Name

Michael Tsortos

Major/Minor 

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Minors: Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics, Global Disease Biology, Global Studies

Graduation Year

June 2024

Virtual or In-Person

In-Person

Program Title, Location, Duration

UC Davis Summer Abroad, "Writers in Greece"

What motivated or led you to participate in your study abroad program?

As an Aggie who is Greek in heritage and who has already been to Greece multiple times, I always piqued people's interest when I informed them I would be participating in the Writers in Greece program. The primary reason I wanted to participate in this program was to gain a new global perspective on Greece. Traditionally, I had gone to Greece with my family for vacation and to visit relatives. My visits were more recreational-based than they were educational. Now, with the Writers in Greece program, I was going to Greece to reflect on my identity, the identity of a place in Greece and the identity of Greece as a country—all led by the incredible instructor Aliki Dragona. I remember how ecstatic I felt when I came across this program while exploring the Global Learning Hub's website: before my jaw could fully drop in excitement, I was already on the phone with my parents, explaining how I would be studying abroad in Greece. And so I did.

What was your experience like in this program? What did you learn from your experience: interacting with other people and cultures; academics; addressing global challenges; and/or developing global skills and leadership?

In this program, I was able to get a glimpse into the contemporary healthcare system of Greece. I interacted with pharmacists and diagnostic test centers to try and resolve my stomach issues on the trip. I learned about the different medications offered in Greece—particularly the motion sickness-relieving ones—and about the persistence of Greek pharmacists to sell you products. I even used a diagnostic lab for a health test and found the staff to be super supportive, patient and kind. They were kind enough to translate the lab results (that were entirely in Greek) and ensured that I had a proper understanding of those results. I initially felt hopeless when I began to feel ill while on my trip, but now I feel that I am equipped with the tools to seek out medical assistance while pursuing international experiences.

What was the most challenging part of your program and the most rewarding?

A week into the program, I began to have stomach issues coupled with an increase in motion sickness symptoms. It was incredibly challenging to deal with these concerns, but I was met with the support of fellow classmates, the instructor and the on-site coordinator, who all allowed me to persist through these issues and continue to enjoy the program. Despite these challenges, I was able to excel academically, and I was still able to participate in all the class trips and my own little adventures.

The most rewarding part of my program was creating strong connections with fellow Aggies. I was struggling with feelings of loneliness on campus prior to participating in the Writers in Greece program. Through this program, however, I was able to make life-long friendships and really get to know fellow Aggies from a variety of majors and backgrounds. I made contact with and communicated with these friends almost on a daily basis, and those feelings of loneliness subsided. I am so thankful for the connections I made on this trip and the well-planned and supportive opportunity the Global Learning Hub provides for Aggies.

What’s one of your most memorable experiences from your program?

My most memorable experience was visiting Lake Vouliagmeni just outside of Athens. A short Taxi ride away, this hidden gem is home to a unique ecosystem with the endemic Paranemonia Vouliagmeniensis sea anemone as well as naturally occurring spa fish that nibble away at your dead skin. The area itself is beautiful and the water is extremely refreshing, perfect for escaping a hot summer day. I anticipated that all the visitors would be tourists, but I was pleasantly surprised to see locals enjoying the lake as well. I had such a great time that I had to squeeze in one more visit to the lake at the very end of the program.

What was a typical day like on your program?

I began each day by waking up, preparing in my hotel room and scrambling out of my room to make it to breakfast before it closed. After breakfast, I would either attend class, visit an ancient site or museum or have a day to explore. There was plenty of time to grab meals after class and I would typically do so with a group of friends I made entirely on the trip. Outside of class, I would immerse myself in shopping, trying new restaurants and foods, visiting sites outside of the curriculum and interacting with the locals.

What advice do you have for someone considering your program or a global experience, in general? What would you like to share with students who might have similar identities or experiences as you?

If you are even contemplating pursuing a global experience for even one second, do it. You are only in university for a few years and the programs that the Global Learning Hub at UC Davis have to offer are phenomenal. Do not miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a global experience with the incredible UC Davis faculty and partners!

What was your biggest concern in regard to participating in the program? Were you able to overcome that concern, and if so, how? What advice would you give someone who has similar concerns?

My biggest concern was traveling alone without my typical familial support group. I was extremely anxious at the beginning of the trip because I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar setting, and we were going to be together for four weeks! Within the first few days, I was fortunate to quickly find a loving and supportive friend group that was there to help me with any of my concerns or issues that arose during the program. I also found out that the professor and on-site assistant were both extremely helpful, accommodating and patient. My initial anxieties quickly dissipated, and as a result, I was able to maximize my experience abroad.

What is something you wish you knew before joining the program? If knowing this previously, how do you think this would have impacted your experience?

I wish I finished all the required readings before joining the program. Despite Professor Dragona's endless number of warnings, I procrastinated on the readings and did not finish them all in time. Do not use the long airplane ride as a fail-safe for getting reading done, either. It is difficult to focus on reading when you have a very exciting trip ahead of you! Seriously, get the reading done before your departure as it will allow you more time to focus on your travels and complete your assignments.

How do you think your program experiences will benefit you in the future—thinking academically, future career goals, or personally?

The Writers in Greece program has made me interested in returning to Greece to further connect with my culture and learn more about the country and what it has to offer. Additionally, the program has encouraged me to visit other countries around the globe and to continue to reflect on the identity of the various places I visit. It has made me more mindful of how to experience international opportunities as a traveler rather than as a tourist.

Identities or Experiences

LGBTQIA+, Student with Disabilities/Different Abilities

Please elaborate on any other identities or experiences that impacted your program decisions or time on the program.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I felt safe at all times while participating in this program.

As an Aggie diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, I was still able to persist and have a wonderful time in the Writers in Greece program. I was supported by the wonderful instructor and on-site coordinator, as well as my fellow classmates. Everyone was respectful and understanding of my disability and I appreciated it endlessly.

About the Global Learning Hub at UC Davis

As a part of Global Affairs, the Global Learning Hub aims to inspire and advance global curiosity, understanding, and engagement.

Through the Global Learning Hub, every UC Davis student can find global learning opportunities available on campus, in the region, virtually, and internationally. The Hub offers global learning programs, workshops, and resources that enhance all UC Davis students’ academic and career pursuits through four broad areas of opportunities: Community Engagement; Global Skills and Leadership; Internships and Research; and Study Abroad. UC Davis is committed to preparing the next generation of global problem solvers and change makers. As such, we aim to prepare our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to solve global challenges collaboratively, equitably, and sustainably.