Program Reviews

I studied abroad in Greece to learn more about medicine. I love how I had the opportunity to be immersed in a hands-on environment to truly see what medicine is like. We went on field trips to Athens to see the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. We also did field studies in Thessaloniki to see a variety of medical specialties.
It was a very exciting and educational experience. Every doctor and professor we shadow helps me a lot. They advise me to keep trying and never give up.
So my advice to you reading this is don't wait anymore and book your shadowing experience now.

Studying abroad in Greece, with Philotimo Med, was one of the best things I ever did for myself. I am a pre-med student and being in the cultural heart of Greece was the best way I could explore this. The streets are filled with Greek history, and pretty much every local I talked with was very kind and accommodating. The shadowing program is very intense. You need to bring comfortable shoes and be ready to jump from one clinic to another. The doctors are very friendly and knowledgeable they answered all my questions. We gather with the other students in the conference room for lectures and diagnostics. During the excursions day Philotimo took us to Meteora and the second activity we went to a bread factory and had a cooking class.

I studied abroad in Larissa, Greece in the winter of 2024. It was such an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I was able to leave the country for the first time and be immersed in the culture. The Philotimo staff supported me every step of the way, but I still felt like I had the freedom to explore on my own as well. I made amazing friends from my program and we would adventure throughout Greece. I got to shadow a fantastic Pediatrician and assist him during a c-section. The doctor made me feel so comfortable. I got letters of recommendation and a certificate. I am applying to med school next semester.

I honestly think going to Ireland was the best decision I ever made. At first, I was nervous to even apply, but then my close friend gave me some good advice: "If not now, when?" So, I took my time and applied just to try, and I am so happy I did. I remember sitting at JFK Airport before leaving for a flight to SGK, Thessaloniki Greece and I had no idea how amazing the next 3 weeks of my life would be.
Our program director was so supportive, making sure we knew the ins and outs of the city before letting us loose, and he was always very diligent to make time for one of us if anything arose. The shadowing at the university hospital was amazing. our tour guides on field trips were charismatic, reciting poetry at times and truly immersing us in hidden spots all over Greece.

The Pharmacy shadowing experience at pharmacy of Larissa was such a great experience for me, I always feel free to ask some questions to Chysanthi the pharmacist. My best example of that is a story my preceptor told me of one of her previous patients who had their sodium replenished far too quickly which led to irreversible brain damage, now when I see a hyponatremic patient I immediately check how fast their sodium is being replaced among all fluids administer.
The Philotimo experience helps me understand better my future career. I had the opportunity to travel to beautiful destinations like Meteora and Mount Olympus.

this experience was phenomenal. Stavros did an amazing job of helping us plan everything from start to finish, he was a great director.
With the time change & language barrier, there were a few moments when the communication barrier was difficult, but overall it was swift & beneficial. Greece is an amazing country! The community received us with open arms and we will forever be grateful! I am so thankful we were able to explore Thessaly in our free time, The Philotimo experience overall was very educative.

In the Summer of 2023, I participated in a 3-week medical program with Philotimo. This program was incredible! After my first year of college, made the switch to the pre-med track. My academic advisor brought me the Philotimo Med Abroad shadow abroad in Greece and I jumped on the opportunity. In this experience. I got to see even more than 2 specialties, the doctors invited us to see more operations and diagnostics My experience opened my eyes to the various healthcare systems and has allowed me to better understand the different ways of approaching health.

I went to Greece for 2weeks with Philotimo for my medical internship program.
I met new people, I got to observe many surgeries and patient consultations. I have experienced Greek culture, and so much more! the volunteering part at the children's shelter was a very human touch experience. That is when I realized that I wanted to become a doctor. I would recommend this program to any pre-health student because it’s a great way to get a feel for medicine and different specialties, study abroad, and make great connections!

I spent 3 weeks in Greece. I had the opportunity to shadow in the ER / ICU, Surgery, and Immunohematology. I was shadowing on average 7 hours per day. Many surgeries to observed and the doctors explained all the details to us in English.
You do have to wake up early and be punctual for breakfast and to go to the Hospital. We took the shuttle to the University and when I had to shadow at the local pharmacy I walked for no even 2 minutes away.
During the Philotimo Excursions, we had the best time ever! Greece is a paradise. The beaches, the food, and the people are amazing.

I participated in a 3-weeks pharmacy program with Philotimo. I was able to shadow and partake in different lab projects and lectures. I also shadowed at a community pharmacy.
The professor explained all of the procedures to us in English and was very welcoming. I discovered my passion for pharmacy through working at the University, and this experience helped me confirm my desire to pursue a career in Pharmacy.
I had a roommate. We shared the bathroom. WIFI was surprisingly fast for Europe. We gathered to grab breakfast early morning and then we took the shuttle to the University or I walked to the pharmacy.
I love the Philotimo Program and the city of Larissa.