Greece through the eyes of an Erasmus student

Studying away from Durham offers unique opportunities worth far more than a change of scenery. Among them is the chance to truly appreciate a destination in a way that few visitors ever can. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, move past guidebook highlights, and discover a new way of life.

Studying in Greece, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, was particularly eye-opening. With so much of the country’s economy dependent on tourism, many visitors only experience places shaped for them. Authentic corners away from the crowds and a quieter life beyond the camera lie hidden in the background. Living there as an Erasmus student, however, gave me the opportunity to look past the postcard image and uncover a side of Greece that most tourists never find.  

The postcard image of Greece usually features the dilapidated charm of a quaint fishing village. Whitewashed cafes overlook turquoise waters, west-facing balconies promise uninterrupted sunsets, fishermen unload their catch in empty harbours, and turtles nest on untouched beaches. This idyllic vision, immortalised by films such as Mamma Mia!, attracts thousands of visitors each year. They celebrate rhythms of local life whose tranquillity, by the height of summer, has expired. Eventually, Greece’s delicate, natural beauty must be clad in armour. The golden sand is concealed by multi-coloured towels and the clarity of the sea is congested by anchored ships and their ferried passengers.

Unlike most tourists, Erasmus students have the privilege of experiencing a destination throughout the seasons. Some of my favourite memories came from those quieter months: I watched mountain landscapes become dusted with snow and cities emptied by pouring rain; I accepted a spontaneous invitation into a mountain-dweller’s home and carved a watermelon with a wooden fork on a beach that felt entirely our own.

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Sophia Charchalou

Hi, I’m Sophia, a fourth-year Classical Civilisation student at St Cuthbert’s Society. I spent my year abroad at the University of Ioannina, where I studied entirely in Greek- an experience that challenged me, built my confidence and gave me the chance to experience Greece from a different perspective. I am also an aspiring journalist, so when I’m not studying the ancient world, you’ll usually find me writing about it, as well as my travel and cultural experiences.