During the holiday break, UnionAthletics.com is running a series of interviews with students who recently sent terms abroad. Union junior Alexandra King a member of the Dutchwomen softball team, will return to campus in January after spending her fall term studying in Greece. Alex provided her thoughts on her experience as she prepared to head home and return to the campus, the classroom and the softball diamond.
Where did you spend your term abroad?
I spent my term abroad in Athens, Greece.
What are you studying there?
I am a Classics Major. I was fortunate to take Archeology of Athens, Ancient Athletics, Modern Greek, and Hellenistic History classes. My favorite classes were Ancient Athletics and Archeology of Athens because it allowed me to travel all around Athens and really explore the history of Greece. I was even able to see an older Olympic stadium, that was right by my classes , as well as see the Olympic Stadium that was the site of the 2004 Olympic games.
Is it your first time overseas?
No, it is my second time. I traveled throughout Spain with my family when I was younger.
What do you recommend for Union students who do terms abroad?
I recommend that Union students do travel, and that they really take in the culture around them. Go outside your comfort zone to talk to locals.
Have you met other students from other schools in your classes who are from New York/Northeast?Yes, I have. The program I am studying is CYA-College Year in Athens. The program contains students from all over the United States. Most of my friends I have made here are from the Northeast who either attend college near where I live (Chester Springs, PA) or they attend a college near Union.
What have you enjoyed the most about your term abroad?
I have enjoyed the entire experience. I cannot just pick one aspect, because I have learned so much from all of my experiences. I have made some really good friends, and I have been able to travel meet some local Grecians. I have traveled to London, Rome, and other parts of Greece, such as Santorini, Crete and Peloponnese. In Santorini I hiked up a volcano, and in Peloponnese I walked down 896 steps from a Venetian Fortress. These are just a few highlights that I enjoyed.
Have you been able to keep up your teammates through Unionathletics.com?
Yes, I have been checking Unionathletics.com regularly to see how the teams and my teammates are doing in other sports.
When do you plan to return to Union, and what do you look forward to about coming back on campus?
I arrived back in the states December 18th, and I will be back on campus in the beginning of January. I look forward to seeing my friends, but mainly I can't wait to get back on the field!
Alex, a catcher, batted .398 in 29 games for the Dutchwomen last season. She started all 29 games for Union, which won the ECAC Upstate Championship for the second straight year while finishing 31-6. She had three homers and 16 RBIs and posted a slugging percentage of .590. In her freshman season of 2008, Alex batted .418 in 30 games and recorded 23 RBIs.
