Γειά σας!
Hello everyone from Athens, Greece! This semester I’ve traded in Mount St. James for Mount Lycabettus, and I hope you all will join me on this journey. At the end of August, I moved into my new home in Pangrati, a neighborhood in Athens walking distance from the Acropolis (!!!!).
I’ve been living and learning in Athens for about a month now, and it has already been a rewarding experience. It’s been tough at times, but overall, full of a lot of good energy! I’ll be updating my blog often each month, so be sure to check for updates. There is already a lot to report back about!
This semester I am participating in the College Year in Athens Program. CYA is an educational institution that is completely geared towards students’ international learning experiences. All courses are taught in English by professors from all around the world, but mostly from Greece. During my semester abroad, I am taking a full Holy Cross course load. I’m taking Intermediate Ancient Greek, Greek Religion, Digital Archaeology, and (appropriately) Introduction to Modern Greek. You can’t do a semester abroad right without attempting to learn the language! It’ll be difficult, but I’m sure it’s worth it.
CYA does an exceptional job at experiential learning outside of the classroom. Mandatory and optional field trips are coupled with primary and secondary source readings, tailored for all courses and interests. Before classes even began, the entire program took a trip to Delphi, right outside of Athens, to visit the Archaeological site of Apollo’s Oracle. It only seemed right to go to his oracle to begin a semester in Greece. It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to in my entire life…
I’ll leave you with this. Be sure to keep checking this blog for more updates throughout the semester. You’ll definitely be hearing from me later this week. To all my Crusaders on the Hill, I miss you lots!
Bye for now,
Alexandra
