Excellent time in Greece with a lot of fun September 28, 2025

By (Agriculture, Royal Agricultural University) - abroad from 06/12/2022 to 07/09/2022 with

Cerca Abroad: Greece – Agriculture & Viticulture Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience abroad I gained practical knowledge about olive tree farming , from using machinery to learning how to protect and grow trees. I also discovered the joy of working closely with nature and experiencing Greek culture. It was definitely worthwhile, both for the skills I developed and for the unforgettable memories I made in Crete.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My name is Elliot and I am from Oxford. I chose this internship program on Olive tree farming as I wanted to learn more about olive trees and just general farming in Greece. I already know how to farm on a large scale in the UK but I wanted to see how it’s done on a small scale on many different plots of land in Greece. I have always enjoyed eating olives as they are very healthy and I have enjoyed using all the products associated with olives such as oil and soap. During this internship, I learnt retain olive tree protection and to achieve maximum olive growth. How to use all the machinery associated with olive trees farming such as trimmers, chainsaws, extractors and scooters to have access to all the olive tree locations. The coordination from Cerca Abroad was excellent. Dimitri was a very good boss. He taught me everything he was doing in a kind manner that was not rushed and easy to understand. He told me there was no mistake for me during this and I was very flattered. The overall experience of Crete was fun and enjoyable. I learnt a great deal about olive tree farming and all the machineries used to grow and harvest them. I have enjoyed my time here so much, that I am buying an apartment here to use as a holiday home and to come when harvest season is on, during September and December. Thank you.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I have nothing to add

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Hands-on experience with olive tree farming and use of specialized machinery
  • Supportive coordination and clear guidance from Dimitri and the program team
  • Fun cultural experience in Crete with opportunities to enjoy local life and products
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing to say
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program was fantastic and very well-organized!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'