Home

 

Getting Experience

- # of # Filtered -

Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece

Q&A with Katie: Studied & Volunteered in Greece
Share this
Print this
Katie
Studied & Volunteered in Greece
University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh
Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
I wanted to find a trip that would create meaning for my major, and help with my goals. I knew that as a future educator, this could be incredibly beneficial for my career.
Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
It’s important to have a go-with-the-flow attitude, and to be able to adjust when plans might not always go the best they can.
Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
It was such an empowering experience to actually get through to someone who speaks an entirely different language than you, and for you actually to understand each other.
Her thoughts on The Application Process
I started almost a year in advance. By starting early, the process seemed more exciting than stressful, because you are getting ready at your own pace and building towards a remarkable trip!

Where did you study abroad? Did you have a study focus?

My study abroad trip took place during the spring interim. My trip focused mostly on Greece, and I traveled to many places throughout the mainland, as well as to different islands on a cruise. On the cruise, we were also able to spend one day in Turkey. After the first two weeks of the trip we headed to London, where we spent the final week, and from there we were able to take a day trip to Paris. My trip was arranged through the Social Justice program at UW-Oshkosh; but I myself am studying in the Education program. Even though the trip was planned through another program, it didn’t focus too much on any particular subject. Students from any major were able to have rewarding and fulfilling experiences, since we did many different volunteering activities and explored various cultural experiences that could fit with everyone’s individual interests.

What made you want to study abroad?

Since starting college, I’ve always wanted to study abroad. I’d heard such fascinating stories about being fully immersed in a completely different culture; experiencing the food, the people and the differences in daily life. I longed to have this experience and see the world within the education context, since the directors of the program have experienced the places before, so they know all of the amazing must-see things in each place. My initial desire kept growing as I learned about all the wonderful and diverse programs that my school offers. I also wanted to find a trip that would create meaning for my major, and help with my future goals in education. I chose this program because there were lots of different volunteering opportunities, and chances to work with children from completely different cultures. I knew as a future educator that this would be incredibly beneficial for my career.

Describe the application process. What made you successful?

I think the most helpful thing when starting my application process was to begin early. I started almost a year in advance, which may seem a bit soon; but this meant that I was able to plan out my finances and make sure I had every form and piece of documentation ready and handed in before the deadlines. Being so well prepared made the application process much less stressful. It is true, there’s a lot to fill out, and a lot of time must be put into making sure you get everything ready. By starting early, the process seems more exciting than stressful, because you are getting ready at your own pace and building towards a remarkable trip!

What was the most important thing you learned about communicating in a foreign culture while you were studying abroad?

Learning the language and talking with locals was my favorite part of the trip, and the most memorable. It is incredibly important to get yourself out there and to talk to people whenever you can – about anything. Locals love it when Americans try to use their language, even if you mess up! Some locals actually think it’s rude if you just assume that they speak English. I will never forget walking into a Greek restaurant where I couldn’t read a word of the menu, and the locals spoke very broken English. I had to use the few words I’d learned in Greek to communicate with them and order my food. It was such an empowering experience to actually get through to someone who speaks an entirely different language than you, and for you actually to understand each other. My advice is to try your best, ask locals to teach you new words, use them every chance you get, and keep trying!

What is your number one tip for anyone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

My number one tip is short and sweet: try everything! From food to excursions, and any cultural event that you have the opportunity to be a part of. You don’t want to miss out on something that could change your life forever. Take risks and get out of your comfort zone, you may never be in the same place again! Live and enjoy every single minute.

What made your study abroad experience abroad a success?

I would have to say; having a knowledgeable, easygoing professor, as well as an amazing group of students on the trip was the key to our success. It’s important to have a go-with-the-flow attitude, and to be able to adjust when plans might not always go the best they can. I am so thankful that we had an amazing group of students who were up for anything, got along without any drama, and wanted to experience everything. This being the case, I would say if anyone is planning on studying abroad, it is incredibly important to go in with the mindset that things might always go as planned, due to weather or whatever it may be. Keep looking up, be optimistic, flexible, and know that despite changes, your trip will never be short of amazing, and will be the best experience of your life.

What are your future plans for going abroad and for your career?

I hope to travel whenever possible, and learn about new cultures in order to be a more well-rounded teacher in the classroom, and to be able to share my knowledge of the world with my students. I also hope to spend more time volunteering abroad with children. We spent a great deal of time in Greece, working with various special education programs where children had been abandoned or left without the hope of a good education. I hope to travel back to Greece (and other countries) where the education system is struggling to create positive futures for children with disabilities. I hope to improve these programs, and improve children’s lives.

Advice from MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey, Publisher, MyWorldAbroad

Throughout her Q&A above, Katie demonstrates a fantastic attitude to the go-abroad experience. Her response highlights her flexibility, openness, and huge enthusiasm for learning from other cultures. These are some of the most crucial qualities for anyone hoping to build high-value international experience. Now that Katie has had a short taste of life abroad, we would recommend that she plan to go on a solo excursion for a slightly longer period of time. By going alone, rather than with a group, she will give herself the new and exciting challenge of full immersion, and by going for a longer period of time, she’ll experience new and higher levels of cross-cultural engagement. Since Katie is committed to being a teacher, and has an interest in helping disadvantaged young people, we would suggest either a longer-term volunteer trip with an NGO (perhaps in Africa, South America or South-East Asia), or a term teaching abroad. Either of these opportunities will allow her to learn new skills, and build career-boosting experience. Good luck!

Katie's Next Steps
Advice from MyWorldAbroad
by the founder of MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey
Want to Have the Same Experience?
Want to Have the Same Experience?
11904
- # of # Filtered -
  • 102
102
10923
Insight And Education In Korea
1
16392
Building International Career Skills Online
2
16320
Independent, International, Virtual! A UN Internship Online
3
16382
Making the Most of Lockdown with a Virtual Internship
4
16312
Virtual Internship for a Cross-cultural Future
5
16157
Zoom Zoom! A Virtual Internship with Central America
6
9775
A Year Of Feeling French
7
10153
China, South Africa And Beyond!
8
9776
Soaking Up Japanese Culture
9
9764
Do It Yourself! A Proactive Intern in Rome
10
15631
An International Career in the Making: Asia, Africa and Beyond
11
15405
From Daydream to Reality: Teaching Abroad
12
15401
From Korea to Oman: Teaching English Around the World!
13
9761
Communicating Creatively In Spain
14
9773
Independent In India
15
9791
Making Contacts Count In The UK
16
9740
Sports, Study And Fun In France
17
9743
Hooked On Volunteering!
18
16316
Exploring the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Mexico City
19
16387
An Epic Internship in Malaysia
20
9756
Springtime In Spain
21
9763
A Professional Visit To Vietnam
22
9780
A Year In Marvelous Mexico!
23
9751
A Canadian Globe-Trotter Visits The US
24
9768
Going Solo In Spain!
25
10188
Now Or Never In Colombia
26
9792
Rolling With The Punches In Seoul
27
9745
An Unforgettable Adventure In Nanjing
28
9774
Gaga For Ghana!
29
9783
Off The Beaten Path In Africa
30
9755
People, Places And Passionate Volunteering In Peru
31
9778
Study And Adventure In New Zealand
32
9777
Into The Wild In Alaska
33
9754
Building Memories In India
34
9750
Host Hospitality In Morocco
35
9747
Fun And Friends In The Netherlands
36
9748
Adventure In The Alps
37
9786
Kids And Culture In Korea
38
9772
Learning To Go With The Flow In France
39
9762
American Freshman In London
40
9771
Learning To Love London
41
9742
Take-Charge Travel: Germany And Beyond!
42
9746
A Cross-Cultural Co-Op In West Africa
43
9760
Getting In Sync In Nairobi
44
9759
From Cold Feet To Confidence In Germany
45
9779
One Summer, Two Internships!
46
9785
Motivated In Madagascar
47
9741
Adapting to Work In Peru
48
9784
Skill-building in Bonn
49
9753
A Season in Sweden
50
9765
Simpatico in Florence
51
9782
Making The Most Of Milano
52
9737
Passionate About Panama
53
9766
Short-Term Trips For Long-Term Gain
54
9781
A Hospital Helper In Costa Rica
55
9789
Loving Life In Lyon
56
9790
Design And Dining In Korea
57
9770
Contributing To Change In Ghana
58
9757
Teaching And Learning In Tanzania
59
9738
Living For The Moment In Valencia
60
9767
Beyond The Call Of Duty In Africa
61
16174
An Empowering Virtual Internship in Nicaragua
62
9744
Food, Fun And Festivals In Germany
63
16161
A Bright & Friendly Cross-cultural Workspace
64
16017
A Globally-minded Visit to Qatar
65
10204
Across Europe In A Caravan!
66
9758
Learning The Local Ways Of Addis Ababa
67
11645
A Love Affair with Shanghai
68
11996
Daring to Go Solo in Ireland
69
12058
Architectural Adventures in Australia
70
11845
Hospitality and Hosting in the DCR
71
15333
A Literary Education in the UK
72
14088
An Eye-opening Experience Teaching in South Korea
73
14483
Finding Home, By Teaching Abroad
74
14594
Growing Abroad: Hong Kong & South Korea
75
15347
12 Months, 12 Countries!
76
15383
Hustle and Bustle in Vietnam
77
15327
An Open Mind & Open Arms in Spain
78
15387
Bliss on a Budget in Brazil
79
15644
Discovering the World on Campus: International Skills at Home
80
11467
Stepping Outside the Box in Sweden!
81
9752
Giving In Guatemala
82
9769
Getting Sporty In Switzerland!
83
9788
Business And Pleasure In Australia
84
9787
A Spring Semester in London
85
9807
Fast Friendship in Korea
86
11557
Un stage au Cambodge (Français)
87
10230
Getting Caffeinated In Bolivia
88
11468
Learning While Teaching in Beijing
89
10145
Real Stories And Real People In Mexico
90
9803
Ten Years Teaching In Seoul
91
10851
Tips From Tasmania
92
9799
Getting Settled In Seoul
93
10258
Encountering Cultures Across Europe
94
10218
Adaptation And Appreciation In Japan
95
9812
Caring And Career Skills In Belize
96
10157
Changing Course In China
97
11850
The Warmest Welcome in Guatemala
98
11904
Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece
99
10163
English Teaching In Eastern Europe
100
10192
Out And About In Paris
101
10143
A Warm Welcome In Mexico
102
11904
All Job Boards
446
All NGOs
1398
Au Pair Resources
37
Awards & Grants Resources
64
Business Directories
20
Canadian Federal, Provincial & Territorial Government Profiles
60
Canadian Government Resources
30
Children And Families Abroad
5
Consulting, Economics & Finance Job Boards
60
Cross-cultural Skills
111
Engineering Job Boards
62
Engineering Resources
82
Expatriate Networking Sites
31
Foreign Students Working in the US
9
Freelancing Abroad
33
General Job Search Books
11
Global Education & Social Action
61
Health & Medicine Job Boards
50
Health Career Resources
68
International Associations with Clubs on Campus
42
International Development Career Resources
86
International Internship Organizations
312
International Internships & Student Programs with Canadian Governments
35
International Internships with the US Government
38
International Job-hunting Resources
15
International Law Careers Resources
113
International Law Job Boards
28
International Studies in the US & Canada
13
International Trade Resources
25
International Volunteer Organizations
476
Internship Directories & Advice
53
Internships with the UN & Other IGOs
160
Language Careers
29
Learn a Language
112
Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards
35
Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources
39
Loans for Studying Abroad
18
Low-cost Travel
71
NGO Directories
33
NGO Job Boards
49
Regional Job Boards
103
Relocating Abroad
9
Resources for International Students Studying in Canada
31
Resources for International Students Studying in the US
48
Stories From Abroad
102
Study Abroad Resources
198
Teach English Abroad Job Boards
97
Teach English Abroad Resources
75
Tools for Travelers
92
Top International Blogs & Podcasts
85
Travel Guides
101
Travel Health & Safety
53
UN & Other IGOs
271
UN & Other IGOs Job Boards
27
UN & Other IGOs Resources
74
US Government Profiles
76
US Government Resources
45
Virtual International Internship Organizations
88
Volunteer Job Boards & Advice
59
Working Holiday Resources
74