Greece has been praised for it's open armed acceptance of the millions of migrants who began arriving on its shores en masse since 2015. Some volunteers on the island Lesvos were even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for their active involvement in caring for incoming refugees. This humane approach is thought to have its roots in the Greek concept of Xenia, or hospitality, with neighborly customs dating back to ancient Greece. It is also one of the distinguishing hallmarks of the influence of the ancient in modern Greek philosophy and society. 

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In this 10 day session, students are given a fundamental understanding of Greek and Mediterranean culture through lectures, discussions and classical site visits such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Agora and Filopappou Hill. This is joined with a investigative survey of modern issues faced by Greece through guest lectures, NGO site visits and volunteering with a number of organizations. Students will learn the political background to the refugee crisis and see first hand how NGOs and other organizations have formed to meet the needs of incoming refugees and migrants, who are often penniless, undocumented and in desperate need. 

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Emerge from this semester with a broader understanding of international relations, economic considerations between borders, and an intimate look at the refugee experience and local responses.