How it feels celebrating the Fourth of July abroad

Every year, Americans are used to celebrating the 4th of July with their friends and families in very similar ways. Whether you’re the type to spend all day tubing on the lake, or partying the night away with extravagant fireworks, we all have had our fair share of too many grilled hot dogs and an extra serving of your aunt’s famous potato salad.

In Norwalk, Iowa, I have done many different things to celebrate our country on Independence day. Going to the town’s parade, playing pool volleyball against my competitive family, and even trying to make designs with my quickly disappearing sparkler. I have gone camping, gone to the beach, and even gone to parties. Bottom line is, American’s know how to celebrate their independence.

This summer I am studying abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece. I arrived here on June 9th, and I will be back in the States on July 25th. Like many other study abroad students across the world, this means I am missing my first 4th of July in America. Trust me, I have loved my experience so far in Greece, but they don’t celebrate OUR independence day.

When I asked a local if there was any parties going on or if there was any fun bars that celebrated the 4th of July, he asked me what it was. (WHAT? I felt like an alien by the way he just turned his confused head and asked me what we celebrated on the July 4th!?) After explaining about how BBQs and Pop-It-Snappers help us Americans celebrate gaining independence and appreciating all our veterans, it didn’t seem like he really cared.

But could I blame him? What am I going to do in a town who doesn’t know what the 4th of July is? What am I going to do without catching candy thrown out by the local girl scouts you ask? Don’t you worry, America…

Spending the day at Perea Beach

After class on July 4th I will be heading to Perea Beach. This beach is about 30 minutes from my apartment and is easy to get to by the public bus. The views of ocean, mountain range, and the intensity of the sun will make it feel like you’re relaxing at your local beach just like any other 4th of July (except in paradise of course!!)

Taking time to FaceTime my friends and family

A lot of the time it’s hard to find WiFi in Greece that can support your Facetime, Skype, or even Facebook messenger video chat. I miss my friends and family so much and I know that on any regular 4th of July I would be with them. Taking the time to contact them and video chat will make me feel like I’m right there with them at their barbecue.

Taking patriotic pictures

Nothing is more like home than taking selfies with your friends. So what better than doing it with American flag, with your new study abroad friends from all over America? Something really awesome about The American College of Thessaloniki is there are students from all over the world studying here. As a sign of respect and hospitality, our school has hung up a small American flag (as well as many other awesome countries) in our local cafe!

Going out with my study abroad family

Although I can’t have my real family here with me, the closest family I have here is my fellow Americans that are studying with me. We will absolutely be going out for a burger and fries at our favorite “semi-American” restaurant. Next in the night, taking a cruise on a pirate ship that allows us to drink some cocktails while we get a great view of the city. Next we will head to the bars, the nightlife is insane in Thessaloniki (especially when you are legal drinking age here.)

You might think that celebrating the 4th of July is a traditional “drinking a beer with your dad on the patio,” kind of day, but it can be celebrated anywhere – including Thessaloniki, Greece. Traditions are important, but so is following your adventure to your study abroad. Please, celebrate the 4th accordingly!