Former Students
Sarah Cunningham
University of California, Berkeley - Greek Studies on Site 2023
My experience with Greek Studies On Site was fantastic.
The class itself was informative and led by very passionate teachers. Traveling across Athens was an unforgettable privilege that allowed me to get up close and personal with ancient Greece. Being surrounded by the friendly people of Athens, great instructors, and peers that quickly turn into friends are just a few things to look forward to if you decide to go on this trip.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and learned more about ancient Greece than I ever thought I would.
Filore Memtimin
University of Oslo, Norway - Greek Studies on Site 2023
Hello everyone! I took the mythology course during the summer of '23, and I wish I could take it all over again! At first, I was nervous about not having relevant academic background, but the course curriculum started off by building a solid foundation for us all. My previous knowledge of ancient Greek mythology and drama came only from my own readings, so having discussions in seminars with literature and classics students and teachers with solid academic backgrounds was very thrilling. The passion and deep knowledge that were floating around the room during these times were everything I’d hoped for. The teachers did a great job of fully immersing us into the topics so it gave all of us a deeper understanding of the works and their true background.
Our visits to the sites were fantastic, as you get to use yesterday’s knowledge on today’s reality. Learning about the historical context of archeological sites is truly one of the many amazing things this trip will offer you. I wanted to get to know the ancient Greek world in a more solid academic way, discussing topics with peers at the actual ruins, with teachers constantly guiding me, just like Socrates probably did with his students, and I’m so glad I got exactly what I wanted, and more.
Martha McCafferty
Great Hearts Academies, Greek Studies on Site 2022
I joined the Greek Studies on Site program a year after receiving my bachelor’s degree in Classics and Linguistics. While I was excited to begin the course on Greek Philosophy, I never imagined how enriching this program would actually be. Our days began with good bread from the bakery and were followed by rich class discussions. I became quick friends with my classmates as we listened to one another’s interpretation of the texts and stretched each other’s understanding. Outside the classroom we explored Athens together; we taught one another different languages, dances, and songs; we swam in beautiful seas; and spent many late nights talking on the terrace. In addition to my classmates, I made many lovely friends from our neighborhood, who very joyfully (and patiently!) helped me practice speaking Greek.
When I look back on my time in this program, I always think of a line which struck me from Nicomachean Ethics: “To entrust to chance what is greatest and most noble would be a very defective arrangement.” I feel that when I returned home, I was more capable of living my life with the intention of seeking good things, because I was able to practice that kind of life in this program. I highly encourage you to apply to Greek Studies on Site, and I hope it impacts you as much as it did me.
Vivienne Soares
CUNY Hunter College, Greek Studies on Site 2022
I took Greek Studies on Site’s mythology course after my freshman year at Hunter College in New York City. I went into it with absolutely no idea of what Greece would be like; I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The people I met were nothing short of incredible, and I feel assured in saying that I have made lifelong friends. I learned so much more than I had ever imagined, not only from the teachers, but also from the varied perspectives of studies, ages, and life experiences of the students. My visits to the Acropolis, Eleusis, and Sounion were all experiences that I can proudly boast that I have recorded in my sketchbook, my other traveling companion for the trip.
My trip has motivated me to pursue a minor in classical studies. In my current studies, I feel privileged knowing I can learn further about Greece with a keener eye for all it has to offer. I am already saving up to revisit Athens with other former students. If you have the chance to take a course, no matter your educational background, feel no doubt in knowing you will get an experience worth far more than what you pay for.
Jean-Philippe Ducharme
Université de Montréal, Greek Studies on Site 2022
Γεια σας! Hello! Bonjour! What an amazing experience it was! It was my first time in Greece, and I would say that the heat of the Greek summer was nothing compared to the warmth by which we were welcomed.
The classes helped me to broaden and deepen my understanding of ancient Greek philosophy and Greek history. And by "understanding" I think that the French word "compréhension" describes better what I mean, i.e. that being on site enabled me to engage more in our studies, therefore shortening a little bit the distance between me and ancient Greece.
Besides all that I have learned, I have enjoyed many special moments, with new people, in the streets of Athens, on the hills of Delphi, swimming in Nafplio, enjoying great food at restaurants, or simply sitting around the table on the terrace of the guesthouse, casually philosophizing with others. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to take part in such an experience. Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ!
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Clare Draper
University of Virginia, Greek Studies on Site 2019
I took “The Good Life” after my third year as a Classics Major at The University of Virginia. It was my first time going to Greece, and the course made it a life-changing experience. After some days touring the monuments and city of Athens, we took a ferry and set up shop on the beautiful island of Poros. Every morning, we would spend a few hours in the classroom in group discussion. Not only was the course material perfectly designed both to give a survey of moral philosophy and to set up deeper, more personal questions, but the discussions themselves were without fail incredibly engaging. After class, of course, we would take our big hard copies of The Complete Works of Plato and relax on one of Poros’ many beaches for an afternoon soaking in sunshine and philosophy.
I came out of “The Good Life” with a much deeper understanding of the foundations of moral philosophy in the ancient and modern world, and what it means to us. The chance to see Athens and learn about its history was also unforgettable. I recommend Greek Studies on Site to my friends and peers at school at every chance!
Angelica Bishop-Vincent
UCLA, Greek Studies on Site 2018
Traveling to Greece to study philosophy with Greek Studies on Site was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Walking the paths of the philosophers and orators we were studying really put the lives of the Ancient Greeks into perspective. Particularly memorable for me was seeing the Temple of Zeus, Poseidon, and the Parthenon.
On this trip I made lifelong friends, ate amazing food (vegan friendly), and got to know myself as well as the world of both Ancient and Modern Greece. Thanks for the experience of a lifetime, Greek Studies on Site!
Caroline Rohde-Nielsen
Stockholm University, Greek Studies on Site 2018
This programme was the perfect way for me to improve my knowledge of ancient Greek philosophy and mythology, while at the same time being immersed in modern Greece and learning about its complex relationship with ancient Greek civilization.
The seminars were taught by competent, engaging and enthusiastic teachers, with well-planned and relevant readings, and groups small enough to allow for quality discussions and interaction. The programme of visits was equally well organized. I especially enjoyed our visits to Plato's Academy, Eleusis and the Areopagus, where we had on-site lessons on the Republic, the Eleusinian mysteries and Athenian democracy. We also spent a magical night watching Sophocles' Electra at the Epidaurus festival - where Georgia was kind enough to take the whole group on our request, although that visit was not included in the original programme.
I would recommend Greek Studies on Site to anyone wanting to learn more about ancient Greek thought and to experience sites of interest in and around Athens in a fun, engaging and memorable way that really helps bring the ancient texts to life.
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Stephan Stephanides
Cambridge University, Greek Studies on Site 2016
Greek Studies on Site was an invaluable experience that I shall take with me for the rest of my life. I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people from around the world, equally passionate about Classics and Ancient Greece as I was.
The programme itself is very well organised and designed to maximise learning. Each day offers a new experience. By the end of the course, we had all gained an extensive and thorough understanding of ancient Athens.
The teachers are not only experts in Ancient Greek studies, but also very kind, friendly, and genuinely interested in you. The teaching itself is of the highest quality.
After the course, I took all my knowledge and experiences with me back to university. In hindsight, Greek Studies on Site was a pivotal point for me in my career choices, as it gave me both the motivation and encouragement to continue pursuing what I love.
Maciej Paprocki
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Greek Studies on Site 2015
After the final year of my PhD studies in Ancient History, I wanted an experience that would be both a wonderful adventure and an educational highlight of my studies: I am happy to say that the Greek Studies on Site program has been all that and more!
I picked the Greek Gods module, masterfully taught by Professor Jenny Strauss Clay. Her wit and learning made the difficult subject matter not only approachable, but also immensely enjoyable. This was the summer when I was working on my postdoctoral applications. Our class discussions and Prof. Clay's remarks helped me improve my project: as a result, I won a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, for which I am exceedingly grateful.
Greece in July was a feast for the senses. I still remember colors of market stalls, the smell of blooming oleanders and the refreshing coolness of Greek yogurt we had every day for dessert. Visiting temples and museums by morning, learning about Greek gods by afternoon, and touring Athens on our own by night was a perfect combination of learning and leisure. I have very fond memories of my Greek Studies on Site program and I am definitely looking forward to my next stay in Greece!
Nicole Nowbahar
Rutgers University, Greek Studies on Site 2014
I took the Greek Studies on Site Love in Antiquity course after completing my Bachelor's degree at CUNY Queens College. I was always interested in philosophical ideas of love and thought that the course would be a perfect fit - especially since I would get to visit many of the sites I've come across in my undergraduate studies.
After the Greek Studies on Site program I began my graduate work at Rutgers University, where I have completed my second year of a PhD program in Classics. The tour sites of the program have consistently come up in my readings and have added another dimension to my studies - such as our visit to the very slippery Areopagus or our creation of maps in the Kerameikos. The fun and informative tours bring me back to good memories and sometimes make me forget that I've been studying so late into the night!
I am so glad to have taken part in the Greek Studies on Site program - the instructors and students are just as amazing as Greece and I cannot wait to return one day!
Anjum Malik
Cornell University, Greek Studies on Site 2014
I participated in the Greek Studies on Site program after finishing my sophomore year at Cornell University, and chose to enroll in the Greek Mythology course. Greek Mythology had been a great favorite of mine since childhood, and I was eager to study the subject at its birthplace.
Our visits to various archaeological and historic sites, coupled with our classroom discussions, allowed me to enjoy and appreciate Athens from its glorious past to its fascinating present.
I am graduating in May 2016 with a Bachelor's in Anthropology and Archaeology and a German Studies minor, and am excited to begin my PhD degree in South Asian Archaeology at UCLA in the fall.
The Greek Studies on Site family is a cherished part of my undergraduate education and my life; I am so lucky to be part of it!