I never thought that I would be able to study abroad, financially or within the time I had at Michigan State University as a transfer student. Finding this affordable, shorter-duration study abroad in one of the places I’ve always dreamed of traveling to was an opportunity I could not pass up.

I have learned so much about myself, Greek history, and cultural differences from my experience. I loved sharing this time with Kinesiology students from MSU as well as those from the Democritus University of Thrace. I enjoyed learning about everyone’s lives and future careers on our bus rides or as we navigated the city of Kavala. I was inspired by the passion the Greeks had for their culture and their eagerness to share it with others. I was encouraged to be curious and ask questions, and everyone appreciated our interest in learning about their lives and their rich history.

Greek culture was filled with warmth, making people feel at home and comfortable through cooking, dancing, and hugging. I loved this positive atmosphere. It made me feel supported and welcomed. Noticing the cultural differences between America and Greece also sparked my curiosity about the sociology behind those differences and how our environments shape the culture we’re used to.

Seeing the Kinesiology program in another country was especially interesting. Learning about their career paths, the process of finding your major, and not being able to work within your field until graduation was eye-opening.

I haven’t had much experience interacting with people who speak other languages, and navigating this during the program is something that will stick with me forever. As a future healthcare provider, I now better understand how a language barrier can deeply impact communication. I struggled with basic things like asking for a bathroom, so I can only imagine the challenge of trying to discuss health conditions with a provider who doesn’t speak your language. I would love to learn more languages so I can communicate more effectively with a broader patient population. Although I didn’t learn the entire Greek language during my study abroad, I did pick up many everyday phrases and valuable cultural insights that can benefit me in my current role as a Patient Care Assistant when I work with Greek patients. I know how meaningful it would be for a patient to feel understood and connected, even if it is just small gestures or familiar words.

I would not have gained this perspective without this experience, and what I’ve learned about myself is truly priceless. This program fit perfectly with my schedule, both financially and timewise, and it gave me a unique chance to connect with Kinesiology faculty and students from Michigan State and the Democritus University of Thrace.

Name: Sydney Mertz
Status: Senior
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: Kinesiology in Greece: From Odyssey to Modern Times