Greece Service-Learning Program
TBD
Interested in traveling to Greece to explore ancient sights and soak in the local culture, all while getting to help others? Join Outreach Global's 10 day service-learning program in Athens, Greece. You will have educational service opportunities, including hands-on volunteering at local nonprofits. The program also includes cultural excursions, such as a tour of the Parthenon and the Panathenaic Stadium.
Opportunities To
- Provide workshops for underserved students on subjects such as music, videography, English, and more.
- Participate in check-ups on Athens’ homeless populations alongside Greek social workers.
- Support nonprofits with technical tasks like painting, cleaning, and gardening.
- Assist in a nonprofit’s Support Center by categorizing and organizing products for underserved youth.
- Tour cultural sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
- Become immersed in Greek culture!
Read about the experiences of past program participants.
View 2023 Program Photos
Program Fees*:
- AU Students: $2,100
- AU Staff/faculty: $2,400
- Non-AU Students: $2,400**
- Non AU Staff/faculty: $2,500
*Does not include flight or passport fees.
**Transient students will need to pay an additional $60 application fee.
Program cost includes:
- 7 nights at hotel
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner
- Cultural visits and excursions
- Service-learning opportunities
Program cost does not include:
- Passport fees
- Roundtrip airline tickets
- International cell phone plan
- Personal expenses
A sample budget sheet and payment schedule will be made available once the final program cost is determined.
Passport
All travelers must have a passport to participate on this program. If you already HAVE a passport: Please check the expiration date. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months following your scheduled time abroad. You also should have several blank pages available.
If you DO NOT HAVE a passport: Please check www.travel.state.gov (US Citizens) for the nearest local passport office and forms. For non-US citizens please work with your specific embassy or consult. Auburn Abroad recommends that you apply for a passport as soon as possible.
Visa
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain an immigration documents in order to legally study in their chosen country. In addition to consulting with Auburn Abroad students should review requirements listed on the country's Conulate/Embassy websites. Non-U.S. Citizens should verify visa requirements with their home country. Non-US Citizens should also speak with Auburn University's International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) team. Auburn Abroad has no control over a foreign country's immigration processes and regulations.
Health Safety
It is the responsbility of the student to make sure they are physically and mentally prepared to go abroad. This includes meeting with current physicians and counselors to properly prepare any steps, medications, or communications before departure. It also includes reviewing the CDC website for any required vaccinations. If you have any concerns we strongly recommend you speak with Auburn Abroad - we can help you better understand what the program entails. You can also review the information sheet on the overview tab for physical & environmental and independence considerations.
Insurance
For information on the required international emergency travel insurance and the recommended trip protection (cancellation and interruption) insurance through Auburn University, please view the application.
Greece Health Service-Learning 2023
Select the photos below to read each testimonial.
"When I departed for our trip to Greece I didn’t know anyone going on the trip. This encouraged me to meet knew people. I did have fellow nursing students with me but they were either a semester ahead of me in the curriculum or behind me. I was glad to meet new people but at the same time scared to have to put myself out there. Little did i know, how much not knowing anyone going on the trip, would allow me to really embrace the culture and get to know other students in different majors. The pharmacy students on the trip I particular wanted to get to know. This is due to the fact to how close I will be working with them in my future nursing career.
I was happy to learn about their career and how I can work more efficiently with pharmacist. I really enjoyed learning more about the Greek culture. I loved how welcoming and genuine the residents were in Greece. Everyone I talked to were happy to talk to me and get to know more about American culture. Getting to know more people and the beauty of Greece were not the only things that made me want to go on this trip. Mostly it was the mission of this trip that made me really want to go to Greece. I was grateful to be able to help the less fortunate population with my nursing skills. I learned that not only the physical skills I had were helpful, but truly it was my listening skills that really allowed me to learn from them. I’m so grateful for all the experiences I had on this trip."
Alexandra Killian, Nursing Student
"This program was nothing short of amazing! I had a unique experience coming as a graduate of Auburn Nursing, but I hope to be a nurse that never stops seeking out new opportunities for personal and professional grown and this program was just that! It was interesting to learn about the roles of a nurse in Greece, and how the Greek healthcare system compares to the US. I learned a lot from the way Doctors of the World overcame language barriers with patients and especially how they anticipated their patients needs above and beyond just physical medical care.
These experiences definitely gave me a lot of opportunity to think about how I can be a better nurse and advocate for my patients, and be more resourceful, especially working in the settings I do where we often do have more resources at our disposal than we did at our clinical sites in Greece. Experiencing this program went above and beyond my expectations – I walked away with great new friends, experiences that will benefit my nursing practice and patients, and a grown awareness and appreciation for the work organizations like Doctors of the World do. I loved my time in nursing school, so i’m super thankful for the opportunity to stay connected and continue learning with AUCON in a different way!"
Allie Loehr, Nursing Alumni
"As faculty, the trip to Greece was impactful witnessing students experience things for the first time. The students made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and I am blessed to have been able to observe that. On a personal level, the trip to Greece was informative and educational as I learned more about their health system and the challenges that citizens have accessing healthcare. I learned a tremendous amount about the refugee situation in Greece and how they are providing to those in need.
This experience left me feeling humbled by the hope and strength I saw in the refugees and ignited a desire to be more active in the homeless community in Auburn. The slower pace of meal time has helped me be more present and to enjoy the moments happening around you. I’m thankful for the new friendships I made with fellow faculty members from other colleges across the Auburn University campus and am forever grateful for this experience I was given!"
Dr. Andrea Smith, Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Nursing
"The week I spent in Greece with Auburn Abroad was absolutely life changing. Although we went through an absolute roller coaster of emotions throughout the week, I can say nothing other than the trip was exactly what we needed. We experienced the wonderful parts of Greece, but we also were able to see the challenges that vulnerable populations experience in this country. I think my favorite aspect of the trip was the balance of being able to learn and serve others while still having plenty of time to explore Greece after. Being able to see the refugee camps in Greece and the Greek policy on healthcare really opened my eyes to a new global perspective that I can value and use to examine with the healthcare system in the U.S..
I could not even imagine the pain and suffering some of these families had to go through before coming to the refugee camps, and I was pleasantly surprised how kind and optimistic they seemed when we interacted with them. I know for a fact that after witnessing them, I can take what I learned and apply it to being a better healthcare worker. As I leave Greece, I will take many parts of this trip with me when I enter healthcare and allow my new knowledge to help me become an even better nurse. I am beyond thankful to have been on this trip. War Eagle!"
Anna Fuentes, Nursing Student
"Going to Athens, Greece this summer was a very good choice for me. I have been to Athens before, but I never experienced it like this. We spent a whole week in the city taking in the sites, learning about the culture, giving back to the community, and stuffing our bellies. Helping others is the reason I joined the healthcare field to begin with and this trip felt very rewarding because I was given the chance to help out a lot more people than just those in my community. Helping at the refugee camps, shadowing the doctors at the polyclinic, and helping the homeless people down by the port were all new experiences for me that helped me grow as a person and as a professional.
I learned that Greece is a safe haven for many refugees fleeing from many different countries, and being able to help people feel welcomed, safe, and healthy is a very heartwarming experience. I think the volunteers for Doctor’s of the World are the most amazing people for doing what they do, and I am very grateful to have met them and to have learned from them. When I become a pharmacist, I hope I am as selfless, passionate, and courageous as them."
Ashley Sbarra, Pharmacy Doctoral Candidate
"I was able to attend the global outreach trip to Athens, Greece through Auburn University. I was able to experience diversity through working with the vulnerable populations of Athens. We were able to partner with the Doctors of the World. We did street work, went to refugee camps, and assisted in the clinic with the Doctors of the World. There were a wide range of populations and not many of them spoke English. I could not even begin to fathom some of the stories that I heard. We were able to have meaningful conversations with the diverse community in Athens.
We helped the homeless, did HIV/STI tests, and watched assessments in the clinic. Throughout this experience, I learned it is important to use all of your resources when working with populations that do not speak the same language as you. I also learned how to sympathize with patients of non-English speaking populations. We were able to experience the culture in Athens and were able to see sites such as the Acropolis, Olympia, and take a trip to Delphi. I am so thankful I was able to attend this global outreach trip."
Carson Ann Crow, Nursing Student
"My experience with Auburn Outreach Global in Greece provided me with many diversity skills. We partnered with Doctors of the World, a nonprofit organization that provides emergent and long-term medical care to vulnerable people groups including refugees from Ukraine, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Africa to name a few. I was able to assist in the polyclinic, provide medical testing in a refugee camp and offer medical care doing street-work. Time spent in the refugee camps gave me a new understanding of cultural awareness and sensitivity. The people living in the camps have successfully escaped their homeland from violence or natural disaster. While in the camp, they are registered as a refugee and wait for a green card from the government. They receive housing, free meals, and the children receive education.
I learned that once the refugees receive a green card, most become homeless because they must provide for themselves. I began to understand that the people residing in this refugee camp feel the most safe and secure there. The gratitude expressed from the refugees after providing medical testing was very encouraging. Time spent in the polyclinic allowed me to gain more of an understanding for the Greek healthcare system. I was able to help a Russian pediatrician with assessments, routine vaccinations, and referrals. Doctors of the World provides a unique opportunity to give medical care to these refugees. This encourages health promotion for the refugees and can positively impact the health in Greece. The refugee camp and polyclinic allowed me to gain cultural competency and a heart for caring for vulnerable people groups. I am very grateful for this service-learning opportunity with Auburn Outreach Global!"
Catherine Parma, Nursing Student
"I am so appreciative that I got the opportunity to participate in the Auburn Outreach Global Greece Summer experience. As a nurse, now professor, I enjoy any activity where I can combine my love of providing care for those less fortunate with my love of teaching. The trip to Greece was a perfect combination of my passions. I got to see my students interact with people from very different backgrounds and do so with the care and attention of great professional nurses. While the scope of practice of nurses in Greece differs from that of American nurses, the two fields are still based in the same desire to provide care.
The most impact part of the trip for me was our day working in the refugee camp. Going into this experience, I had a pre-conceived notion of what a refugee camp would be like. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the refugee camp was a much more positive place than I imagined. I got to see the community that the refugees had built and the way they continually show resilience in spite of their refugee status. While the beautiful Greek architecture and cuisine were also highlights of the trip, my time in the refugee camps definitely left the biggest impact on me."
Dr. Chris Martin, Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Nursing
"Throughout the trip, we were constantly challenged in learning the different protocols and about the culture. There were many instances where I felt pushed outside of my comfort zone. One specific moment was when I was assisting another student on the trip dress a wound. I had never done this before, so I followed her lead and handed her the materials. One of the midwives was helping us and explained why the sores on his feet had gotten so bad. It was because he had taken his bandages off after she treated his wounds the first time. Because he was homeless, he did not have shoes; therefore, his wounds could not be protected without his bandages. The interaction between the patient and midwife is seen in healthcare everywhere in the sense that the patient is also responsible for keeping up with their treatment and following the doctor’s order. Not only was he grateful towards us for cleaning his wounds, but I was grateful for him and his positive attitude towards everyone in the clinic.
This program allowed me to interact with the nurses and doctors associated with Doctors of the World. I was given the opportunity to ask them questions whether it was about their culture or diagnosis of a patient. They allowed me to understand the process of a refugee transitioning into civilization as well as the dangers of the journey thousands of them make everyday to reach asylum. This trip and program allowed me to see healthcare in a new way and pushed me to challenge my perspective on bedside manner. I was able to learn more about myself as well as the people I was working with. This experience solidified my passion for helping others and wanting to pursue a future in healthcare."
Elizabeth Bertram, COSAM Student
"I would like to start this reflection by saying how blessed and thankful I am that I had the opportunity to attend such an eye-opening service learning trip. I truly do believe that the students were able to make powerful impacts in the peoples’ lives that we encountered during our outreach days. I really enjoyed how for the three days of our outreach that we were able to do very different things each day. I feel this allowed us to not only deepen our knowledge and our understanding of the different lifestyles, but it also deepened our experience with healthcare in other nations as we were able to see a wide range of groups of people in different circumstances each day. I enjoyed how one day we volunteered at a polyclinic, another day we conducted street work to provide medications and food and water to the homeless, and another day we traveled to a refugee camp to conduct free testing for sexually transmitted diseases among the refugees living at the camps.
I thought it was very smart how each group went to a different refugee camp as this allowed for us to reach more people across Greece and spread care to people at multiple different camps. These experiences opened my eyes to the many differences among healthcare in the United States compared to healthcare in other countries such as Greece. This was not only a very special experience, but also an experience that many people do not have access to. In addition to the outreach days, I also appreciated how we had days dedicated to learning about the culture and the history of Athens, Greece by going to the Acropolis, meeting with Doctors of the World, and meeting with the mayor of Athens. I also enjoyed how we had plenty of free time which allowed us to further experience their culture, cuisine, and towns. I would highly recommend this trip to upcoming students if they have the opportunity as it taught me so much not only about myself, but also about other healthcare departments."
Emilie Brown, Nursing Student
"The opportunity to serve abroad with the Auburn University College of Nursing and Outreach Global was an incredibly unique and rewarding experience that I will look back on and cherish long after I graduate from Auburn University. I learned so much on this trip about my classmates, healthcare in Greece, as well as Greek history and culture. The interactions I had with students within my own cohort, other nursing cohorts, and students within different majors helped me form meaningful connections with my peers.
As a group, we were immersed in the Greek healthcare system, where we were able to observe various settings in which healthcare professionals work, thanks to collaboration with Doctors of the World. We also learned how to communicate with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and with those who spoke foreign languages. Outside of the healthcare setting, my friends and I learned about the culture in Athens, Greece through visiting historical sites, dining in local restaurants, and learning to navigate the city. The experiences that I had in Greece will remain with me after graduation, as they have helped me gain a greater understanding of healthcare on a global scale and of communicating with diverse populations. Overall, I am extremely grateful for this experience!"
Emily Larsen, Nursing Student
"Thinking and reflecting back on my time in Greece, I gained a broader perspective on our world, as it relates to healthcare and beyond. This experience allowed us as a group to learn more about the culture in Athens, Greece, as well as surrounding countries in which refugees were fleeing from. One large takeaway from this trip is the significance of a simple smile.
In many of the places where we were volunteering, there was a language barrier. In those moments, I never realized how much I took for granted living in an area where the majority of people speak the same language. At the refugee camp we were at, they spoke French, Arabic, and Greek. In those moments where there was not a translator present, you have to get creative how to communicate and allow those you are taking care of to trust you.
Something I continually found myself falling back on was a simple smile. Whether it was a child or an adult, they almost always smiled back with pure joy. Even though we did not have the commonality of our nationality or language, a smile is universal. At the end of the day, we all want to be loved, seen, and known, whether that is in Athens, Greece, or Auburn, Alabama. To be able to serve the communities in Athens, with our hands, words, ears, and smiles, was a blessing."
Erin Denenberg, Nursing Student
"The service-learning program in Greece was a wonderful and inspirational experience. I was given the profound opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while working alongside Doctors of the World. This program was perfectly suited for me because I am driven to make a difference in the lives of others. This was a very eye-opening experience that had an excellent impact on my life. Being able to whiteness patient care in a foreign healthcare system gave me a newfound appreciation for the medical services we are provided here in the states. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the opportunity to visit a refugee camp. I was never able to properly comprehend this system until I saw it in person. Working directly with people from a variety of backgrounds taught me the need of empathy and cultural sensitivity in healthcare delivery. Even though we were only there for a limited amount of time, I felt as if our actions made a difference in these people’s lives.
Overall, the program broadened my perspective and helped me better comprehend the complexity of healthcare. It also strengthened my dedication to serve others in the healthcare industry. I definitely will do something similar to this again."
Isabel Smith, Liberal Arts Student
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Greece during the service-learning program. I was able to interact with a different population while having the opportunity to provide nursing care. We learned that nurses in Greece have a much smaller scope of practice than in the United States. This made me grateful for everything we are able to do here but it also helped me to understand the Grecian medical system better. My favorite thing we got to do was the street walk opportunity. During this, we were able to walk through a section of Greece with a high volume of homeless individuals.
We provided them with simple medical care and a meal, but that was not the part that stood out to me. Getting to talk with these people and learn about their lives was what I remember the most. They were so happy to have people to speak with and share their stories. However, it also made an impact on me. The whole trip was a very eye-opening experience and I am so glad I had the opportunity to attend. I will now practice nursing with a different perspective and lots of new knowledge."
Kate Campbell, Nursing Student
"I am forever changed by the Greece 2023 trip. This trip left a lasting impact on my life as it did many others. Getting to see the way the refugees in Greece live really opened my eyes and heart. We take so many things for granted that are a luxury to these people. My favorite and most impactful memory was going to the refugee camps and walking around with people that live there. There was a little girl there who was 9 years old, and she spoke 5 different languages. She walked around with us and helped translate. She was so happy and joyful, even in her living situation.
Doctors of the World is an amazing group of people that have opened their arms and welcomed these refugees and have given them the healthcare that they deserve. We got to walk around and hear about the amazing history of Greece, which was really interesting. The mayor and deputy mayor of Greece talked to us about how hard they are working to improve the living in Greece, especially for the homeless people. Being able to hear them talk about what goes on was very eye opening. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have gone on this trip and will always cherish the memories that were made."
Keller Dunnam, Nursing Student
"The Auburn Outreach Global Medical trip in Athens Greece trip was an incredible experience that I won’t ever forget. It is certainly one of my top favorite moments in Auburn’s Nursing Program. I enjoyed getting to collaborate with students/faculty from the pharmacy, forestry, education, and biomedical science majors while serving abroad. This served as a great avenue for multidisciplinary communication with providers as well as therapeutic touch when interacting with the refugee population in Athens. I am grateful to have collaborated with ‘Doctors of the World,’ a non-profit humanitarian organization, to provide free health screenings and STI testing within refugee camps; volunteer within an outpatient-style polyclinic; and engage in street-side healthcare and medical services in addition to patient education among the homeless population.
In addition to service while abroad, we also went site-seeing. While the Acropolis was quite beautiful and grand, my favorite spot we toured was the original Olympic Stadium. As a student-athlete on the Auburn Track and Field team, it was so thrilling and special to stand in that arena. It’s every athlete’s dream to get the chance to stand where it all started. Further, this trip reinforced the power of multidisciplinary collaboration and therapeutic communication/interpretation. I found this to be an invaluable lesson that I will take into my career and share with others along the way. The atmosphere in Athens was so electric, I can’t wait for the chance to go back!"
Lalah Rose Hasbrouk, Human Sciences Student
"Whether we were playing basketball with schoolchildren in Arachova, testing patients for HIV in the blistering heat of Malakasa refugee camp, swimming in Lake Vouliagmeni, or learning about Greece's healthcare and civil society with Athens City Hall members, this was an experience unlike anything I had done before. Visiting the Malakasa refugee camp was particularly rewarding. Although images that portray life in refugee camps are typically void of ambition, I realized that every person there has a story and a voice of hope and perseverance, despite the hardships they’ve endured. Additionally, talking with locals and being able to fully immerse myself in Greek culture allowed me to appreciate what I have since they live lives that rely on few material items, develop a greater sense of empathy for others, and expand my perspective on life.
The time I spent in Greece was truly advantageous to my development as an undergraduate student, and although I do not plan on pursuing a career in nursing, this experience provided me the chance to be educated in a variety of learning environments and areas. Obtaining the skills to navigate different cultures and environments will certainly support my future endeavors. Overall, this experience was incredibly rewarding and took me out of my comfort zone. Our team, made up of students, professors, and Outreach Global Staff, as well as the Greece team, was able to work as a cohesive group to make this a successful and unforgettable trip."
Landrum Brown, Forestry and Wildlife Science Student
"Overall, this program has had a significant impact on my life. Although I am not in the healthcare field, I still found this opportunity to be extremely beneficial to my life experience. I knew going into this, there would be a bit of a culture shock, but actually being there in person, I was able to experience other cultures firsthand. Their way of life differs than what I am used to in so many aspects. Specifically, I was shocked at the lack of sex education in Greece, especially regarding the transmission of AIDS/HIV/STDS.
I think the most eye-opening experience, while being there, was visiting the refugee camp. The program helped me realize how thankful I am for all that I have and reaffirmed my desire of wanting to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I am going to look more into the humanitarian aspect of environmental crises. I hope to possibly work with more refugee camps in the future. I met two little girls who were seeking refuge from Iran and Iraq. Although, we did not speak the same language, those young girls left a permanent bittersweet imprint on my heart. The girls along with the others at the refugee camp made me realize that even the simplest acts of kindness can go a long way. Even though these people have endured tragedies I cannot possibly fathom, our group’s presence and simple conversations were able to put smiles on their faces. At the end of the day, we are all just humans. I am eternally thankful for this opportunity, and I will forever cherish the memories I made there."
Lucy Lawrence, COSAM Student
"I thought I knew what to expect, even though this was my first trip to Europe.
My grandfather is a globe-trotter and he has told me many stories about his trips abroad, which I thought gave me an idea of what to expect when I went to Greece. However, after the first couple of days I realized that all of his stories could’ve never prepared me for this trip, at least not fully.
Athens itself was a sight to behold, it’s so big that even now I have a hard time explaining it to others. What I soon discovered, was that the people of Greece have a heart even bigger than the city of Athens!
From the first day to the very last, the people we came into contact with while visiting Greece and working with Doctors of World made us feel so welcome and loved! I know we were only there for 10 days, but by the end of the trip I felt like I had been there for a month, and that I had known these people for a lot longer than a few days. We were greeted by everyone as if we were family and taken care of just the same. Being able to work with and learn from Doctors of the World taught me so many things and reminded me of one important thing: healthcare doesn’t always have to do with a person’s actual health!
I was not expecting so much love, knowledge, and comradery to come out of this trip, but I am so thankful that it did! The people of Greece filled me up as much as I wanted to fill them up, and by doing so reminded me that there is so much more to healthcare and what we learn about in the classroom."
Marlee Brothers, Pharmacy Doctoral Candidate
"As a teacher educator, I learned so much from the Auburn Outreach Global Greece trip. Collaborating with nursing and pharmacy faculty illuminated similarities in our work. Working alongside students that were engaged in practical, hands on experiences while also learning about differences in health care systems around the world was powerful. It was especially powerful to learn about the nonprofit work of Doctors of the World in supporting people through clinics, counseling, refugee camps, and homeless wellness checks.
The relationships they form and their consistent presence in the community is something that is important in both healthcare and education. I shared some of the things I learned about education and social issues in Greece in my class this week. As students noted multiple times, this experience was a wonderful reminder of the importance of the human connection, learning with and from others, and respect for the similarities and differences we share with others."
Dr. Megan Burton, Professor, College of Education
"The Global Outreach trip to Athens, Greece was truly an enlightening and one-of-a-kind experience with memories I will hold with me for years to come. Being able to work alongside Doctors of the World Greece was an outstanding opportunity and really allowed me to understand how the healthcare system functions in Greece, and showed me what Doctors of the World provides to those in all different countries. This trip allowed me to go to new places I would have never seen on my own. Working in a Polyclinic, arranging medical attention for those who are homeless, setting up a free clinic at a refugee camp and, most importantly, providing a friendly face to those who are struggling was life changing.
One takeaway from my service during my time there, is that I should always work on being a better nurse, but, at the same time, remain a humble person. I have learned that many little things in my life can be something that someone else strives to have and, because of this, I should always remember to not take anything for granted. Overall, this trip was not only informational but also eye-opening! I hope to continue to learn and be given opportunities to show kindness to others because you never know what someone may have gone through, or may be going through."
Neleh Stensrud, Nursing Student
"The 2023 Greece Service-Learning Program was indeed impactful and rewarding to me personally and professionally. It was a privilege to accompany my colleagues and students to Athens, Greece to serve those in need of physical resources and mental support. Inter-professional collaboration with university personnel and the Doctors of the World organization was a testament that those committed to make a positive change in the world are able to achieve it by showing up and reaching out to others.
I encourage all who desire to “be the change” that makes the world a better place to participate in service learning programs. Sometimes the teacher becomes the student and it’s great because we all learn together!"
Dr. Pamela Short, Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Nursing
"The Greece Service Learning trip provided me with several different unique experiences that I will never forget. I was able to learn about the Greek healthcare system as well as different populations within the system. I had the opportunity to visit a refugee camp and provide services to those individuals. This was such a rewarding experience and really opened my eyes to this particular population. I also really enjoyed learning about Doctors of the World and the work that they do not just in Greece, but in different countries as well.
I was able to walk with members of Doctors of the World and provide medical screenings and pass out food and water to homeless individuals. It is an amazing feeling knowing that I was able to help contribute to their organization in some way and help these vulnerable populations. It was also amazing to have the opportunity to explore the city of Athens and to make new friends during my study abroad who also shared my passion for service and interest in the healthcare field. This experience has given me tools and experience that I will take with me as I start my career in nursing this year."
Reagan Sahlman, Nursing Student
"The service learning trip to Athens, Greece was an experience like no other. Here I was met with many situations that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The most meaningful day I had was when we visited the refugee camp in Malakasa, Greece. I was overcome by so many emotions the moment I stepped foot inside the camp. Seeing the children and families who came to Greece to seek safety from their home country made me feel things that I cannot describe. I saw heartbreak and hurt in their faces, but I also saw joy and relief at the same time. This experience allowed me to meet people in their most vulnerable state. I heard stories of people who traveled thousands of miles on foot to make it to the Greece border, stories of people watching family members die on the journey, and stories of their new beginnings in a new country. There was one picture I took that I will remember forever. The picture itself is nothing special, but the message it portrays is. A UNICEF sign was located on the outside of the school on camp.
UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It is a humanitarian aid organization that provides funding and resources to children in need around the world. I remember learning about this organization in class and thinking how amazing an organization like this is but wondering how exactly it works. Little did I know a few months later I would see this sign at the refugee camp I was visiting. To me this picture symbolizes hope. Hope that one day all children will be cared for. Hope that the world still has good people who fight for its children. Visiting this camp filled me with so many feelings. I will never know how these people feel, but I can do everything I can to help them anyway. I left Malakasa with a world view much different than the one I came with. My heart is softened towards these people and this location. I left with a grieving heart, but one also full of joy and full of hope."
Sara Underwood, Nursing Student
"These outreach efforts continue to amaze me. I have stated this before and I will say it again. I know we were born to bring light to others and to always leave others better than we found them. We were born to serve. The Greece Service-Learning Project gave me the opportunity to do just that. In addition to visiting a beautiful country, the people were amazing. I enjoyed the culture and the ability to meet so many incredible, loving, people. Every person whose life we touched, while in the clinic, doing street work, or in the refugee camps was an opportunity to serve.
We often take life and our health for granted, yet I could not help but think that this could be me who needed the help instead. Serving alongside the Doctors of The World was a great experience. I loved how they supported a mission to meet the needs of the less fortunate. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with so many amazing students, faculty, and healthcare partners in Greece. Thank you Outreach Global and Dr. Elizabeth Quansah and her team for such an amazing outreach effort. My life has been forever changed."
Dr. Valarie Thomas, Outreach Coordinator, Outreach Global
"I was a bit skeptical going into this experience but I was presently surprised by the trip. I was excited to immerse myself in another culture and that is exactly what I was able to do. I took the public transit almost everywhere I went and was able to have conversations with the local Athenians. This was exactly what I was looking for on this trip.
I was able to make a ton of new friends who were studying a variety of topics and we were able to discuss what we observed on a daily basis. I will never forget the memories I made on the trip. The work on the trip was much more intellectual than hands on which made me think a lot. Getting to see another side of healthcare was very interesting. I got to see a whole new way of doing things and this was very impactful for me."
Will Prophitt, Pharmacy Doctoral Candidate
Last Updated: December 13, 2024