“Since being home from Greece, I am already missing all of the nice and hospitable Greeks that our group interacted with on the study tour. I don’t have a talent for spelling Greek names, but I will especially remember our bus driver, the Marinos family, Tassos, and the owner of Taverna Gemelos. All of these people were extremely generous to our group, and I feel as if we formed a real relationship with them. I feel as if it is rarer for people to form friendships with their customers in America, so this is something that I will always remember Greece for.
I will also miss the abundant archaeological sites in Greece. I found it amazing that so many of the sites that we visited were just a short walk away from wherever we were staying. It seemed as if the archaeological sites gave each modern town a unique character.
The scenery in Greece is another thing that I will always remember about the country. I was always disappointed when I napped on the bus rides because I knew that I guaranteed to have missed amazing scenery. I will miss the clearness of the water, the trees and flowers growing over buildings, and the abundance of fruit trees, just to name a few of the things that make Greece beautiful.
Of course, I will also miss Greek food. A lot of students missed American food (tacos particularly), however, I did not miss a thing and could happily live off of gemista and fresh orange juice for the rest of my life.” — Sophie C., 2014
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of January 01. Those considering applying should know that in the twelve times I have run this study tour, we have never taken more than 23 students on any one trip. While the nation of Greece accommodates many more travelers each year, our seminars there do not.
Those coming to this after the deadline might want to contact Inbal Cohen-Taber or Michael Taber in case an opening develops due to a cancellation.
Those who would like to communicate with alumni of the study tour, in order to get students’ perspective can contact me for a list of names and e-mail addresses. I stay in regular touch with study tour alumni, sending out links to the occasional news articles, updates about some of the Greek friends we make, or just to playfully needle each other with a photo one of us has come across from the old days.
Although most of the students have been from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, we and our students have enjoyed getting to know fellow students from such places as Cal State–Fulllerton, University of Alaska at Anchorage, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Point Park University, Elizabethtown College, Western Connecticut State University, University of Maryland—College Park, and the University of Idaho. Friendships have developed lasting many years.
To apply to the program, start an account and application at the St. Mary’s Office of International Education. At the left of that page, scroll down and click on the rectangle labeled “How to Apply.”
Michael Taber Inbal Cohen-Taber
Margaret Brent Hall 102 Margaret Brent Hall 201
phone: x4900 240-895-4900 phone: 240-895-4219
e-mail: mstaber@smcm.edu e-mail: icohen@smcm.edu