Emma Clayton

Overall Experience

My six‑week study abroad at Perrotis College / the American Farm School of Greece was incredibly meaningful and immersive. I took courses in the Mediterranean diet, Greek culture, and Greek language, which gave me a deep understanding of daily life and traditions in Greece. Outside the classroom, we spent time exploring downtown Thessaloniki, visiting shops, historical sites, and neighborhoods that brought our class concepts to life. We tried countless new foods and even did some farm-to-table cooking ourselves. Some of my favorite moments were attending local festivals, where we met welcoming community members who taught us traditional Greek dances and shared their culture with us. Overall, the experience broadened my perspective, strengthened my independence, and gave me a genuine appreciation for Greek food, history, and community. I had a wonderful time in Greece and love sharing my experience with others!

Learning experience

One of the most valuable learning experiences I had was in my Mediterranean diet class, where our professor regularly invited us to dinners at local restaurants in downtown Thessaloniki. He would order a variety of traditional and signature dishes for us to try, turning each meal into a hands‑on learning opportunity of concepts from our class. These dinners allowed us to connect classroom ideas to real food, real people, and real stories. We heard firsthand from restaurant owners about their ingredients, traditions, and history. Our professor shared what life was like growing up in Greece and his favorite things. This experience taught me how powerful it is to learn directly from a culture, and I will always cherish these dinners with new friends.

Memorable experience

Hiking Mt Olympus was a cultural, physical, and mental challenge and adventure, but one of the most memorable experiences of my time in Greece. This was toward the end of my study abroad time and happened to be on my birthday! It was a difficult hike, but the views and the time spent together were so worth it! We spent the night enjoying the mountains, playing games, and stargazing. My friends surprised me with a birthday celebration, and we all just enjoyed the time together in nature!

What did you not expect?

What surprised me most in Greece was how deeply food functions socially. I didn’t expect meals to be such meaningful gatherings, intentionally bringing people together. We often had many staple foods at every table, and seeing how central food culture is to daily life made me realize how differently people around the world relate to eating. This experience will shape how I approach my future profession by reminding me to consider cultural traditions and social meanings when discussing nutrition and food. It will influence my life by encouraging me to slow down, value shared meals, and to learn about other food cultures.

What advice would you give?

If you have an opportunity to study abroad, take it! It can be a difficult, intimidating decision, but the experience is so worth it and has been very influential for me. I would also encourage anyone traveling abroad to be excited to meet others and to get out of their comfort zone! I met so many amazing students and Greek locals who I learned a lot from and built amazing friendships with!

How has this experience impacted your life?

Living and studying in Greece pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. Navigating a new country, culture, and language helped me develop greater independence and confidence than I’d ever had before. I learned how capable I am of adapting to unfamiliar environments and building meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds. Academically, the experience enriched my understanding of nutrition, culture, and health. Studying the Mediterranean diet in its place of origin allowed me to see how food patterns are shaped by history, geography, and daily life. Observing how Greek communities prioritize fresh ingredients and shared meals deepened my understanding of their culture. Professionally, this experience helped clarify the direction I want to take in my career. Learning about the Mediterranean diet solidified my interest in nutrition and my passion for helping others.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this program through social media and emails. I also attended the study abroad fair multiple times before I went on my study abroad, and this was a great way to learn about the opportunities and determine what was best for me. The study abroad advisors were extremely helpful as I learned about the program and prepared for this opportunity.

International Connections