Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens

My semester abroad with Webster in Greece was a shared odyssey with my wife, Paola, made extraordinary by Dina, our activities coordinator. Her blend of Greek hospitality and skill didn’t just schedule events—she built a bridge to the soul of the country. With Paola by my side, Dina’s activities became our social heartbeat. From awe at Meteora to fumbling with filo dough in cooking class, we explored as a team. Dina transformed strangers into a community, mixing iconic sights with authentic local gems we’d never have found alone. Living there as a couple gave us unique stability. Paola turned a solo study journey into a “we” adventure, with a home base to process everything together. We left with more than credits: a deep appreciation for Greece, international friends, and a treasure trove of shared memories. The program provided the framework, Dina the heartbeat, and Paola the shared soul.

During my summer term in Athens, I checked off so many things on my bucket list. I loved the school, my instructors, and the city itself more than I ever expected. Studying abroad was something I always thought about, but I never knew if I would actually go through with it. I am so glad I did. I learned so much about Greek life and culture through my classes and all the experiences we shared. Our group for Summer 1 became so close. We cooked dinner together, figured out public transportation, and even flew to London. Since being home, I’ve already flown to visit two of the friends I made there, and we’re hoping to get the whole group together soon. I’ll never forget our last day of classes when we took a group photo with one of our instructors and all cried real tears. Seeing the iconic parts of Greece was incredible, but actually living there was the cherry on top. We didn’t feel like tourists. We walked to class and the grocery store, learned the trams, ferries, and all the public transportation quickly, and ate traditional Greek food almost every day. I felt less like a visitor and more like part of the community. When I came back to the US, I had a completely new level of self confidence. Our motto there was “I can do anything,” and I still repeat that to myself now. Greece was a special time, and the Odyssey in Athens program will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have been to quite a few countries, but there is nowhere quite like Greece. I had an incredible time meeting the people and I wouldn’t have been able to do that with out Webster. They were so welcoming thank you!!