One of the most distinct features of New York University is its plethora of study away opportunities at NYU-operated sites around the globe. There are 14 Global Network University sites where students can choose to spend semesters and January terms abroad, depending on their academic focus. However, apart from the chances for semesterly study aways, NYU also actively operates immersive summer programs outside of the GNU network tailored for specific regional and academic interests. Summer in Athens, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an example of a program that has steadily received good reception from students.

Founded in 1998, the NYU in Athens Summer Program was initially created to combine classroom study of the Greek language, history and culture with extracurricular activities, fostering a learning-centered environment in a Hellenic context. Professor Helen L. Theodoratou, Clinical Professor in Hellenic Studies and Director of the College of Arts and Sciences Summer in Athens, emphasized the unique strengths of the site that define the experience. “One of the most remarkable features of Athens is the way in which it brings together the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. Greece is also geopolitically and culturally positioned at the crossroads of East and West, between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and is one of the central points of the Mediterranean region. As such, it is a wildly interesting and significant place to study the relations between all these different regions, and even beyond.”

The NYU facility in Athens is located in the Kolonaki (meaning “Little Column”) neighborhood, a popular urban hub known for its trendy boutiques, restaurants and lively nightlife. The site makes full use of its strategic location in Athens; from language courses in Modern Greek to an examination of Greek drama, literature and archaeology, the site offers a wide breadth of courses in both the ancient and contemporary affairs of Greece. Recently, a new course on the refugee crisis has been added to examine the pressing need to address the situation in the Mediterranean. Students frequently engage in field trips and excursions to major archaeological and historical sites such as Mycenae, Epidaurus and Corinth as well as islands like Crete and Lesvos.

In regards to particular features of Summer in Athens, Theodoratou highlighted the great focus on active learning experiences.

“What differentiates NYU in Athens from other NYU study abroad programs is its intensive emphasis on excursions and extracurricular activities, all of which are attended by both faculty and students together,” said Theodoratou. “On top of two or three weekly outings in Athens, we also schedule an excursion outside of Athens each week. Such high involvement is possible because we keep the size of our group small, so that we can all be together at the same time.”

While the plans for turning the current summer program to an official Global Network University site are yet to be concrete, Theodoratou views the possibility of establishment in a positive light.

“I am confident that our strong presence in Athens — a presence that has been established over the last two decades — would facilitate its success. Given the importance of the region, there are conversations that will take place over the next several years.”

The final application deadline for NYU Summer in Athens is April 15.