Living Abroad in Serres, Greece: A Journey of Growth, Friendship, and Adventure
Spending time abroad in Serres, Greece, has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has been a journey of self-discovery, pushing my boundaries, and learning to embrace both my limits and my potential. From stepping out of my comfort zone to cherishing deep friendships, every moment here has shaped me into a stronger, more open- minded version of myself.
Finding Balance: Bringing a Piece of Home to Greece
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that adapting to a new place doesn’t mean giving up the things that make me feel like myself. To truly settle in, I needed to incorporate the things I love into my daily life here—just as I would at home.
Back home, football has always been a huge part of my life, and I knew I couldn’t let that go while living in Serres. Joining a local football team was a big step for me, especially with the language barrier. At first, I was unsure how I would communicate, how I would fit in, or whether I would feel comfortable. But I quickly realized that football is a universal language.
My teammates have been incredibly friendly and welcoming, and despite the challenges of not always understanding each other’s words, we connect through the game itself.
Another key part of my routine has been going to the gym. In the midst of all the new experiences, it’s been important to have a space where I can be with myself, focus, and clear my mind. The gym has become my personal escape, a familiar place that gives me a sense of stability in an otherwise ever-changing environment.
Discovering My Limits – and Accepting Them
Living in a foreign country has pushed me in ways I never expected. When I first arrived, I was determined to say “yes” to everything, to fully immerse myself, and to take every opportunity that came my way. But over time, I realized that true growth isn’t just about constantly pushing boundaries—it’s also about respecting them. I’ve learned to recognize when I need to slow down, when I need time for myself, and when it’s okay to say no.
Accepting my limits hasn’t made me weaker; instead, it has made me more self-aware and confident in my choices.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
That being said, I have also made sure to challenge myself as much as possible. Living in a new country, surrounded by a different language and culture, has naturally put me in situations that felt uncomfortable at first. Whether it was making new friends, communicating in Greek, or traveling to unfamiliar places, I’ve constantly been stepping into the unknown. And every time I did, I grew a little more.
Building Friendships That Feel Like Home
One of the best parts of my time in Serres has been the friendships I’ve built. The people I’ve met here have become my second family, and I’m incredibly thankful for them. Whether it’s sharing meals, exploring new places together, or simply having deep conversations, these friendships have made my experience so much richer. They have shown me kindness, support, and laughter, and I know that these bonds will last long after I leave Greece.
Adventures That Shaped Me
Traveling has been a huge part of my experience abroad. I’ve visited incredible places like Athens, Istanbul, and Thessaloniki, each trip bringing new perspectives and unforgettable memories. Every journey has been an adventure—whether it was standing in front of the Acropolis in Athens, exploring the vibrant streets of Istanbul, or enjoying the familiar charm of Thessaloniki on frequent visits.
But the biggest adventure is yet to come. Soon, I will be traveling to Skopelos with a close friend—something I’ve dreamed of for a long time. This trip will be a symbol of everything I’ve worked toward: freedom, adventure, and embracing new experiences. Since Mamma Mia which is one of my favourite movies was filmed there, I always wanted to go there.
Welcoming Familiar Faces
While I’ve made incredible new friends here, I’m also lucky to have visits from old ones. My friends and family will be coming to see me, bringing a piece of home to my life in Greece.
Sharing this experience with them, showing them the places that have become special to me, and seeing them fall in love with this country as I have is something I’m really looking forward to.
Growing Beyond Myself
Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown. I’ve faced challenges, embraced new cultures, and built meaningful friendships. I’ve learned to balance stepping out of my comfort zone with respecting my own limits, and in doing so, I’ve gained a deeper sense of confidence and self- awareness. This experience has changed me in ways I never expected, and I know that the adventures are far from over. With so many more places to see, people to meet, and lessons to learn, I can only look forward to what’s next with gratitude and excitement. My time in Greece has been more than just living abroad—it has been a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and personal growth, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Kira Lamers
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