Ariel Thompson: Blog Post #1

The Start of My Study Abroad Journey 

Hello! My name is Ariel Thompson, and I am a first-year nursing major at Texas Christian University. One of the things I’ve always dreamed of doing is studying abroad, and the fact that I’m now living that dream as a first-generation college student still feels surreal (and being here now, I am not sure it has even hit me yet) It’s an opportunity I never expected, but I am so grateful for it. 

Back in high school, I did dual credit courses, which allowed me to complete college credits early. This gave me the chance to study abroad for an entire semester, and I jumped at it. As someone who has always loved the idea of traveling, when I saw the new study abroad program in Greece, I was immediately drawn to apply. 

Living in a country with such rich cultural differences is a thrilling opportunity. I’m excited to dive deep into the traditions, history, and culture of Greece. One of my primary goals for this semester is to learn the Greek language. I believe learning the language is essential for truly immersing myself in the culture. Even after just two days here, I’ve noticed how passionate Greeks are when they speak—it’s such a beautiful and expressive language. 

While I don’t expect my Greek to be perfect by the end of the semester, I’m committed to learning the basics. I plan to practice every day by slowly implementing the language into my everyday vocabulary, and I am also taking a Greek course through the American College of Greece this semester to help me along the way. 

Besides learning the language, I’m most excited about getting to know the locals and, of course, sampling all the delicious Greek food. From what I’ve heard, the food here is nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to try everything! 

I’m thrilled to be on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you as I continue to explore Greece.