Studying Abroad in Paros, Greece: Midterm Break Travel & Teaching Styles

You may remember Aquinna Murphy’s pre-departure thoughts from the airport while on her way to spend Spring semester 2022 in Paros, Greece followed by her thoughts on her first month living and studying on the island. Below, she reflects on what’s happened since and her growing attachment to this sunny paradise.

Week four of the greek adventure: EXPLORING NAXOS & A DIFFERENT WAY OF LEARNING

Studying abroad is that feeling when you don’t think anything could get better, and then it does.

This past weekend, for Cycladic Art and Culture class, we travelled to the neighboring island, Naxos. It’s not as touristy, so I wasn’t expecting it to be as beautiful as Paros. It completed exceeded my expectations. Naxos is more mountainous with breathtaking rolling green hills, lots of animals, and an up and coming port (lots of cool shops and delicious restaurants). I feel so lucky to have a class that takes weekend trips like this. Especially for free!

I did learn some things the hard way this week. Ferries to Athens and other islands are dependent on the wind. I had a ferry to Mykonos booked on Thursday, then I was planning to fly out of Mykonos the next morning to go to Milan. The ferry got cancelled, so we couldn’t make the flights. I lost a lot of money. But on the bright side, I know not to count on the ferries as much as I was. I will not be making this mistake again!

I’m really starting to love the way all the classes are set up. We (the five of us) sit around a long table and just discuss. There’s no formal lectures. It’s a different way of learning, but it’s so much more enjoyable. The professors are the coolest people with the most amazing stories. They also love to hang out outside of class, which I think is great.

This weekend we decided on a last minute trip to another nearby island, Syros. It has Venetian architecture and lots of fun restaurants. I know when we get there, I’ll have the “it’s even better than I imagined” feeling. It’s a common feeling when you’re studying in the Cyclades.

The island of Paros is already getting busier with tourists; we are no longer the only Americans!

Week five: Tourists, Teaching styles & Travel Plans

It’s been a really pretty week in Paros. The weather has stayed warm consistently.

Even though it’s harder to travel (being on an island in the middle of the Aegean Sea), Paros makes it easy to want to stay. Just in this past week, tourism has increased so much. All the shops and restaurants are now opening. There’s people everywhere outside. Restaurants have set their tables outside by the water. The island is completely changing from what we were used to in the off-season, but I love it. I’m glad people want to come to Paros. It makes me feel more like a local when I see all the tourists.

Professors at HISA where we are studying are very understanding. Since there is only a handful of us, they like to have a relaxing atmosphere. For one of our classes, our professor just said we should have lunch during class. Getting to know you on a personal level is very important to them. I have learned so much in Greek language, I now order my coffee in Greek. Classes go for however long or short they need to. It’s nice to not be in such a strict and structured university like a lot of us are used to. Everyone is very flexible and willing to work with us in any way possible.

This next week is our midterm break. Me and two friends are traveling to Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, and Rome. We learned that taking buses/trains can save a lot of money when traveling. It’s good to plan ahead because prices can change in just a few hours. In HISA, this midterm break is the best opportunity to travel. We are so excited to see some of mainland Europe! It’ll be a long ten days, but a once in a lifetime opportunity. Traveling is such a huge part of studying abroad. Goodbye for now, Paros!

WEEK SIX: Midterm Break Travel Adventures & Reflection

This week has been so fun yet so busy. At HISA, we get a week off for midterm break to be able to travel. Some friends and I wanted to see as much as possible, so we went to Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, and as I write this, we are now in Rome. It’s been one of the best weeks of my life. 

Traveling can be very exhausting, but it’s so worth it, especially when you find cheap flights and places to stay. Traveling in smaller groups I think is better. You can agree on things to do more easily and everyone gets a say.

Being in other cities and countries does make me really appreciate Paros more. As much as I love all these cities, I miss my small island. Many students who study in bigger cities are able to travel a lot easier. For instance, my friend in Florence has travelled every weekend. Sometimes this makes me jealous, but I realize I’m getting a real authentic experience on Paros. I’m completely immersed into the culture and I’ll come back to America being an expert on the island. My parents come to visit at the end of my program and I’m so excited to show them everything.

I feel like I just left to study abroad; it goes by so fast! I would tell someone who is going to study abroad to soak in every moment, because it’ll be gone before you know it. You never know when you’ll have another opportunity like this. These three months are going to be the best in my life.

I’ve learned so much about Greece, but even more about myself. Studying abroad gives you a lot of independence. I never knew I loved traveling this much, it has been the most amazing week and I’ve seen the most beautiful things. But catching flights and buses all week will catch up to you. I’m ready to go home to Paros now!

Thanks Aquinna!

Stay tuned for more from our ASA Journalist, sharing her experience from Paros, Greece this Spring.