While we've certainly been having a lot of fun here in Greece - sun, sand, good food, emerging friendships and, of course, bungee jumping - we've also been focusing on more intellectual matters. The curriculum part of the trip has thus far come along nicely. Upon our arrival we had a fabulous "cultural dinner" where we learned a bit about traditional Greek food. The next day was more serious, as in the morning we heard from a panel of Somali refugees about the plight of asylum-seekers in Greece. The tales they told were sobering, and all the students were deeply touched by their plight, and I know we are all looking forward to assisting them and learning more about their situation this coming week. Next, we heard from economist Alec Mally and businessman Stephonos Costopoulos, who, for nearly two hours, led us through the details of Greece's precarious economic problems, which are inextricably intertwined with the woes of the country's asylum seekers and immigrants. Scott Rizzo and I gave a couple of talks this week as well, including a lecture on Paul of Tarsus' leadership vision and style, given in the Roman agora in Corinth, and another in the famous Theatre of Dionysus on the southern slope of the Acropolis itself (as a history professor used to teaching in drafty old campus buildings, I have to tell you that I have never spoken in such great locations! It was an honor and a pleasure!). Next week Scott and I will lead discussions on the meaning of "service learning" and student's service history, accompanied by some great readings in our now-famous "Big Blue Book," which students also use to reflect upon their experiences by journaling and answering "directed questions." We will also lead students through the results of their Gallup "StrengthsQuest" test on Tuesday. Good times!
Brian Allen Drake
Lecturer
Department of History
University of Georgia
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