By CAROLINE
AURIGEMMA
Contributing Writer
Sitting in the small Cafe Veneti in the student lounge of my communications building at the American college of Greece, it feels as though the months of preparation, stress and anxiety are distant.
The journey abroad lasted a total 16 hours of traveling, between delays and transportation. Experiencing my first overnight flight, was a tense trip. Squished between a student traveler to Italy and a British woman returning from the holidays who both were asleep, I sat uncomfortably listening to a subpar Lena Dunham podcast. The airport had been busy with an hour long security line. My flight was delayed for two hours after boarding but I took the time to organize my passport information and connection tickets.
Getting a passport in the states was my easiest task. All that was needed was my personal information; birth certificate, social security card, license, student ID and a reasonable fee. I received it in about two weeks after my appointment and crossed it off of my “per-departure” list.
A visa is not typically needed when traveling for 90 days or less, but since my program is 119 days it was necessary. After printing out an application and setting up an online account to apply for a FBI audit, it was only a matter of finding my personal documents and organizing what I needed. A list of information provided by my International Studies Abroad program was available for helpful information and further paperwork needed for the appointment, including bank statements from myself and parents and proof of insurance. Needless to say the paperwork was overwhelming.I made my appointment at the Greek Embassy in New York City, about a month in advance.
Customs was something I feared before departure. Just the thought that authorities could deny your entry to the country and leave you in a busy airport to find a flight home was glued to my imagination. There was no reason I would not be allowed in, yet I remained fearful.
Upon arrival in Athens, I was funneled into a line towards the exit, passport in hand ready to face my fear. I got to the front desk handed the man my visa, and he simply glanced at it and gave me a stamp. That was it! I was allowed to directly walk to the exit where I was greeted by one of my program directors.
All of the planning and paperwork seems short and meaningless now that I am here. Although necessary, if planning to study abroad is something the future holds for any of my peers, don’t sweat the small stuff.
