International Studies & Programs

Greek professor was fantastic

I overcame a lot of my previous shyness and gained a lot of confidence as a student.

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Published: Tuesday, 29 Jul 2025 Author: Natalie Racine

Natalie standing next to a brown horse on a mountain in GreeceNo amount of words or synonyms I look up for the word “amazing” or “incredible” can justify my study abroad experience in Greece. It truly was such a unique opportunity that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would strongly encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the opportunity and go for it.

My experience abroad significantly impacted and expanded my perspective on not just the world but on myself as a person. I believe that anyone who travels and gets the opportunity to visit another country will gain a lot of knowledge and eye-opening experiences. However, through study abroad you get to truly immerse yourself in a completely new culture and gain an even further and deeper understanding of the world.

I took an anthropology class during my semester in Greece, and I learned more in this single class than any previous class I have ever taken. The professor created such a welcoming and opening environment the second you walked through the door. I normally am not one to speak in class or join in discussions. However, the professor did such a great job on including everyone in the class, that I completely came out of my shell. I overcame a lot of my previous shyness and gained a lot of confidence as a student. I really hope I can apply this personal growth in future classes.

Not only did I grow as a person but I gained so much knowledge on the Greek culture. I think it’s such a unique experience that my study Natalie and friends pose on a stone balcony overlooking the seaabroad program had classes with both Greek students and the study abroad students. Undoubtedly, the best way to learn and immerse yourself in a culture is through first-hand experience and conversations with those who live it. It was so cool to talk to the Greek students and get to learn from them. The class was heavily discussion-based, so I believe all the students learned from one another. It gave us the opportunity to exchange our different customs and traditions, or just our different views on world issues.

Overall, the personal growth I made in such a short five weeks is astonishing to me. I will forever value my time in Greece and carry the lessons I learned into my life back at home. I am so grateful that I was able to have this experience and will always be an advocate for encouraging future students to study abroad. Money will come back, but the memories last forever.

Name: Natalie Racine
Status: Junior
Major: Communicative Science and Disorders
Hometown: Bay City, Michigan
Program: American College of Greece