My first impressions of Greece and the city of Athens have been incredibly exciting so far! Athens has so many historical sites to see and has a lot of diversity overall within the people, physically and culturally, compared to the United States. Everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by rich culture, stunning architecture, and a strong sense of pride in the country’s heritage. There is also a growing community of entrepreneurs and innovators who are pushing Greece forward in its economy.
One of the highlights of my time in Greece so far has been visiting the Acropolis and the ancient Agora in Athens. Standing at the top of the Acropolis, looking out over the entire city, was a surreal and breathtaking moment. Seeing the Parthenon up close was a very unique experience that not very many individuals get to do. It’s one thing to read about ancient Greece in a textbook, but being there in person brought everything to life in a powerful way.
Working with entrepreneurs in Greece is one of the most exciting parts of this experience, and I hope to gain valuable insight into how businesses operate in a different cultural and economic environment. Many of the entrepreneurs here have built their companies despite financial uncertainty, showing resilience, creativity, and passion. I want to learn how they navigate challenges, adapt to changing markets, and stay committed to their goals. Some of the clients have a very different background, so it will be very eye-opening to hear their experiences before getting to the point they are at right now in their business.
I’m also looking forward to understanding how Greek business culture differs from what I’m used to in the U.S. Here, relationships and trust play a much bigger role in professional interactions. Learning to collaborate across cultures and communicate effectively in a new environment will help me grow both personally and professionally.
Most of all, I hope to be inspired by the people I meet and carry those lessons with me as I continue to explore my own path in business.
