STEP Education Abroad Greece

My STEP project was a study abroad trip to Corfu, Greece during the month of May. During this time we took a class everyday from 10-1 at the Ionian University where we learned about European history and modern Greek issues. Outside of the classroom we had a few group excursions, time to explore the island in groups, and meet the locals.

Completing my STEP project by traveling to a new country and living there for a month definitely gave me a lot of time for self reflection and to branch out both socially and culturally. I had traveled out of the country before but I had never truly been immersed in another culture. I not only learned a lot about European culture and history in the classroom, but I learned about it from spending free time on the island exploring new places and meeting both locals and tourists. After studying abroad and spending a month with new people in a location that I was not familiar with, I learned what it truly meant to be open to new opportunities. Being in Greece I kept in mind that I would never have this chance again to spend some time with myself without too many responsibilities or obligations. During my STEP project I came to realize that I wanted to put an importance on both travel and paying more attention to world issues. Before this trip I knew a few of the issues that Greece is currently facing, but learning the history and modern circumstances really allowed me to understand it. Paying more attention to world news has helped me to learn more about the conflicts that the United States is facing, and I have taken a particular interest in environmental issues. I am now very interested in research and since being back I have been looking into internships in environmental services with the state of Ohio and other agencies. Living on “the green island,” which is a nickname for Corfu, allowed me to see a lot of beautiful places that have remained unharmed for hundreds of years.

There are many things that led to my transformational experience during my STEP project. One of the first ways that I learned about Greece and European culture was through the class I took there. Having different lecturers every couple of days allowed for us to have experts in each of the topics teaching us about different moments in time. Dr. and Mrs. Joyce were also very helpful when it came to understanding the material for tests and activities that we should do on the island and while in Athens. The locals and the other students that I went on the trip with also helped me to have a transformational experience. Corfu was a very safe place and the locals were happy to answer our questions about places we should go and understanding the language and culture.

Another thing that led to my transformational experience was the island itself. The public transportation on the island allowed for myself and others to explore different beaches, forts, and museums. From our teachers and guides we were informed about the best food and activities that Corfu had to offer. A few of the most transformational experiences were cliff diving with my classmates, visiting the old and new forts, and being apart of “Unification Day.” Going out of my comfort zone to try new things with my peers allowed me to dismiss my fears and just focus on being open to new things. The old and new forts were especially interesting because of the significance they had to the island while it was not under Greek control, and how intact they still are. Unification Day was especially interesting because  it drew very large crowds, included a parade with bands and marches with soldiers.

The change I experienced while studying abroad matters to my life because it showed me what it means to fully live in the moment. Having only a month in Greece pushed me to make the most out of every day, and I hope to carry this with me through out the rest of my life no matter where I might be. If I ever thought I was too tired to do something or a little afraid of the activity (like cliff jumping) I just reminded myself that I would mad for not taking the opportunity while I’m looking back on my trip when I’m in Ohio in a few weeks. Coming back from the trip I did a little reevaluating. I looked at some of the relationships in my life and saw where I wasn’t truly happy, or if I wasn’t being appreciative enough for the many gifts I have been given. I know now that I want to learn towards a career in environmental services in the government, either working with policy, education, or research. This area would require me to know a lot about what’s going on in different areas of the world and I would need to look outside of myself for answers. This trip made me realize how important others and the environment around us are for learning and growing as a person.