If you’re getting ready to study abroad, especially for a program that includes mission work or visiting refugee camps, my biggest piece of advice is to prepare your heart just as much as your suitcase. Some of the most meaningful moments won’t happen at historical landmarks or during excursions, but they’ll happen during quiet conversations with people whose stories will stay with you long after you leave. Go in with humility, compassion, and a willingness to listen. You’re there to learn and be present, not to “fix” anything.
I wish I had known how emotionally impactful this kind of experience would be. Visiting refugee camps and hearing people’s stories of hardship, resilience, and faith challenged the way I view the world and my place in it. Don’t be afraid to feel heavy, it just means you’re allowing yourself to be fully human. If possible, bring a small journal to reflect after these moments. I wish I would have brought one so that I could process and remember what I experienced.
Pack light, seriously! . Athens is hot, the streets are uneven, and you’ll be walking a lot, so bring good shoes and breathable clothes. You’ll probably end up re-wearing your favorites anyway. Also, pack modest options for days you’re visiting mission sites or working with vulnerable populations because you want to be respectful of all people and religions.
Travel-wise, embrace the unexpected. Plans may change, and schedules might change, especially when working with local organizations. Just be flexible and trust that every experience, even the ones that feel uncomfortable in the moment, has value. And take the time to connect with your group and the people you meet because you’ll be amazed at how quickly strangers can start to feel like family.
Above all, be fully present. Let yourself feel deeply, love generously, and return home changed in the best way possible!
