“This was my first time going to Europe, and I was also fortunate to receive scholarships to make it possible. As an architecture major, being able to see Greek art, architecture, history and culture firsthand was so eye-opening to me. It made me realize how influential and varied architecture is across the world and how important it is to continue exploring and learning to see how design is shaped in different countries,” reflected architecture major Sabrina Li on the Engineering of Ancient Greece program.
Led by the College of Engineering, the program takes students to some of the classic engineering and archaeological sites as well as some of the outstanding religious structures in Greece.
“Studying abroad deepened my understanding of architecture and taught me to design with greater adaptability and intention. Exploring Greece's historic sites and natural landscapes inspired me to create more meaningful and purposeful spaces.”
“One of my most unforgettable memories has been hiking the Samaria Gorge. I was able to talk in French with many French hikers, saw beautiful sceneries, drank freshwater from the gorge, fed a wild goat, napped on a black sand beach and also met the parents of an Ohio State professor on the boat ride back,” said Li.
Students learn the importance of iconic engineering sites and excavations and the various methods used for their construction, why they were built and why some were abandoned.
“I went into this trip with a 'go with the flow' mindset, and I think I really benefitted from that because Greece brought many culture shocks. It was good to take it slow, listen, and be flexible with scheduling. As much as there was to see in Greece, I realized just sitting on the boardwalk and watching the ocean or taking a short nap on a black sand beach was also very rewarding in its own way.”