Philotimo Med Abroad

I was looking for a volunteer program. The accommodation was secure, comfortable, and had all the essentials, allowing us to focus fully on our work with the kids. Shadowing a local dentist was a fantastic learning opportunity. I got to observe root canal procedures, learn about different tools, and see firsthand the dentist’s patience when treating children who were initially nervous. The shelter was just a short walk away, which meant we could spend more time with the children and less time commuting. Stavros is hilarious—he once tried to teach us Greek slang, only for us to find out later that half of it was completely made up! We had a great time bonding over our shared confusion.The kids’ smiles were worth every second, and I truly felt like I was making a difference. I’ll miss the group dinners, where we shared not just food, but stories, laughter, and new friendships.

From the moment I arrived, I felt secure and supported. The accommodation was safe, in a charming neighborhood, and the short walk to the shelter each morning gave me time to soak in the Greek scenery. Shadowing a local dentist was an invaluable experience. I observed treatments that focused on children's dental hygiene, and it was inspiring to see how the dentist explained proper care to the kids, making them feel comfortable. The children at the shelter were always eager to learn and play, and I felt honored to be a part of their journey. I’d definitely bring a journal next time to write down all the little moments with the children. The group dinners were the best way to end each day, filled with laughter and good food. I feel like I gained a new family during my time in Greece.

I joined Philotimo Med hoping to gain experience in psychology, but I left with so much more, including a deep appreciation for dentistry. Shadowing a dentist in Larissa was one of the unexpected highlights. I learned about the differences in dental practices between Greece and my home country and even observed how cultural factors influence patient comfort and care. The accommodation was safe, spacious, and filled with natural light—perfect for relaxing after a day at the shelter. It was comforting to know that the shelter was close by, which made for easy mornings. Stavros had us all laughing when he dressed up as Zeus for a holiday event and declared that we were his 'Olympian volunteers'—the kids absolutely loved it! Working with the children taught me so much about resilience and joy, even in challenging situations. If I did it again, I’d spend more time learning Greek—it would’ve helped me connect even more with the kids and understand their stories better. The community dinners, often with traditional Greek dishes, brought us all closer and were some of the best moments of my time in Greece. It was hard to leave such a warm, welcoming environment.

Philotimo Med made my gap year unforgettable. The accommodations were clean, safe, and centrally located, which allowed us to explore Larissa’s vibrant culture during our free time. Safety was a top priority, and I always felt comfortable, even when walking back late after a group dinner. Shadowing a dentist was one of the most enriching aspects of the program. I got to observe how dental professionals here approach pediatric care, which gave me new insights into patient communication and care techniques. Stavros’s jokes, like the one about the ‘Greek time’ when we were running late, always kept us smiling and made even the most mundane tasks fun. One day, he convinced us that he could predict the weather just by looking at the olives in his salad—it was hilarious! The kids were so sweet, and I loved helping them with their English lessons. I’d bring more comfortable shoes next time since I walked everywhere, from the shelter to the markets and nearby cafes. But I wouldn’t trade the amazing group meals, where we often cooked together, for anything.

I couldn’t have asked for a better volunteer program. Philotimo Med gave me the perfect balance of structured volunteering and the freedom to explore Greece. The accommodation felt like home, super secure, with friendly neighbors, and the shelter was just down the road, making our daily routines stress-free. Stavros’s humor made every meeting a joy—especially the time he brought in a goat he found wandering near the shelter and joked that it was our new mascot! The meals together with fellow volunteers were delicious, and we shared stories from all over the world while savoring Greek cuisine. If I could change anything, I’d have stayed longer because two months felt too short. I’ll never forget the impact we had on those kids’ lives, and seeing their smiles every day is something I’ll carry with me always. Greece truly became a second home, thanks to this experience