My Big Fat Greek Spring Break
Penn Global Seminar: American Race: A Philadelphia Story
Charmaine, one of the Spring 2026 Penn Global Seminar Correspondents, shares her experience abroad during the Spring Break. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.
Where did you go for spring break?
In a school where many people answer international locations, my answer of “Greece!” fits right in. My experience in Athens for PGS American Race: A Philadelphia Story had many recreational parts like a traditional spring break but it also enriched me in ways that I hadn’t anticipated. I learned directly from nonprofit leaders who are adamant about helping in need communities, got to volunteer and make meaningful friendships all in one week.
For any future PGS student, my advice would be to go into the trip with an open mind. Before the trip, I had preconceived notions about the trip. In high school I was in classes with travel portions, but we were not given time to explore locations on our own. By realizing I could not predict what this trip would be like, I let myself be pleasantly surprised. Monday through Thursday, after meeting with one of the nonprofits in the morning, our class split into our different nonprofit groups from 1:30 to 4:00 PM. I worked at Saffron Kitchen Project, a nonprofit that provides over 300 free meals daily to refugees, migrants and people in need in Athens. After 4:00PM, we were free to do whatever we wanted. Throughout the week after 4PM, I went thrifting, took photos overlooking the Acropolis and went to dinner places recommended by locals. I was able to make the trip into my own unique experience while still maintaining community.
Also, my class is very focused on race and it was very interesting to see different Greek perspectives on race. Some Greek people we met believed that Greece had no race and no racial discrimination. This perspective contrasted with the leaders of the nonprofits we were working with that focused on helping refugees who believed racial differentiation and discrimination did exist. We had discussed these dissimilarities in class, but seeing it in action almost daily was astounding. It was also interesting to see how many people equated immigrants’ role in the economy with manual or low-level labor. It made me reflect on US sentiments about immigration and race.
One thing I would do differently is to use the week as a “yes week” and try everything. For example, one day a group from my class said they were going to get Greek loukoumades (donuts). It was late and I was tired so I went to bed and regretted not going. I think it’s really important to remember that you have limited time wherever you travel and you may not return back to this place. So do everything that you can’t do at home and cherish these experiences.
Overall, Greece was the perfect way to look at how countries’ interaction affects people, and the role non-governmental organizations play in filling the gaps the government doesn’t. I could not have imagined a better way to spend my spring break. The views, food and activities were beautiful, and it gave me the chance to travel, something I love to do. It was the perfect answer for the spring break question and I cannot recommend it enough.