My Experience Working and Living in Greece – A Summer to Remember
Ever dreamed of packing your bags, moving to a new country, and just seeing where life takes you? That was me last summer. Now, as I sit here in Spain, doing my internship for Worldwiders, I get to look back on my time in Greece and reflect on one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. So, if you’ve ever thought about working abroad, consider this your sign to take the leap—just like I did—and do it for the plot. You never know where it might lead you. 🌍✨
Why Move Abroad in the First Place?
Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to travel, experience different cultures, and make international friends. My mom used to tell me stories about her backpacking and interrailing adventures, and I knew I wanted something like that too. But instead of putting my studies or career on hold, I wanted to combine both. My first real taste of living abroad came through Erasmus, and after that, I knew I needed more. That’s when I discovered Worldwiders, applied for a remote customer service position in Greece, and just like that, I was on a plane to my new home. ✈
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Why Greece?
I have always loved Greece. I’d visited before and absolutely loved it. Growing up, I was obsessed with Mamma Mia (who wasn’t?), so the idea of living on a Greek island was just too tempting to resist. And since my job as a teleoperator for the Finnish market was remote, I was able to make that dream happen. One day I was applying for the job, the next, I was on a flight with my company-arranged tickets, checking into a hotel they had provided for the first two weeks. It all happened so fast that I didn’t even have time to overthink it—which, in hindsight, made the experience even more exciting and spontaneous.
First Days in Greece – Excitement, Nerves & New Friends
When I landed in Athens, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I was picked up from the airport and, funny enough, that’s when I met one of my now best friends—another recruit from Sweden. We were in the same boat, starting a new job in a new country, and that made everything feel a little easier.
The first week was all about exploring Athens and settling in. And wow—Athens was a lot. The city was buzzing with people, cars, history, and heat. Coming from Finland, I was not ready for the weather. (Pro tip: If you’re moving to Greece, make sure your apartment has air conditioning—I learned that one the hard way.) But you adjust surprisingly quickly, and before I knew it, I had found an apartment on a beautiful little island near Athens. That’s where I spent my summer, fully living my Mamma Mia dream.
Working from a Greek Island – Not Your Average Office Setup
My job was straightforward—helping Finnish customers solve their issues over the phone. Working remotely from an island was an experience unlike any other. My mornings started with coffee on the patio, overlooking the sea, before logging in for the day. And the best part? No commute.
Even though I worked from home, there was still a sense of teamwork through weekly meetings, and reaching personal targets was always satisfying. Like any job, customer service had its challenges, but overall, it was a great experience that helped me grow professionally and personally. The company provided training and support, which made things much smoother, and I never felt like I was left figuring things out on my own. But honestly, the real highlight was closing the computer at the end of the day, stepping outside, and being just minutes away from the beach.
The Greek Lifestyle – Sun, Sea & Stress-Free Living ☀️🌊
Living on an island felt like being on a permanent holiday, even though I was working a normal five-day week. But the vibe in Greece, and on the island in particular, is so much more relaxed compared to Finland that it was almost impossible to feel stressed.
The food? Amazing. Gyros, souvlaki, fresh seafood—I could eat it all day.
The people? Some of the friendliest I’ve met.
The social life? A bit trickier on the island, but I still managed to meet some really nice people to spend time with. Later in the fall, I moved to Athens, where making friends was much easier, and the city had a completely different energy.
The weekends? Always an adventure. Exploring small villages, hopping between islands, visiting historical sites—there was never a dull moment.
Final Thoughts – Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Looking back, my time in Greece is filled with amazing memories —beautiful places, amazing experiences, and great friends I still keep in touch with. When I left, it truly felt like I was leaving a second home. But the best part is, that I can always go back.
So, if you’re thinking about moving abroad for work—whether it’s Greece or somewhere else—I would definitely recommend you to do it. Sometimes the best experiences come from taking a leap without overthinking it. Who knows? You might end up living your own Mamma Mia dream. Or, at the very least, you’ll have some pretty cool stories to tell later. 😉