Inspired by a recent conversation with my roommate, I’ve been reflecting on how my study abroad experience has differed so greatly from the one I’d previously imagined having. When I was first accepted to API’s Athens program last fall, I was already daydreaming about traveling and going out every weekend, only eating amazing meals, and reaching a state of perfect contentment by temporarily embracing a new life. Everyone who studies abroad describes it as “life-changing,” and I figured my experience shouldn’t be any different. While it has been life-changing, and there have been many wonderful adventures, foods, and memories, this semester’s impact goes far beyond what I assumed came with spending a few months in Greece.

As shared in my previous article, studying abroad was a dream of mine for many years. When I was younger, this stemmed from pure curiosity, a desire for adventure, and an appreciation for all of the beauty the world has to offer. These sentiments never went away, but this internal calling to see more took different roots towards the end of high school and beginning of college. Really, the prospect of studying abroad became so appealing because I loved the idea of being unknown in a place I didn’t know much about. With no one to answer to and nowhere to rush off to, I felt that leaving behind what was familiar and breaking my routine would give me the chance to “just be Nicole” for a while. As the months of planning began to pass, and my departure date grew closer, I only became more excited by my idea of what the semester might look like. Especially being in Greece, I thought I’d be healed of all burnout and past struggles by constantly listening to ABBA, lounging on beaches, and seeing cats everywhere I turned.

While the cats here definitely brighten up my day, all of the positive changes I’ve undergone have more to do with the chance encounters and opportunities that Greece has provided me, not so much Greece on its own (though it is a very special place). For this reason, I wanted my last article written here to serve as a brief love letter to some of the things I never could have anticipated becoming a part of my journey.

All summer, counting down the days for this adventure, I was caught up in the excitement of what the nightlife would be like and the cool people I might meet along the way. I was correct in assuming that both of these would be part of my experience, but had no clue they would be the result of attending a local church. I’ve seen and done some wonderful things this semester, but I’ve ultimately found my church and its community to be the best part of my study abroad experience. My roommates and I have been attending their English service since our first Sunday here (thanks to our program advisor’s recommendation), and have made it our home away from home. One of its most amazing members (Ruth), a former American nurse who devoted her life to serving various refugee populations around the world, has had an especially profound impact on my personal and spiritual journey. Each Thursday, she opens up her home for a young adult group, where we gather for dinner and conversation. Even from my first visit, hearing both Ruth’s wisdom and the stories of strangers completely transformed my worldview. Every week, I feel more and more as if finding her home and the community she’s created are why I ended up in Greece during this season of my life. From the incredible testimony of a dear Iranian friend, to the ups and downs experienced by a fellow Texan, it’s been beautiful to hear so many perspectives on life and different reasons for ending up in Athens. This is something I look forward to each and every week, and consider it my “crazy night out,” given that we’re usually home after midnight!

Beyond the weekly spiritual awakenings at Ruth’s and church, I learn so much from the people I come across all the other days of the week. At school alone, which attracts a large number of international students, I’ve been able to learn about life and traditions in many other countries. Spontaneous coffee dates with classmates have become long conversations about hardships, home, and everything in between. While traveling on free weekends, I’ve had the immense privilege of hearing about the best and worst parts of different destinations, travel and food recommendations, and countless amazing stories. From taxi drivers to hostel roommates, the things I’m taught make me realize how little I know about the world, as well as how eager I am to see more of it. During a getaway to Tromsø, Norway for Thanksgiving, a 25-year-old Australian teacher on a long Europe trip ended up being who I spent a lot of my time with. We had amazing conversations as we walked the festive streets, enjoyed the local Christmas market, and hiked to a frozen lake. To my fortune, she’ll be in Vienna at the same time as me next weekend, so it’s likely that we’ll reconnect there. In addition to these special souls, meeting the friends and families of my roommates has led to some great memories and even better stories. 

People aside, the mundane moments and my school routine have granted me a sense of peace that I haven’t felt in a long time. I didn’t anticipate my daily walks, errands, and alone time to become such special aspects of my study abroad experience. Yet, when I think about what I’ll miss most after I leave in two weeks, it’s the day-to-day things that will be difficult to leave behind. Having this country serve as a space for internal and external exploration has meant so much to me. Even when it’s been difficult, like the days where I’m especially homesick or weeks of being frugal when buying groceries, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for all aspects of my experience. The struggles and perfect moments alike have taught me so much about acceptance, adaptability, and patience. I knew studying abroad would be challenging, but I wasn’t prepared for how those challenges would help me to grow in the ways that I have. 

When reminiscing on my very first week here, I realize how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time. Not only do I feel more courageous and confident in who I am, but I’m especially proud of the sense of stillness I’ve been able to cultivate within. In a way, I feel more like myself than ever before, and I am so happy I’m going home with a changed mindset and expanded heart. Even though so much is being left here, I feel a great deal of peace knowing that I can return to my amazing life in Texas with new knowledge and a sense of gratitude deeper than that which I previously knew. So, I will agree with the plethora of individuals claiming that studying abroad is life-changing. However, what makes it life-changing is the fact that the experience will likely deviate from your expectations in the greatest ways possible.