestly don't do it enough.

With all of that being said, I have spent half an hour now staring into a cup of Greek yogurt as if it has all of my answers for me. As if this little cup of dairy can tell me what my goals should be, right? In this moment of protein-filled thought, I have come up with a handful of goals that I want to see accomplished while I'm in Germany. 

1.) Try a new, traditional dish every single day

2.) Create at least one lasting friendship

3.) Feel comfortable enough speaking German to talk with anyone on the street

4.) Figure out the Bahnhof

5.) Never waste a single moment on worrying--there's only time for fun!

Until next time, reader, take care! 

Ciao!

- Felicity

Wanderlust and Other Adventures: Brieana Kepley

So here I am, sitting here, writing this blog entry as I start my next journey.

Journeys come in all shapes and sizes,  all kinds of forms, and this one is going to be one of my biggest ones yet. I thought studying abroad for a month in Ireland was big, no, studying for a whole semester is even bigger than that!

Which leads to the question everyone is dying to ask, "Why bother? Why study abroad again when you've already done it? What'll you gain from this?" Well reader, I can answer that in a few words, but for once I guess I won't be so concise.

Have you ever loved to do something so much that you dream about it at night? Have you wanted to learn about something so much that you lose hours of your day studying and browsing and bending over backwards to find the answers to even the minutest of questions? Surely you have, everyone has, and if you haven't yet had that urge well then I can say one of these days you'll find it and you'll be amazed.

My passion, my absolute calling in life, and the thing that keeps me up at night is travel and cultures. Learning about travel, learning about culture, talking about it, teaching others about it, I think you get the idea. It my obsession, and my lifelong goal is to get others just as excited about it as I am. What better way to be able to accomplish that goal than to travel and learn as much as I can, and then pass my experiences and findings on to others? In a way it's like killing two birds with one stone. I get to do what I love, and by doing it I will eventually be able to help (and maybe even influence) others.

Some would think that such a grandiose idea would leave me feeling worried or scared about taking this trip. On the contrary my dear reader it excites me! Of course I'll miss home and my friends and my professors, but I'm going on an adventure, a veritable quest. I'm practically the star of my own adventure novel, but at least I know there're no fire breathing dragons waiting for me as I make my way along. Of course I feel worried, I could never say that I have absolutely no fears, but my joy overrides it in a way.

I've got plenty of time to blather at you though about my hopes and dreams and feelings later on. For now dear readers I leave you with a simply checklist:

Study Quest Top 3:

1.  Make at least one lasting friendship while I'm abroad

2.  Learn about the culture of the place I'm going and experience at least one thing specific to its culture

3.  Keep a journal of my experiences

Bonus:
HAVE FUN~!

Pre-departure nerves

Well, only 6 more days until I will be in Buenos Aires, Argentina!
I have come a long way and cannot wait to meet my host mother
and start my adventure.  I have packed four and a half months worth
of clothes and supplies into two large bags and am quite proud
of myself.  Now I am just waiting these last few days so to begin
my second semester of my junior year in Argentina.  Wish me luck.
My blog address for if you want to follow my adventures is:
http://mcstudyabroadpredeparture.blogspot.com/
I am under Taylor King on the right side to see my blogs.
Facebook users:  I am under Taylor King to see more photos.
Taylor