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Studying abroad is often seen as a transformative experience—one that many students dream of, but few fully embrace. For UMass senior Sean, his time in Thessaloniki, Greece, proved to be just that: a journey of personal growth, new perspectives, and unforgettable memories.

Why Study Abroad in Greece?

When asked what inspired him to study abroad and how he chose his destination, Sean responded: "I studied abroad because I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, traveling, and trying new things. I figured that studying abroad would be one of the best ways to do all of these things. I chose Greece because I’ve always wanted to visit, though I didn’t know much about Thessaloniki ahead of time, aside from the research I had done online. However, I reached out to UMass Amherst students who had gone through the same program, and all of them had overwhelmingly positive things to say, which was a large factor in my decision."

Preparing for the Abroad Experience (or Lack Therefore)

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Sean admits he "went in underprepared" but believes his "lack of preparation paid off because [he] was able to go in with minimal expectations." This, he says, allowed him to fully immerse himself in the experience and appreciate everything as it came.

Life at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)

ACT is a small institution with only about 500 students, including both full-time and study abroad students. Sean notes, "It was the polar opposite of UMass Amherst: I saw the same people every time I was on campus, class sizes ranged from seven to 20 people, and there were only three buildings on the school’s campus." He adds, "I really enjoyed my time there and thought it was fascinating to experience life at a small private school compared to a large public one."

One of the most unique aspects of studying at ACT was the diversity of the student body. Despite its small size, students came from all over Europe, Asia, and Africa, in addition to the study abroad students. Sean was the only UMass Amherst student there that semester, which allowed him to "reinvent himself" for a few months.

Sean took four courses: Tourism Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Introduction to Greek, and Open Sea Sailing. He intentionally structured his classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays to allow more time to explore Greece and other European destinations. ACT also arranged many field trips, including scuba diving, a two-day hike to Mt. Olympus, and a trip to the monasteries in Meteora.

Favorite Study Abroad Memory

While not a specific memory, Sean reflects that the first week in Thessaloniki was one of the best (if not the best) experiences of his life. "To say I was nervous at first would be an understatement," he recalls. "Getting acclimated to the time difference, learning the new environment, and coming to terms with the fact that I was in a foreign country without knowing anyone for three months were constant thoughts. Thankfully, my nerves were quickly alleviated once I realized everyone around me felt the same way. I began discovering new locations, getting to know my study abroad peers, and going on all the first-week, school-sponsored trips."

Challenges Faced 

The biggest challenge Sean faced was homesickness, especially around the halfway point of the semester. Despite this, he formed a close group of friends abroad, which helped alleviate many of his feelings of homesickness.

Though most Greeks are fluent in English, Sean notes that he still encountered occasional communication barriers, which sometimes led to confusion and embarrassment. Adjusting to a new schedule and lifestyle took some time, but after a few weeks, he developed a "new normal" and fell into a semi-regular routine.

Cultural Differences

Sean encountered many cultural differences during his time in Greece. One that stood out was the contrast between the Greek way of life and that of Massachusetts. He observed, "Greeks often hang out at cafés and restaurants for hours, enjoying one another’s presence and operating in a more relaxed manner." Another difference was the lifestyle in Thessaloniki, where walking everywhere (averaging 20,000 steps a day) and relying on public transit were the norms.

In Greece, many apartments only have washers, so drying clothes on a clothesline became a daily task for Sean. Many people in his building, himself included, had laundry fly off the line and onto neighbors' porches, adding a bit of humor to the experience. Additionally, living in a country where English isn’t the primary language posed occasional communication challenges.

Staying Connected 

Although the time difference made communication difficult, Sean made a point to stay in touch with family and close friends regularly. He scheduled weekly calls with his parents to update them on life abroad.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

"The biggest thing I learned about myself," Sean reflects, "is how little it takes to feel happy and sustain a good quality of life. I lived out of a suitcase for three months with very few material things, but the amazing friends I made and the incredible places I visited truly fulfilled me. It showed me that I don’t need much to feel content."

Advice for Future Study Abroad Students

Sean’s biggest piece of advice for those considering studying abroad is simple: "If you have the chance, 100 percent do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I highly recommend everyone take advantage of."

Final Takeaways

Sean’s biggest takeaway from studying abroad is that all the cliché sayings about the experience are genuinely true. "It shifted the way I view life," he says. "Studying abroad further reinforced my passions for travel and exploration." He feels his "lens on life is far wider than it was in September" and hopes to pursue more travel opportunities and unique experiences in the future. Sean believes he has become a much better communicator and more self-sufficient—skills that are crucial for success in both the professional world and life in general.