I spent 12 days in Greece learning about social services and the Greek health care system, and making some amazing new friends. The education focus of this study was on understanding how Greece provides social services and health care services to its population. Our first site visit was to a community center that offered many different services. It served over 150 people every day, hosted a center for women and children, provided pediatric care and employed several general practitioners. We also visited a few rehabilitation centers, private and public. It was interesting to see the differences between the two types of care. Private centers clearly had better funding, advanced equipment and nearly a 1:1 patient-to-nurse ratio. In contrast, public centers had significantly fewer staff per patient.

One of the most memorable visits was to a social pharmacy, which provided free medication to people who lacked the means to purchase it. The pharmacy received its medical supplies entirely through donations. A prescription was all that was required to provide care. At each site we visited the workers were enthusiastic about their roles. The desire to help others is universal and it was incredible to see that desire on display at so many different sites during our short visit.

Beyond academics, we also had the opportunity to experience Greek culture and history. We were given a walking tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. It was incredible seeing such ancient structures still standing after all of that time and learning the history behind them. We also visited the Museum of Royal Tombs at Aigai, where we saw the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father and son. The museum is built underground around the tombs and it is dark except for the lights illuminating the artifacts. It was one of my favorite experiences from this program.

Of course, we had time to relax and explore as well. We made an impromptu visit to Lake Vouliagmeni. The lake was gorgeous and a perfect temperature to swim and relax. We also visited several beaches with the clearest water I have ever seen. We made stops at the Athens National Garden and Greek National Opera House. The fountains outside of the opera house danced in sync with the music playing. The program included a cooking class where we made chicken souvlaki, pita bread, tzatziki and loukoumades with honey. The food was incredible and our group had the best time cooking and eating together. I learned so much on my program abroad academically, culturally and personally. I formed incredible bonds with each member of my group. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Culture, Public Health and Social Service: Greece