LAS International Programs and the Department of Classics are overseeing a new study abroad program starting in the fall, Illinois in Athens. The program centers on a humanities and social sciences curriculum tailored for a truly immersive study abroad experience and offers a limited number of for-credit internship opportunities.
The deadline to apply is February 15.
We recently chatted with classics professor Daniel Leon about the new program and the unique experiences Athens has to offer, as well as how he became involved with the creation of Illinois in Athens.
Why study abroad in Athens?
Athens is large, vibrant city with all the excitement you would expect from a world capital, but it's also a very old city, and it is located at the intersection of several distinctive regions. As a result, there is an interesting blend of cultural traditions that is constantly evolving. The many layers of the city's history are visible all throughout town, and its status as a major international tourist destination (owing to its natural beauty and its place in the history of democracy) means you get to meet people from all over the world, making Athens a great place to broaden your horizons. The program is designed to make sure you don't spend all your time in the classroom but get to know your host city and its people, as well.
What kinds of classes can students take?
All students will take a course on the history and archaeology of Athens, and they will choose the rest of their schedule from a list that includes philosophy (both political and personal topics), media (Greek film, documentary filmmaking), and of course the modern Greek language. We also offer some for-credit internships so students can get international work experience while making progress toward their U of I degree.
What are some of the places students will visit?
Naturally, students will see the famous sites in the city center, like the Athenian Acropolis, in the company of expert instructors, and they will also go further afield, for example to the stunning temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
We are planning excursions beyond the city, too, so that students can get a better feel for Greece as a whole. There will be a major trip to Meteora, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site that is home to a cluster of monasteries perched on a unique set of natural stone columns. Other trips are in the works!
Where will students live?
Students will stay at a guest house in the residential area known as Vyronas (named after the famous English poet Byron, who spent his final years in Greece). It is just outside the city center but not very touristy, so the students will get to see what it's like to live in a typical Athenian environment.
How long does this study abroad program take?
Students can study in Athens for a semester or a full year.
Who can participate in this program?
The program is open to UIUC students from all colleges and majors.
How can students get started?
Students can send questions directly to me, and they should speak to their advisor about fitting study abroad into their degree plan. They also need to schedule an appointment with an LAS International Programs advisor, which they can do by clicking here.
Is there a story behind the creation of this new program?
I studied abroad in Greece as an undergraduate and then again as a graduate student, and during those trips, I fell in love with the country. It is the main reason I pursued my current career path, and I learned so much from those experiences that I've always wanted to create a similar opportunity for my own students. My department has a great relationship with Greece (two of us were born there!), and we saw this program as a way to build a permanent connection to a country that is central to much of the work we do.
How and why did you get involved with it?
This has been in the works for a long time. I taught a short-term program in Greece a back in 2018, and it went so well that establishing a regular route to Athens for UIUC students seemed like a logical next step. The college was interested in the idea, and LAS International Programs has been extremely supportive. It all just seemed to click.
Is there anything else you want people to know about the program?
We expect the program to grow in future semesters to include a greater range of course offerings. We're currently working on partnerships with Greek universities to make their courses (the ones taught in English) available to our students in STEM fields, business, and more.
Students have until February 15 to apply. Click here or write to dleon@illinois.edu for more details. You can view a recorded information session here.
Dania De La Hoya Rojas