Alumni Interview with William Tucker
Here's what it's like to go on a Webster University Athens program!
William is a sociology major and an English minor at Washington & Jefferson College. He hopes to pursue a career in education. William loves to travel and meet people who have different ideas than he does. He believes the right way to travel is without judgment, and with lots of digging in and branching out. William loved his time studying abroad in Greece at Webster University Athens.
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always had a deep love for traveling and experiencing other cultures. I chose to travel to Greece because of my passion and also because of Greece's rich culture. I was sure I would study abroad when I learned about all the programs that Webster University had to offer. Another thing that caused me to pick Webster University was its location. It is very close to the Middle East and Africa and I intended to travel around. Since I've always wanted to travel to these two places Greece was the obvious choice...
Why did you choose Webster University?
Webster University in Athens promised small classes and community engagement through the means of community service. Those two things were what helped push me into applying to the program. When I found out that Webster University offered a community service class that allowed students to work hands-on with asylum seekers, I made my decision to attend. Since the University is small, it also allows students to build long term connections with his or her professors.
What was your favorite part about Athens?
My favorite part about Athens Greece was how accessible everything is. The location of the school had a lot to do with the freedom I felt. Since the college was in the middle of the city it was easy to get public transport to the airport and just about anywhere. I can't help but also mention the Food! While attending Webster I enrolled in a Greek cosine class that taught me how to make all the delicious Greek food. I also had little to no problems with speaking only English, and when I did try to speak in elementary Greek the locals were supportive and open to new learners.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The staff! The University’s professors made each class personable and fun! Another great thing that the program had to offer was the weekly excursions. Those allowed me to see different parts of Greece with no extra fees or hotel bookings. In fact, the excursions turned out to be one of the best parts of the program. I would never have the opportunity to go to as many places as we did on my own. I had a great time exploring all the different places In and around Athens. Thank you to the amazing staff for making these excursions possible.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff, as I said before, were personable and enjoyed what they did. It made for an enjoyable, welcoming, and pleasant experience. There were several times when something would break in the apartment, and one of the staff members would fix the problem right away. What made the professors so impactful is that they all genuinely cared for each student and their well-being, whether it be sick or physically hurt. I can't thank the staff members enough for making my time in Greece so spectacular.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time in Greece?
While I did do a lot of traveling before the semester in Greece, I felt like I could have done a little more inside the country itself. If I could do anything differently, it would be saving more money to do more traveling around the country of Greece. Another thing I could have done better was being more engaged with locals. I was able to branch out and meet different people around Athens, but if I could do it again, I would make more of an effort to find new and exciting individuals.
Describe a typical day in your life in Greece.
A typical day started with Greek class. From there, I would either return to my apartment for lunch or head out to my community service volunteer job at Hestia Hellas. Often after work, I would take a much-needed mid-day nap and get my homework out of the way before going for an aimless walk around the city of Athens. The city of Athens is beautiful and has many hidden parks and open spaces. You just have to know how to find them! After a walk, I would go back to my apartment to start looking and planning for places that I could travel to on the weekends.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn about a different culture as well as the chance to learn a bit about yourself. During my free time, I enjoyed walking through the city, exploring new ways of life, but also doing some self-exploration. I enjoyed exploring new cuisines that I am not used to at home, regardless if I liked them or not. I have a very exploratory attitude, so I really enjoyed traveling to “exotic” places that I never thought i would be able to visit.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I shared an apartment located right next to Webster University. This made for a quick commute in the morning. I literally had to walk downstairs and about 50 steps later I would be at the school’s entrance. I loved that each room in the apartment had big glass doors that led to a private balcony with a great view of the small streets of Athens. I often kept these doors open instead of using the Air Conditioning. While the streets of Athens aren't quiet, they are a great place for people watching.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before they go?
One thing that I wish I was made aware before going to Greece is of how small the University is. I knew the study abroad program was short and did not require long hours, but I did not know the rest of the school was also tiny. The school and the program are very small. If you enjoy being with the same group of people for weekly excursions as well as classes, you will love it! I would try to encourage future participants to go out on their own and meet locals as well as travelers that are just passing through.
Would you recommend Webster University Athens to others? Why?
Yes. Because the program is so small, it pushes you to get out of your comfort zone and meet locals. Not only does study abroad gives you the chance to meet new people, but it also allows you to do a little self-care work. Since going to Greece was the second time I traveled and studied internationally, I went in expecting to work on a few things for myself. I believe it is paramount that everyone gets the experience of being away from home to help build character, and who knows, maybe spark the idea for a possible career.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
As said before personal growth. I think traveling to a place that is completely different from the one you are used to with a totally different language and way of life allows you to better understand your values and why you value what you do. Traveling can help you better understand your culture as well as your understanding of the various ways society can work all over the world. I strongly suggest that future students get out of their comfort zone. That is the quickest way one can grow.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Greece impacted your life?
My study abroad experience in Athans has impacted me in several ways. Not only did I learn a lot about a different culture, but I also learned a lot about myself and what I would like to do in the future. After studying in Athens and working as a volunteer at Hestia Hellas refugee center. Working with children, I found myself drifting towards an occupation in Education. I will never forget the connections I made with myself and others during my time in Greece.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means a lot to me as I think it is the best and only way to truly travel. I describe it as not just taking a great picture of where you have been or trying the popular foods from the area. I see mindful travel as traveling with a purpose. Wanting to explore and understand a culture that is different than yours. Digging in, branching out. In a short phrase, I see mindful exploration as being open to the differences in the world and learning to explore without judgment.