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Bringing It Home – The Saint Rose Blog

Saint Rose Studies Abroad: Greece Edition

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and alluring opportunities a Saint Rose student can experience.

Caroline Aurigemma ’19, a communications major with a concentration in journalism, packed her bags in the Spring of 2018 and studied abroad for a semester in Athens, Greece. While she was away, Caroline wrote several blog posts for the ISA Student Blog about her experience with Greek culture and the exhilaration of traveling alone.

Read her blog posts here:

Caroline Aurigemma: Coffee Culture in Athens, Greece

Caroline Aurigemma: Alone Abroad Athens, Greece

Caroline Aurigemma: Best Greek Weekend Getaways

For the next several weeks, we’ll profile many students who studied abroad and learn about their different experiences. Maybe, it will spark your interest. Maybe, you don’t know if studying abroad is right for you. Either way, we encourage you to reach out to the Saint Rose Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@strose.edu. With a world that’s increasingly becoming more intertwined, you won’t regret the experience.

Caroline Aurigemma in Athens, Greece

Caroline in Athens, Greece

Check out this Q&A to learn more about Caroline’s trip abroad and to gain tips and advice for your own travel!

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to experience culture and traditions in other countries, meet new people, and gain a new perspective for life.

Hydra, Greece

Hydra, Greece

How has your experience enhanced or informed what you’re studying at Saint Rose?

This experience truly backed my love for traveling. As a communications student, I am always intrigued by speech and the ability to communicate and learn from others. This experience not only enhanced my ability to understand and communicate freely with others, but it also taught me cultural differences. In the future, I want to work as a freelance travel blogger or a traveling writer.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a student who is contemplating studying abroad?

Just do it! I was incredibly nervous before going abroad, and that is completely understandable. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is so important for internal growth. You will discover so much about yourself through this experience.

Statue of Zeus in Athens Greece

Statue of Zeus in Athens. Greece

What is the most interesting information you have learned so far?

My favorite class while abroad was Greek Modern History. I loved it so much because we are so used to learning about American History or European History in school, yet I have always felt like I don’t know much about other countries and cultures. In this class, I was given an in-depth background and perspective on issues that Greeks are facing today. And I was able to communicate with peers and professors about the current political climate in Greece.

Study Abroad Tips:

suitcase with feet beside it

  • It’s imperative that students start thinking about their trip as early as their first year at the College. Some majors have strict course requirements that are not offered overseas. Students should plan ahead and save their general education credits for their experience abroad.
  • Our students’ financial aid packages follow them wherever they choose to go. That does not mean they shouldn’t save their money! Once they settle into their new college, they won’t stay put for long. One of the many benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to explore — they’ll never know when a spontaneous trip to Paris might pop up!
  • When our students return from their adventures, their wanderlust stays with them. You can often find them hanging out at the Center for International Programs, volunteering at ESL programs, or attending one of the many events that the center sponsors.

What do you think?

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