Hello friends! My name is George, and I am excited to share my study abroad experiences with y’all this semester. I am a sophomore in college studying International Relations and Philosophy, and I am super grateful to be travelling, learning, and meeting awesome people in Europe this semester!
I grew up in Brevard, NC, where I learned to enjoy spending time outside, hanging out with friends, and playing sports. I also grew up in a Greek-American family. I live with my Greek grandmother, whom we call “Yia Yia.” Yia Yia taught me to find joy in every moment and to be thankful for good people around me. This lesson helps me make friends wherever I go!
I now play soccer in college at The College of Wooster in Ohio. I love making new friends, and I am excited to make more while studying abroad in Geneva, Switzerland! People call Geneva the diplomacy capital of the world because of how many diverse politicians and people live and work here. In Geneva, people look different and even talk differently from me. It may feel unfamiliar, but I’m not scared, because Yia Yia taught me that good people are everywhere if you look for them.
I will be learning French and taking classes about how countries work together to solve problems. I will learn how leaders make decisions that help keep people safe and supported. I hope to someday make big decisions myself that will help people find joy and appreciate the good friendships they have, just as my Yia Yia taught me. I’m excited that you will be joining me on this journey! I can’t wait to share my stories with you, and I hope my journey helps you see that the world is open to you, too.
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by visiting www.gilmanscholarship.org.
