BTS of Dr. Levine taking a selfie with the study group in front of the Portara of Naxos (part of an unfinished temple for Apollo) on Naxos

Author: Zaynab Eubanks | Majors: English, History | Semester: Summer 2025
While scrolling through the HogsAbroad page, one program instantly caught my eye: Classics in Greece, led by Dr. Daniel Levine and George Paulson. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect—just that the classics were right up my alley, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to go to Greece? Looking back now, I had no idea how transformative that single month would be. Each day abroad was packed with discovery. My studies covered the full spectrum of classical studies—art, architecture, mythology, archaeology, literature, language, and more. But the real magic was how seamlessly these subjects came to life through the places we visited. Every museum, ruin, and city we explored brought the ancient world off the page and into vivid reality.
The Perpetual Palimpsest
One of the most surreal moments was visiting the Acropolis in Athens. Standing in front of the Parthenon, I had to remind myself: this wasn’t a dream. Dr. Levine, who previously worked with the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, shared insights you simply can’t find in a textbook. He helped us appreciate not just what we were seeing—but why it mattered. The Acropolis Museum was equally breathtaking. Its modern layout offered a unique perspective on how the ancient site may have once appeared. A glass floor revealed an excavation site below, allowing us to literally walk over layers of history. Beyond the Acropolis, Athens was a treasure trove of history: the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Jewish Museum, the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, and unexpected surprises—like the day Dr. Levine arranged a private tour of the American School of Classical Studies, where I got to explore the archives, special collections, and library. As someone passionate about archival work, it was a dream come true.
Call me sappy, but I get emotional every time I consider that every site visited and every artifact observed was made by someone who’s left something to be remembered by. Dr. Levine was very adamant that we keep the idea of Greece being a “perpetual palimpsest” in mind throughout our entire trip. It might not make sense initially, but a great example is the Ancient Agora in Athens. It had been covered in layers of rock and dirt for ages, and even had a neighborhood built on top of it. Once the neighborhood was displaced and the site unearthed, people were able to quite literally walk into the past. It might seem minute, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how we were not the first to walk those pathways, visit those temples, and enjoy the shade of the Stoa of Attalos, but merely recreating what the average Athenian would’ve done thousands of years ago.
Greece Off the Clock
Of course, Greece wasn’t all museums and temples. It was also sunshine, local cuisine, and plenty of walking—especially the day we hiked the Samaria Gorge on Crete. It was tough, but the views made every step worth it. I even bought a T-shirt that read “Samaria Gorge, No Problem” and wore it with pride… and a bit of irony. Outside our scheduled activities, we had the freedom to explore on our own. Coming from a small town, this level of independence was new to me, but it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the trip. Whether wandering through back alleys and dining with friends or discovering a tucked-away shop on my own, there was always something new around the corner. And while I was initially nervous about traveling with strangers, I couldn’t have asked for a better group. I roomed with some amazing people who shared my love for the classics. We bonded over ancient ruins, good food, and sunburns. I came home with new friendships that I know will last.
Don’t Miss the World
The Classics in Greece program gave me so much more than academic credit. It gave me a sense of perspective—on history, on myself, and on what it means to be a global citizen. This wasn’t just a study abroad program—it was an immersive, life-changing experience. I gained not only academic insight but personal confidence, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for history, culture, and community. I returned with a better understanding of the world, a clearer vision of my future, and a newfound confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar places and challenges. Greece was unlike any place I’ve ever been, and I already know it won’t be my last trip abroad. If you’re considering study abroad—even if you’re unsure of what to expect—take the leap. You might be surprised by what you find.