Name: Emily LaPolla
Type of Project: Education Abroad
My STEP Signature Project entailed 11 days studying abroad exploring the classical, archaeological and religious sites and structures of Ancient Greece! We traveled to nine different cities throughout Greece and learned not only why and when the sites were built but also the engineering, construction, and excavation behind each. This program allowed me a unique opportunity to explore the differences between ancient and modern Greek cultures, how engineering has changed over time, and how modern Greece has been impacted by historical events.
The trip didn’t feel real to me until I woke up on the international flight and we were getting ready to land in Athens – I was excited, scared and nervous. I had never been abroad before, never experienced another culture, language or country before and had an idea of what it would be like in my head. The most I knew about Greece was what I had learned about in class the week before. My view of the Europe and Greece was that every country was very large, modern, clean and innovated. That turned out to not be the case. Greece’s economic state may have had something to do with it, but I felt that the cities were very dirty, poorly taken care of and there was graffiti everywhere. It was kind of shocking. Through my journey abroad I became a more independent person who had a lot more sympathy for other nations. I am a much more well rounded person than I was previously, I truly appreciate all of my opportunities and standard of living here a lot more – the trip really opened up my eyes!
I realized that the people in Greece were no different than the people in the US, we’re all just trying to be happy, but it seemed like most of the people in Greece lived simpler lives. They hung out at coffee shops and smoked a lot of cigarettes! Not that those are very healthy for you, but they were very stress free which I appreciated. A lot of our waitors went out of their way to make sure we had the best service and experience, and it was amazing. Everyone was willing to talk to us about Greece and their lives and what they do and what their life is like. Our one bartender still lived at home, had a college degree, even played semi pro basketball in Greece! But yet his life was so much different than if he lived in the US.
The cities were truly eye opening for me. It was disappointing to see so many stray dogs and cats, abandoned buildings, ill kept sidewalks and streets, etc. I didn’t realize how different a city was going to look – I truly expected something like Columbus! This helped me realize the differences between modern Greece and the US.
The Thessaloniki subway tour related to civil engineering, the building of temples, cities, etc that we saw in multiple locations (Samos, Athens, Mycenae) was civil engineering, at the science museum we saw the first example of computer engineering (first programmable robot), and at the Acropolis Museum we saw different metals/materials that could relate to multiple engineering disciplines. It impressed me how well built the structutes of Anicent Greece were – honestly it’s still hard for me to comprehend how they were able to complete all of that work without the technology we have today. This trip made me proud to be a future engineer – what I work on could have a lasting impression in history! I feel that engineers are the same in Greece compared to the US, math and science don’t change through language or culture. My favorite site was the Tunnel of Pythagoria – it was insane to see and hear about how Pythagoras started from both sides of the mountain and was only half a meter off meeting in the middle! I loved being able to walk through the tunnel and see the aqueduct below. I also really enjoyed the Epidaurus Theatre – it is amazing how the sound carries so well to the top of the theatre! I also really liked the monastery at the meteora – it was beautiful and being on top of the cliffs was crazy/scary! I attached three pictures of me and my roommates at the tunnel, the theatre and the Meteora cliffs. These are my favorite pictures since these were my three favorite sites!! I would change the itinerary so we know what exactly the site is like (is it a lot of walking, is it outside, what time is lunch, etc). I would’ve liked to stay in Nafpilon for a longer amount of time, I loved walking around the city! I think it was a good balance of engineering/historical/cultural activities and also free time to get to know the group better!
My STEP education abroad changed my life! Being able to go abroad for the first time ever pushed me out of my comfort zone. The friendships I made on this trip will be unforgettable. I became a more independent and well rounded person and will be able to make connections in the future due to my experience abroad. I have caught the travel bug – I really hope I will be able to do more traveling and experience other cultures in the future. Without STEP I never would have been able to become a more understanding, sympathetic and relaxed person. Going to Greece has really made me want to take more time to breathe and take in the beauty and great opportunities I have been given. Thank you to everyone!!
