5 flights, 4 friends, 2 overnight layovers and countless memories briefly describe my travel to Paros, Greece. I don’t even know where to begin when talking about this study abroad trip – nothing I have ever experienced could ever compare.
I have spent the last 12 days on this small Island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, and these 12 days could be compared to months. In the time I have spent here I have biked around the circumference of the Island to watch the sunrise, hiked up some large hills, tried some new foods and created countless friendships. This has easily been the best two weeks of my life.
I am not one with words and in a class room setting, I am often the quiet one. This trip has broken me out of my shell professionally and socially, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be with all my classmates and amazing professors. The moment I stepped foot on Paros, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Any stress seemed to be left at home, and I instantly felt more like myself. I love change, I love new experiences, and I love challenges. Studying abroad has brought to me all three of these opportunities.
I would consider myself a picky eater, but something I have been trying to be more intentional on is trying new foods since being here. One of my first few days here, I tried a gyro. That may not sound like much, but it is a food I would have never tried if I were not here. Realizing that gyros are the best food in existence, and I can eat them for only 2.50 euros a day had me hooked. Since then I have had at least 6 gyros and still love them. But I couldn’t stop there, I had to try more. Since then, I have tried Octopus and was surprised. Trying new foods is all part of the Greek experience and I am so glad I stepped out of my shell and did something that scared me.
My key takeaway from this trip is to create and form friendships. Don’t be afraid to speak up and get to know those around you. Being surrounded by my classmates for this trip has been a unique experience with the vastness in personalities and it has helped me grow so much as a person. I have become close friends with people I would have never known otherwise, and I credit that all to this trip. Studying abroad has been my time to shine, my time to give my energy to those around me while also focusing on myself. I couldn’t recommend international travel more and I suggest any student to study abroad with IUPUI.
Autumn Eastom