Kacie Egbert

Overall Experience

Throughout my six weeks at the American College of Greece, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in Greek culture, learn from new professors, explore the country, and grow in my own self‑confidence and character. While continuing to progress in my major, I gained a new perspective on how lifestyle, movement, and daily habits can look completely different across the world. I met so many new friends from all over, which made the experience even more meaningful and memorable. I miss my days in Greece every single day—gelato runs after class, conversations with locals, wandering through Athens, and discovering something new around every corner. The experience shaped me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I would encourage any student who has the chance to study abroad to take it, because it truly becomes a part of you long after you return home.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I encountered in Greece was being patient. Compared to the United States, many things in Greece were not on time, including buses, the metro, food, etc. I learned to stay calm and be patient while waiting for things. Being flexible with your plans is also something I learned, because not everything is going to go a certain way.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience I had during my time abroad was my trip to Italy with my best friend, Kaitlyn. We did a catamaran tour that took us from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi, which was absolutely beautiful, and we even got to snorkel. Exploring Italy was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, and I enjoyed every second of it. The food, music, and beautiful scenery made it feel very different from Greece. I am incredibly grateful I got to experience this.

What did you not expect?

Something that I didn't expect in Greece was how different the transportation and dining were compared to the United States. The buses and metro did not run on time, which allowed me to build my patience. I also noticed that when you go out to eat, the waiters don’t come to check on you all the time. They let you enjoy your meal without rushing you, which was completely different from the U.S. I enjoyed this because it allowed me and my friends to be present in the moment and truly enjoy our meal. These differences made me appreciate every moment that I have in life.

What advice would you give?

I would recommend attending the study abroad fair! This teaches you about all the different places you can study and what each program is like. I would recommend studying abroad to anyone who is interested because it will grow your self‑character way more than you think!

How has this experience impacted your life?

Studying abroad in Greece has impacted my life in so many different ways. Being in Greece increased my independence and confidence. I learned how to navigate a big city, communicate in an unfamiliar language, and travel independently on the weekends. Educationally, I saw how movement and health are viewed differently around the world. In Athens, there is so much walking, and many people stay in shape simply because it’s part of their everyday lifestyle. This experience also strengthened my desire to become an Occupational Therapist. It showed me how important it is to understand different cultures and lifestyles when working in the health field.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this opportunity through my best friend, Kaitlyn, who asked if I wanted to study abroad with her. The American College of Greece immediately stood out to me because visiting Greece had always been a dream of mine. After meeting with my advisor, Tom Parker, we agreed that this program would be a great fit for my academic goals and personal interests.

International Connections