Studying Abroad IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU! IPSL Helped me Make it Happen. March 24, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was the first course that taught me to "think differently" by literally making the world our classroom. My professor fused current events (in northern Greece at the time) with my interests to really cater this course to what would resonate with me most. The Community Organization and Social Activism (COSA) course I took during this program, along with writing my thesis, will stay with me as some of the most impactful educational information I've consumed.

On-site administration of your program

I felt so supported by the program administration while in Greece; so much so, that they are now like family to me. They were well connected, advocated on my behalf to cater the program to my specific interests, and made me feel incredibly comfortable during my trip.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own one-bedroom apartment in the city center, a few blocks from the Mediterranean Sea! I could not imagine a more perfect housing situation for this experience.

The food was incredible!! Greek/Mediterranean cuisine has become one of my favorites, and the IPSL staff went out of their way to introduce me to as much of it there as possible.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program staff went to great lengths to help me integrate with the local culture and interact regularly with refugees in the region as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thessaloniki was incredibly safe. Like anywhere else, you need to keep an eye on your things/ don't keep valuable things in pockets of your backpack. But overall, I felt very safe.

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with IPSL Global Institute and the positive impact it has had on the trajectory of my life since participating in their study abroad program in the Fall of 2019. My circumstances were rather non-traditional, working full-time in Chicago with one semester left of my master's degree. Despite the many obstacles that presented themselves (one being that I was the very first graduate student at my university to study abroad, so we literally had to pave the way), IPSL was there every step of the way; to answer all of my questions and cater a program *perfect* for me! Finishing my master's degree in Greece with IPSL was the experience of a lifetime. My program director and professor there guided me throughout my trip and made me feel like family. I had opportunities to explore outside of the city including Mount Olympus and was connected with local organizations serving vulnerable populations. Through them, I coordinated and taught Trauma Recovery Yoga classes to children experiencing homelessness and refugees in a camp outside of the city. Besides being incredibly responsive, intuitive and knowledgeable, the staff at IPSL took the time to get to know me and what I truly hoped to get out of this experience. I've since learned the extent to which they connect with their community partners and genuinely care for invest in the communities their participants are serving. It was genuinely one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and it wouldn't have been possible without the staff at IPSL genuinely striving to "make my dreams come true," as they do for each student that joins their programs.

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

I had the fortune of working virtually during my program, so maintaining a budget was no problem. Anyways, a student could certainly get by living frugally in Thessaloniki.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

• It was catered to my interests working with refugees and trauma-informed care
• The staff at IPSL were so responsive and addressed any questions or concerns I had throughout the entire process
• IPSL is grassroots, so I immediately felt part of the team, and now I feel like a part of their family; these are relationships you have for life.

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The Avid Adventurer