LIM Student Travel Spotlight

Why did you choose Greece?

It has always been a dream of mine to visit Greece, and I knew that if I were going to study abroad, I wanted it to be somewhere in Europe. Athens felt like the perfect fit! I loved the idea of living in a city rich with history and culture while still having the freedom to visit the islands so easily.

What was your favorite memory from your travel experience?

I don’t think I could pick just one favorite memory! I loved how spontaneous traveling became. College Year in Athens (CYA) really encourages you to explore while you’re there, which makes it feel natural to take advantage of every free weekend. Some of my favorite trips were the ones my roommates and I booked flights for less than 12 hours before we left. They were the most memorable because we were just living in the moment.

How did the travel experience shape your perspective (academically, professionally, culturally)?

Studying abroad in Athens strongly contributed to how I approached learning. Academically, I took courses that were unrelated to my majors but connected to Athens itself, which made the entire learning experience more immersive. Instead of seeing ancient sites on a PowerPoint slide, we visited them in person. We have several classes at the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and other preserved sites around Athens, standing in the same spaces where people in ancient Athens once lived.

Professionally, living abroad gave me a new perspective on healthcare systems outside of the United States. I met a medical resident who was fascinated by the differences in medical education and healthcare delivery, and those conversations helped me better understand how care is presented differently around the world.

Culturally, Greece reminded me a lot of Indian culture in the way people prioritize community and time together. Meals were very social, with dinners often lasting for hours and centered around conversation, rather than rushing to leave. That sense of connection extended into the classroom as well. Our professors were incredibly approachable—one even took us to a coffee shop and another to dinner on the last day. Those experiences showed me that learning also happens through shared moments, not just in the classroom.

What was the most challenging part of your trip?

I would say navigating a country where you do not speak the language was definitely really challenging. However, even when I tried to speak brokenly, everyone was so helpful and encouraging. I was so appreciative of the Union requirement to take Greek while abroad because by the end of my time there, I could hold small conversations, which made everyday interactions feel exciting and helped me feel much more connected to the place.

What advice do you have for a student considering this travel opportunity?

SAY YES! Studying abroad is such a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a different culture and way of life. It’s a chance to push yourself outside your comfort zone, even when things feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, and grow in ways you don’t expect. You’ll meet incredible people, learn so much about yourself, and make some of your best memories.