The word “resfeber” is a term that ran across my social media “for you page.” Half of the time I use social media. I am not sure how or why certain videos algorithm their way to my page, but this word stuck to me. “Resfeber” is a Swedish word which means the restless race of the traveler’s heart before the journey begins. I never quite knew the feeling or correct way to describe how I felt when boarding and leaving that Athens airport. Nonetheless, I think the word “resfeber” describes it perfectly.

Before this program I have never had the financial means nor the opportunity to travel outside of the United States. Yet I craved the idea of travel. Before this program, just like the definition, I was restless for my next adventure even though I was unsure of what that adventure may be. I felt like I was being called to explore more than myself. I yearned for the idea to explore far off places, learn about new cultures, and have my very own extraordinary experience. When hearing about Study Abroad for the first time, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. I knew that sometime in my academic career, I would be on a plane with MSU, experiencing something I have only dreamed about.

Soon enough, my dream became a reality. However, it would not have been possible without my amazing faculty advisor Professor Sorovigas, the entire MSU Office for Education Abroad and the Mehas Greek Family Scholarship. I thank you for giving me the experience of a lifetime; one I will never forget and one I will carry with me throughout my entire life. Before departing, I was filled with a “resfeber” feeling. Eager to see all that I could and take full advantage of the world around me. I was restless simply thinking of all that Greece had to offer that I would soon experience.

My time abroad excelled any predetermined idea I had of travel. Through immersing and adjusting to an entirely new culture; I began to learn more about myself as a person than I ever had before. Seeing myself adjust to a new language and lifestyle was a level of growth for which I am so thankful. While abroad, there were challenging moments such as adjusting but my eagerness to explore left that part of me behind. Those four weeks in Greece were not only filled with exceptional educational opportunities, lifelong friendships, and a deep appreciation of Greek culture; but instilled a new lust for life. The taste of Greece I had through study abroad made me crave travel even more.

When reflecting on my time abroad, the word “resfeber” again floats around. For here I am craving a new experience. Craving a new opportunity to fully emerge myself into a new culture again. Craving an experience to learn and appreciate just as I had done so through Greece. Those four weeks abroad will be a pivotal moment in the structure of my life; both academically, socially, and personally.

Now that I am back in the states, not a day goes by that I do not think about Greece. Greece has positively impacted my entire view on travel and has instilled a deeper need to keep exploring. Greece has caused me to “resfeber” for the rest of my life. The positive impact studying abroad has had on my soul has made me become a restless traveler and that is a feeling I am beyond thankful to have. So, I thank you Greece, I thank you MSU Office for Education Abroad and the Mehas Family; You have given me the never-full feeling that i am at honor to have, You have given my soul a reason to explore. You have given me a feeling of a life with learning and appreciation that will continue within me in all of my future adventures; oh, and I promise there will be many more!

Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for giving me the feeling to “resfeber” for the rest of my life; it is the most amazing thing I have.

Name: Sofia Buatti
Status: Junior
Major: Criminal Justice Pre-Law
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Program: Business Law, Ethics, and Sustainability in an Emerging Global Market