I’ve known that I wanted to study abroad since early high school. In fact, it’s a large reason why I came to the University of Alabama. I knew that the University was extremely supportive of study abroad experiences, and it was close to home, so I would be better equipped to fund a trip.
Freshman year, I went to multiple study abroad fairs and information sessions. However, my calendar soon became extremely packed. Now, I take a full time course load, am in several clubs and organizations, and work two jobs. Study abroad began to feel like less and less of a possibility for me as my schedule grew more inflexible.
Last fall, as a junior, I decided that I could not wait any longer. Many of my mentors told me that not studying abroad was the one thing they regretted from their undergraduate years. I did not want to share those same regrets. One day, I received an email about a program called UA in Greece: Working Across Cultures (Thessaloniki). The program was attractive to me for many reasons. First, I knew that wherever I went, I wanted to become fully immersed in the community. I will be in Thessaloniki for three weeks in May, so I will be able to become extremely familiar with the area, and I will still be able to work another summer internship when I return. Additionally, the program is within my budget, and an Education Abroad Grant is helping make it even more affordable.
As I write this, I’m sitting in the O’Hare Airport about to board my plane to Greece. I’m so grateful to those who encouraged me and supported me in preparing for my study abroad journey, and excited for everything I will experience in the next three weeks. If you have a busy schedule or a tight budget, keep up hope! There is still a study abroad program out there just for you.
