Paros, Greece: Goodbye (But See You Again!)
ASA’s Jetsetter Journalist in Paros, Greece for spring term 2022, Aquinna Murphy continue with her study abroad story, sharing thoughts from her last two weeks below:
Week Ten of the Greek Adventure: Snorkeling, Finals & Corfu
The weather has become so warm, so fast. I’ve finally been able to go swimming and I’m so happy! Paros has a lot of good beaches, and you can also take a boat (a five minute ride) to the neighboring island of Antiparos. Antiparos is known for its beautiful beaches. Our coordinator brought us to one of the beaches on Wednesday, because we didn’t have class. I bought a snorkeling set and it’s the best purchase I’ve made. The water here is so clear, it’s perfect for snorkeling.
As the semester comes to an end, finals are next week. At HISA, there are no quizzes or exams. It’s either a discussion or a paper. Professors work with you to create the best way to format the final. It’s going to be a busy week, but a lot less stressful than finals week at my university in the states.
Last weekend, I travelled to Corfu, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It was absolutely gorgeous. I loved it because it was quite opposite of the islands in the Cyclades. It was very lush and green. I feel so lucky to be able to travel to such amazing places, especially on a budget.
Something I’ve learned to love about Greeks is how generous they are. After every meal, you always get a free dessert or another treat. They often give free appetizers too. This was a very pleasant surprise. Similarly, Greek Islanders are very trusting. You will be shopping in stores and the owner is down the street chatting with their friends. No one expects anyone to steal or disrespect their store. And no one ever does.
I can’t believe I leave in two weeks. I’m trying to make the absolute best of the time I have left. These past three months have allowed me to grow into a better version of myself. I wish I could never leave!
Week Eleven: Goodbye, Paros! I’ll Be Back!
It’s my final weekend here in Paros. I would say it’s bittersweet, but no part of leaving is sweet. These three months have gone by so fast, I feel like I just got here. I’ve met the most amazing people. My professors have truly changed my life and given me an opportunity to approach life in a different way.
Paros will forever have my heart. If you want a ‘Mamma Mia’ study abroad adventure, come to Paros! The beaches are unbelievable, I’ve been snorkeling a lot these past two weeks. The food is the best food I’ve ever had. But the locals are what really made this experience feel like home for me. I cried saying goodbye to my favorite servers and bartenders. One of them even gave me a gift to remember her. Three months just wasn’t long enough.
I know I will come back. It felt too much like home for me. Paros made me a better person and showed me what it feels like to fall in love with a place. It was such an intimate and immersive program. It was only five students, but we all became the best of friends. I’m forever grateful for this study abroad experience and the people I met. I hope HISA continues to grow and more people open themselves up to the opportunity to live on a small Greek island. The sense of community is one I’ve never felt before.
The professors here are the most special people and they have lived outstanding lives. I will keep in touch with all of them. Saying goodbye will be so hard, but they know the impact they’ve made on my life. I will never forget these three months. Future study abroad students: please make the most of everything! It’s gone before you know it. Thank you HISA and ASA for this opportunity; it couldn’t have been any better! Goodbye, Paros (for now). I’ll be back!
Thanks, Aquinna!
Thinking about studying abroad on a small Greek island?