Congratulations! Your prayers and sacrifices have been received. The Greek Goddess of Studying Abroad has decided to come down from Mount Olympus to share her wisdom in a modern-day blog post.
Studying abroad has its ups and downs, but never fear as I will guide you through her important need-to-knows!
Visit Her Temple!
Like the Parthenon is the name for the Temple of Athena in Athens, the Temple of the Greek Goddess of Studying Abroad is called the “Study Abroad Office.” It is important to visit and check in with the priests and priestesses, also known as advisors. They are there to help you! I personally have developed a great connection with my ISA advisors, Celia and Sofianna. They have been the best people to talk me through all the challenges of studying abroad. Don’t be afraid to rely on them for help, that’s what they’re there for!
Go on Adventures like Odysseus!
You are going to be on a wonderful adventure somewhere in the world, but don’t stop there! Like Odysseus set sail for Ithaca with many stops along the way, you too should go on as many trips as possible. ISA has exciting excursions that come with the program, so make sure to take advantage of those opportunities. You can also plan trips with the friends you meet! I have traveled to several Greek islands, as well as countries like Spain, Italy, Morocco, and the Netherlands. These are the kind of experiences you will treasure for the rest of your life—you might not get opportunities like this again!
Call Your Mom, Don’t Be Oedipus!
Oedipus and his mom didn’t have the best relationship, but you can do better! You are moving to a foreign country miles and miles away from home. At first, it is thrilling to truly be on your own and find out who you are in such a strange place. But, you will miss home eventually. Trust me. Call your family and friends, because they will certainly be missing you. Back home there is an empty space where you should be, and it is very noticeable. Enjoy your time abroad, but don’t forget about your support system waiting for you across the pond!
Don’t Be Orpheus, Either!
It is important to keep in contact with your people back home, but you shouldn’t be constantly looking back. Looking back was Orpheus’s downfall, and it could be yours too. I personally struggled with focusing on my life back in the United States and how much I missed it. I couldn’t truly enjoy my time in Greece until I let go of my past and let myself be fully in the present. Your life back home will still be there when you return, I promise. It is hard to be so in the moment, but trust that time will pass whether you want it to or not, and eventually you will be back home wishing you enjoyed your time abroad more.
Trust in the Oracle of Delphi…
The Oracle just spoke to the Greek Goddess of Studying Abroad and she has prophesied that you will jump into study abroad too and you will love it! It is now your destiny, so what’s holding you back?
Danielle Jarosz is a student at University of Maine, Orono and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Athens, Greece.
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