Hey everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. My name is Yonis, and I’m currently studying abroad at the American College of Greece. These past two weeks have been an absolute whirlwind, but in the best way possible. I’ve already experienced so much, and I’m excited to share it with you. First off, let me say that this experience has been incredible so far! I’ve met so many wonderful people, both locals and fellow students from all over the world, and made some really great friends along the way. It’s been amazing to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and to learn about different cultures firsthand. There’s something really special about studying abroad and feeling like you’re part of a global community. I’ll be honest, though: when I first found out I’d be living with five roommates, I was a bit concerned. Six of us in one space felt a little overwhelming at first, but thankfully, it turned out to be a great situation. Everyone gets along well, and we’ve built a solid dynamic. We’ve had some good times together, and it’s nice to know I have a group of people I can count on while navigating this new environment. We’ve even started exploring the city together, which has made settling in much easier. One thing I’ve absolutely fallen in love with is the food here in Greece. It’s so delicious, and there’s an endless variety of places to try. Whether it’s traditional Greek dishes or more modern fusion cuisine, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of eating out. One of my favorite spots near campus is a place called Milf Grill—strange name, I know, but the food is unreal! Their gyros are out of this world, and they only cost $3.70. You really can’t beat the quality and price, so I find myself stopping by there more often than not. It’s honestly so convenient that I haven’t had to cook much at all.
Beyond the food, Greece itself is just breathtaking. The history, the culture, and the landscape—everything is so rich and vibrant. I recently had the chance to go island hopping on a ferry, which was a first for me. I’d never been on a ferry or visited an island before, so it was an incredibly exciting experience. The views were stunning, and I felt this deep sense of adventure. It’s one of those moments where you just stop and think, “Wow, I’m really doing this.” I plan to keep that momentum going by traveling to more countries in the coming weeks. Italy, France, and Switzerland are all on my list, and I’ll be going with three friends from my university. I can’t wait to experience even more of Europe and broaden my horizons. I feel so blessed to be here and have these opportunities. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and without the support of this program, none of this would’ve been possible. It’s a privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. Every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be able to immerse myself in this experience. On the academic side, things have been equally rewarding. I’m currently taking a few classes, including an art history course that I’ve really come to enjoy. My professor is amazing—he’s passionate about the subject, and it’s contagious. We’ve been diving into how art has influenced different periods of history, and it’s fascinating to see the ways it’s shaped cultures around the world. It’s made me appreciate art in a whole new light. Being in Greece, surrounded by such ancient history, has added even more depth to what I’m learning in class. It’s one thing to study these things from a textbook, but to see them in person is a completely different experience. And let’s not forget about the coffee! I didn’t expect it, but the coffee here is seriously good. There’s a little café on campus where I get my daily fix for just $2.30, and I find myself drinking two or three cups a day. Between the coffee and the food, I’m definitely well-fueled for all the adventures I’ve been having.
All in all, these past two weeks have been such an enriching and rewarding experience. I’ve learned so much already—about the world, about different cultures, and even about myself. There’s something about stepping out of your comfort zone that makes you grow in ways you never expected. I’m looking forward to what the rest of this journey holds, and I can’t wait to continue exploring, learning, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
I’ll make sure to keep you all updated as I continue my travels and studies here in Greece! Take care!