Greece Revealed: Beyond the Beach, Behind the Ruins

  Greece

• Athens: 
Athinai (Athens)

  Turkey

Istanbul

Term: Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Spring (February-May) and Fall (September-December)

Description: Most would be content with cobalt waters, postcard beaches, whitewashed villages, iconic ruins, a token dance with a friendly islander, and an irresistible diet of olives, feta cheese, and baklava. But shouldn't the Alpha of western civilization--and its many fascinating permutations and contemporary anomalies--deserve more attention than the clichéd formula doled out every summer for tourists? Shouldn't the culture whose literal translation of "hospitality" is "love of the stranger" (philoxenia) beckon one beyond ouzo and bouzouki in search of authentic off-season Greece and Greeks? It is easy to surrender early to this country given its staggering scenery, weight of history, and wealth of monuments. Yet for the curiously-committed, the Greece semester program of Global Learning Across Borders" (Global LAB) offers students an opportunity to uncover Hellenic dimensions and depths beyond the familiar.

Highlights: Beginning in Athens and concluding in Istanbul, this experiential education program will allow for cultural immersion opportunities in relatively untrammeled regions of both the Greek mainland and islands, including the Peloponnese, Macedonia, and the Northeast Aegean. As with all Global LAB semesters, our survey of the culture will be broad, engaging, and multi-faceted: home-stays with warm and welcoming Greek families; basic Greek language instruction; cultural discussions on topics including Greek Orthodoxy, Byzantine history, Classical Greece, the arts, contemporary gender issues, and state relations with Turkey and the Balkans; service activities ranging from planting trees near Olympia to volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitator on the isle of Aegina; independent study projects (ISPs) which could explore diverse topics such as Greek cooking, ancient and contemporary music, philosophy, shepherding, mythology, local folklore, spiritual traditions, pottery, painting, ship-building, or archaeological preservation; and select excursions to locales both grand and subtle--from a circuit of the spectacularly perched monasteries of Meteora and a trek around and atop fabled Mt. Olympus, to encountering little-trafficked nooks on the isles of Chios and Samos--calibrating the daily native rhythms--and sharing a coffee and conversation with a village elder at the local kafeneion (café). The Parthenon and Delphi will also duly capture our attention and imagination, as well they should.      

The final week's crossing into Turkey and transition from Europe to Asia (and from Christianity to Islam) are symbolic of Global LAB's mission: deconstructing misperceptions across borders and enhancing an awareness and understanding of the many shared traits and aspirations of different communities and cultures.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 16,995 USD

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-11

Scholarships are Available. Modest scholarships (1,000 USD - 2,000 USD) may be available based on merit and need. Global LAB also advises on fund-raising strategies.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Global Learning Across Borders's Mission Statement: Global Learning Across Borders exists to educate and inspire new generations of young people to become responsible and committed global citizens in their local communities and beyond. We do this through international cultural immersion and community service programs for young adults; global studies professional development programs for educators; and by partnering with schools to help design and launch experiential global education and service programs.

Year Founded: 2006