Kali Keeley's Experience at HUG

What made you decide to participate in the HUG program?

I got a small taste of Greece when I went to scholars abroad, and two weeks just wasn’t enough.

What was it like attending HUG and living in Greece?

HUG was the greatest adventure of my life to date. It was more like a dream. Waking up every day in the beautiful city of Porto Rafti was a blessing. Going downstairs to share breakfast with people that have become my family was the best way to wake up.

What did you learn? How did you grow?

I learned how to navigate foreign cities. I also learned how to make it through a full-day tour after waking up at 2 a.m. to make a flight.

Our plans were always subject to change, and we had to be prepared to go off the schedule. One time we were going skiing, and the slopes were closed due to weather. We could’ve let this ruin our fun, but instead we had a snowball fight. It ended up being one of my favorite memories. With many other instances like this, I learned to roll with the punches and live in the moment.

How were you challenged?

Going to HUG means going on many trips outside of Porto Rafti. While this is incredible, it can also be tiring. I think there was one trip where within five days we had stayed in four different hotels. As a person who doesn’t love change this was difficult for me.

What was your favorite aspect of HUG?

My favorite part of HUG was watching the Bible come alive before my eyes. I also will always remember the first glimpse we got of the pyramids in Egypt. We all gasped at the enormity, and that they were right there close to all of the other buildings! I can still envision the exact moment.

What do you wish people knew about HUG?

I wish people knew about the staff at the Artemis. Natasa, Vicky, Yianna and Mietek all enhanced my experience at HUG. They were all so loving and welcoming. Getting to know them and form relationships with them is something I will always treasure.

What would you say to others thinking about attending the HUG program?

If you can, GO. You won’t regret it

How do you see the world differently after studying abroad?

I have an even stronger desire to explore the world now that I got to see more of it. The rest of the world seemed like some faraway place I would never get to, but now, even though it remains vast and large, it seems reachable. I can’t wait to experience even more travel in my life.

Kali Keeley attended the spring 2019 Harding in Greece (HUG) program.