Now that this program is over, I can say that I have studied abroad twice. In reality though, this summer in Greece has not felt like a study abroad at all, nor could it really be neatly folded into that box. I have been studying, and this program has involved much reading, paper writing, and … Continue reading Final Thoughts →

On the island of Lesvos, where we stayed for two weeks to work inside of Kara Tepe camp, there is a camp called Moria which houses the majority of people arriving. This summer, Moria is much improved from last summer, though that thought can be deceiving. The camp hosts thousands of people over its capacity, … Continue reading A Colorful Wreck of Hope →

We're in Lesvos now and still have a week left. My next post will go in depth about some of the NGOs that we have met with and the amazing work that they are doing on the island. Now, I've been thinking about the incomprehensible juxtaposition of working in a refugee camp on a destination … Continue reading Touching Turkey →

Tomorrow, we set off to the islands to begin work with another organization in the same place where seven people died crossing the sea two days ago. The reality of the situation hits hard when one is within it. I find it difficult to even write much postable content. When people ask what we are … Continue reading Naturalism Rejects Romanticism →

While in Athens, our group met with various members of various organizations related to the refugee crisis in Greece. We have spoken with representatives from the UNHCR, Humanity Crew (a Palestinian nonprofit), the Greek Refugee Council, we saw an anarchist movement which has cared for and housed hundreds of refugees, we have visited an artists’ … Continue reading Serres →

We are staying in Welcommon Hostel while in Athens, the details about which I will go into in a post soon. This hostel has devoted their entire existence to aiding refugees, and they only recently converted into a hostel when the UN cut their funding and they had to open rooms up for the public … Continue reading Little Red Flowers →

I arrived in Athens yesterday, along with my fiance Ben, three backpacks, and one small suitcase. I only brought the basics with me this time. When I last studied abroad in France for four months, I had a colossal bag which I had checked, and I carried a backpack stuffed completely full. Walking through St. … Continue reading The First Morning in Athens →

Sometime during my sophomore year at NAU, Professor Hess mentioned that her husband, Bob Neustadt, and herself would be traveling through Greece for the summer, looking to establish a refugee aid program there the following year. This year, it came to reality and I found myself thinking more and more about the program. After applying, … Continue reading Brief Introductions →