Before coming to Greece, I wasn’t sure what to expect out of the experience. But I kept an open mind and can now say that this exceeded all of my expectations and was truly an amazing experience. I was in good company with my peers, and in a new, beautiful location.
The highlight of my trip was working directly with Mamadoo, a tailor and fashion designer in Athens. Mamadoo, originally being from Senegal, showed me aspects of a culture that I had not yet experienced. His clothing and designs were beautiful. His warmth, creativity, and passion for his work stood out.
Getting to help him fill in the gaps of his business was so rewarding. As business students, we might be taking the things we are learning for granted. We may not even give a second thought to simple skills like Excel or branding. But to people like Mamadoo, they make a world’s difference in running their businesses.
We helped him with social media strategy, store organization, and financial tools, but I think the most valuable part for me was seeing the tangible result that comes from our help. He was so genuinely grateful, and I can’t wait to see how his business progresses. Even though we are students, he treated us like professionals, valuing every suggestion we made.
I’ve studied abroad before, but Greece felt different. There’s a slower rhythm to life here, more connection, more warmth. The Greek locals were all very welcoming and inclusive; something I believe is hard to find. I didn’t feel like just a visitor; I felt like I was learning by doing and contributing. That’s what made this experience so special.
My initial worry was that we would not be able to make enough progress to actually have an impact in Mamadoo’s business. Although it was a short time, I can confidently say that we did. I loved the real-world application of everything I’ve been learning in the classroom. It reminded me why I chose to study marketing in the first place: to help people better tell their story.
Through this, I have also realized how easy it is to lose sight of that humanity in the fast-paced corporate world. I’ve often imagined myself in a busy, consuming job someday, sometimes even feeling like that is the only option. But this trip made me pause and consider what really matters: impact, relationships, and meaningful work. This is a sentiment that I believe will change the course of my life.
I left Athens inspired and grateful for the lessons, the relationships, and the reminder that good business is always personal.
