Athens Communication
Research Seminar in the Aegean

Greece offers the student a chance to view a classical culture in a dynamic, modern society. This beautiful land and its historical monuments keep the eye and mind filled in ways that few other places can – beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, great food, relaxed and comfortable lifestyle, and serenity. Students experience the ancient culture and the dynamic new one in a close, personal way; yet, the goal of the program is to come away with a sense of having accomplished something for themselves and for the Greek community. We work on field research (ethnography) in seminar fashion – typically over a nice group meal after the day ’s field work. In that sense, Athens and the Greek isles are our laboratory: we interview people, we study websites, we talk to locals, we speak to government officials, and we take in the culture and the landscape in ways that few outsiders ever do.

The emphasis of the program is on hands-on research; by that, we mean students learn ethnographic methods to help them gather data on civil society in Athens. Students stay in the Norwegian Institute Guesthouse in Athens, located one block south of the Acropolis in central Athens. The Guesthouse is conveniently located near the “Akropoli” metro station, as well as the tram to the beach. Grocery stores, restaurants, the post office, the various Plaka shops as well coffee shops are all nearby. As is the New Acropolis Museum.

The goal is for students to return to the U.S. with a different and enhanced attitude about their abilities, goals and learning skills, as well as a broadened mental horizon of the world and its concerns. “Socrates, Post-Modernism and the Search for New Social Institutions in Greece” takes place over the course of five weeks, with 13 credits awarded.

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Student testimonials:

"Not only was the travel experience itself life changing, but the people I met in my program also changed my life. I will never forget what an amazing time I had while in Greece."

"I returned to the states with an education that I could never have obtained within the confines of the traditional university setting."

"This program was definitely an eye opening experience. The challenges we faced with our academic research were in the end very rewarding and brought our academic experience to a whole new level. I would recommend this program to everyone."

For more information, contact Taso Lagos: taso@u.washington.edu
or Stacey Engle: staceyen@u.washington.edu

Download the Program Application: programApplication.doc