AU Study Abroad takes students to Greece for spring 2026
By Caelyn Dockal | Staff writer
This spring, Augusta University students will have the chance to trade their classroom seats for the historic seats of Greece. The Study Abroad program, hosted through AU’s Study Abroad Office, offers students the opportunity to earn credit while experiencing another culture firsthand.
From April 2 to April 12, 2026, students will travel across the country, stopping in Athens, Delphi, Nafplion, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Sparta and Munemasa. Faculty leaders Will Bryant and Dylan Wilson will guide the trip, which includes courses in public speaking, travel photography and honors seminars.
For many students, studying abroad is more than just a class. It’s a life-changing experience. Rose Murray, a student who traveled last year, shared that studying abroad had always been a dream.
“I decided to go on the trip because it has always been a dream of mine to study abroad and to travel the world,” Murray said. “This was one of the best ways to do it.”
While she admitted to being nervous at first, her worries quickly disappeared once she arrived.
“Before leaving, my expectations were not super high as I was kind of nervous, but once we got there, they were so high because I got so excited,” Murray said.
Her favorite memory from the trip was exploring Trastevere, a neighborhood in Rome known for its cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere. She also noted that cultural differences created challenges at times, especially when it came to language barriers.
Still, the support of AU professors and the friendships formed along the way made the trip unforgettable.
“I had the most awesome professors traveling with us,” Murray said of Matthew Buzzell and Brian Rust. “Including the other students who traveled, it made great memories and so many friends for life!”
For her, studying abroad wasn’t just about sightseeing —it was about perspective.
“This program impacted me in many ways. It allowed me to immerse myself in another culture, expand my education, and realize I want to expand my career and hopefully travel with my future job,” she said.
She encouraged other students to take the opportunity if they can, pointing to scholarships and financial aid available through AU.
”There are scholarships and so many ways to get money to help fund your trip,” Murray said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Study Abroad Office also helps students prepare before they leave, with orientations, safety training and guidance on passports, insurance, and travel tips.
With this year’s trip to Greece quickly approaching, AU students once again have the chance to see the world and bring their education to life outside the classroom.
Contact Caelyn Dockal at cadockal@augusta.edu.
