I have traveled many times and not once, I have felt so relieved, carefree and so much self love. I was given the opportunity to expand my understanding of myself and others by being abroad. It forced me to be out of my comfort zone and become more independent.

I am always excited to learn new cultures and meet new people so that I could understand how beautiful the world can be, and this trip intensified that. I also traveled all over Asia and have not been to Europe. Culturally and emotionally, this was a life changing experience. This was a great opportunity for me to explore other cultures than those of my own. In addition, I also learned the ways and values of other cultures. For example, most Greek people was extremely welcoming and caring for my friends and I abroad. They taught us the language, showed how to get home and to other places, and ALWAYS treat us with such great hospitality. Before then, I only thought only family treat each other this lovingly. I guess family was the right word being in Greece. The people was the best thing, but the place is most definitely second best. I get to travel and witness so many beautiful animals, florals, and lands. The places is so captivating, I have forgotten to take pictures! luckily, I have wonderful instructors and friends who did that for me.

Arriving in Greece felt new and exciting yet there was some sense of a homecoming. Perhaps it was the Greek texts I had previously read or art history I had studied but I was sold the moment I arrived at the hostel in Athens, then after settling into

my apartment on Paros Island. The experiential courses offered a great balance of pushing me within the classroom's perimeters yet granting me freedom to pursue self-guided explorations outside of a formal setting. The Cycladic islands we visited were nourishing, enchanting, rich with history, and graced with locals who were eager to extend their hospitality to study abroad students and Greeks alike!

I want to return to the island and never leave. I loved the program, the classes, the professors, and the island. Photography, painting, and philosophy are a few classes offered at HISA; through taking these classes, I grew a greater appreciation for

art, color, culture, morality, and life in general.

"I attended HISA's summer session with three weeks of Cycladic Culture and Photography classes. We travelled all over the Greek islands, to Santorini, Delos, Antiparos, Naxos and other places whose names I regrettable forget though their experience left

an impression. HISA exposed me to a beautiful countryside and the warm hospitality of Greek culture but I especially am thankful for the help of photo teacher Maria for the extra time she put in helping me to improve my eye, and work on thematic development. I feel like I have a better understanding of my next steps artistically. About the rest of the program, the student housing was a nice hotel, I couldn't believe this was part of tuition. Though I'm not very interested in history, I felt the Cycladic lectures enhanced the trips for me (though I could have used less museums and more beaches). My favorite destination was Santorini. I reccommend taking the optional boat ride to the volcano. "

I came to HISA in 2012 and took six courses, Goddess, Creative writing, Painting, Digital Photo and Cycladic Culture. By far my favorite was the creative writing class. The teacher George met with me every week to go over my screenplay, and was very blunt

with me, causing me to look into what really worked for my writing and what was lacking. I feel like I've much improved due to his advice. Though the beginning of the semester was a little chilly on the island, by the time we returned from Turkey, the weather was nice enough that we could have our woman's study Goddess course classes on a marble table on the roof of the school. It was gorgeous! Teachers were kind and helpful, and the island itself is mindblowingly beautiful, chill and open.

I attended HISA for their 2014 fall and 2015 spring semesters. I had the most amazing, life changing experience. The faculty members were kind, helpful, and highly intelligent; they care for their students, and will go above and beyond expectations to

ensure student comfort and security. Paros offers beautiful landscapes and hiking trails for those who love the outdoors, and an active night scene for those who enjoy night life. The people who live on the island are friendly and giving, and the environment/culture is relaxed and laid-back. I will return to Paros the first chance I get!