Paros, Greece: The First Month Studying Abroad

You may remember Aquinna Murphy’s pre-departure thoughts from the airport while on her way to spend Spring semester 2022 in Paros, Greece a few posts back. Below, she shares an update on the first month of her island adventures.

The first week in Paros, Greece: Arrival & First Impressions

My first week here in Greece was nothing short of the best. We spent the first few days in Athens, which is a beautiful city filled with so much history. Touring the Acropolis was a once in a lifetime experience. Then, we took a four hour ferry to the island of Paros.

It was better than I could’ve imagined! The locals are so sweet and welcoming.

I started classes on Monday. It’s a very small program, but that makes it really easy to make a personal connection with your professors. We meet for class around a dining room table, so everything is very personal. Creative writing is my favorite class so far, because we are able to write about anything in the world. Learning basic Greek has also been a great experience, especially when I get to practice at the local coffee shops.

Today I explored the town by myself. I wanted to get lost and discover new things. I met some great locals and pet lots of cats (there are stray cats all over the island, and they are the sweetest). I feel like I’m really immersing myself in the island culture and I could not ask for a better experience.

It’s been quiet, because tourism season hasn’t started yet. It will pick up in the next month, then the town will be buzzing with people from all over the world. I’m so glad I get to experience both sides - the small fishing village of Paros, and the great tourist town.

This weekend, we are traveling to other towns and historic sites around the island. I’m very excited to learn more about Paros and its history. So far, this week has been great (other than the surprisingly cold weather) and has only made me even more excited for the next three months here!

Week Two: Exploring & Academics

It was a cold week in Paros, but still a fun one.

On Sunday, we travelled around the island and saw the most amazing views. We hiked up a mountain to a chapel that overlooked Paros, the ocean, and other neighboring islands. We also went to the famous “Golden beach”, and I definitely could tell why it’s so loved. The sand was so soft and the water was crystal clear.

This day trip was for my Cycladic Art and Culture class. Our professor takes us around the island, especially to historical sites. We also saw a traditional Greek Orthodox cemetery. They are very different from what I’m used to in the US. Marble was used for everything and there were colorful flowers and shrines everywhere. Overall, this was my favorite day so far abroad.

This week, we also visited the ancient church of a hundred doors, said to be built by Constantine himself. This was beautiful and really special to see.

I am really enjoying classes here. My biggest class has six students, so I’m getting really close to my professors. They give us a lot of freedom to do projects/assignments our way, which contradicts traditional American university ideals.

I especially love my Greek language class, because now I can go to my favorite coffee shop and order in Greek (which the locals love!)

I’ve really enjoyed the quiet fishing village of Paros, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for warmer weather and the tourist season. A lot of restaurants and shops remain closed until April. Once everything is open, there will be unlimited things to do.

This was a really great week; I saw the most amazing places and views, learned a lot about island history and culture, and even got to go to the beach!

Week Three: Sunshine, Adapting, Exploring and Greek Independence Day

It’s finally warm in Paros! After three long weeks of strong winds, rain, and cold weather the sun finally came out. And the second it did, I headed to the beach. My professors have been shocked at how cold it’s been in March; they said in 40 years they’ve never experienced this. I told them it’s because I came from Minnesota and brought the cold with me.

I really feel like I’m adapting to the culture of the island. Even though the locals still stare at me for my blonde hair, I think they are used to me being around now. That’s why I chose to study in Paros; I wanted an authentic cultural experience. I wanted to feel completely immersed and I do! I have even been practicing my Greek when I order coffees or say hi to the locals.

Trying out new restaurants, especially the ones known for their Greek food has become one of my favorite things. I never thought I’d eat gyros everyday, but they’ve become my comfort food.

This weekend for Cycladic Art and Culture, we are visiting the island of Naxos, next to Paros. It is known for its farming and beautiful mountainsides, so I am very excited. There’s no better way to learn the ways of the islands than by visiting them. That’s why classes at HISA are so different from normal university classes. We do everything hands-on and there is a lot of freedom. I’m learning way more than I would listening to lectures.

Last night was Greek Independence Day and everyone was out celebrating. I felt like a true Greek dancing and singing with everyone. You can tell Greeks really love their country and culture, and so do I! I love it so much, I almost don’t want to travel anywhere else! The island gets prettier everyday, especially now that the sun is shining.

It was a great week on Paros!

Thanks for sharing Aquinna! We look forward to hearing more soon…