What inspired you to work for the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo)?
Having taught for many years in the UK, and more specifically at the University of Leeds, I was delighted to see that a well-established institution like the AUB Mediterraneo was opening a twin campus in my hometown Pafos.
Even more importantly this was a liberal arts institution that has always been, in my opinion, the best educational model. This was my chance, then, to be part of a University with a long history that followed an educational model I firmly believed in. Also, finally, an offer that led me back to my hometown through the experience and expertise I gained abroad.
What do you love most about teaching philosophy?
What I love the most about teaching philosophy is witnessing that look of revelation or realization on the faces of my students. Seeing that look shows me that I have opened a new door of perspective for them; that they have reached some new and undiscovered knowledge that will perhaps alter their understanding of themselves, their existence, their minds, and their role in society.
Tour of the old town of Nicosia for the History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy Course.
You’re famous at AUB Mediterraneo for your classroom debates. You’ve mentioned how debates are a way to open student’s minds because they *have* to explore different perspectives as a group. What kinds of student transformations have you seen emerge after a semester of debating?
I incorporate the debates in my courses as a way for the students to apply what they have learned to current issues through case studies, and to bring the teaching material to the present. The students are assigned to teams randomly and as a result, they often have to argue in favor of positions that they disagree with.
In this way, they are forced to explore alternative possibilities and get familiar with different perspectives on a matter. I had many students noting how they were able to approach these case studies through specific philosophical theories and at the same time how the debates had greatly improved their presentational and teamwork skills. It was also often the case that they acquired information about current issues that they were not aware of.
You’ve worked and studied in Greece and the U.K. What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Leaving my hometown to study and work abroad was the best decision I ever made. If I were to give any advice to my pre-travel self, it would be to do it all over again and explore the places I have lived even more.
I have studied and lived abroad for 15 years in total; the experiences I had, the memories I made, and the interesting people I have met are invaluable.
Why should someone choose AUB Mediterraneo over competitors?
Because they would have the opportunity to gain an internationally recognized degree—recognized not only in Europe but also in the US. Living in a city like Pafos, which is full of culture, welcoming people, delicious food, beautiful nature, and you are always five minutes away from the beach.
In addition, the European and British Universities don’t follow the Liberal Arts educational model which is the only one that enables students to explore topics of their interest, and take courses touching on matters of great importance for any discipline—like Ethics for example—while at the same time gaining the necessary knowledge for their degree.
In addition, the community here is very supportive and accommodating, so the students can be sure that they will be valued as individuals instead of getting lost in the crowd as it often happens with the universities that have tens of thousands of students.
Finally, at the moment the students can take advantage of major scholarships and reductions of the fees which means they could be paying only 20% of the original fees. This translates to getting a degree recognized in the US and the EU at a fraction of the cost as offered elsewhere.
Debates at the local Archaeological Museum, the Ethics of Cultural Heritage, for our Ethics Course.
What is AUB Mediterraneo’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
It is a privilege to be part of a higher education institution like AUB Mediterraneo which has a mission I strongly identify with. I strive to contribute towards AUB Mediterraneo’s mission to prepare critical thinkers, global leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens, and I believe philosophy is an imperative part of this goal.
For me, education should combine professional and personal growth. Professional growth comes from providing the best resources and being taught by established academics.
Meanwhile, personal growth comes from providing an inclusive learning environment that encourages freedom of thought, respects diversity, and promotes the ethos and values that will bring a positive change in the world.
This is the environment I aim to create for my students.
What do you hope students take away from their AUB Mediterraneo experience?
I hope that students will leave the university equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for their professional future, and also have been exposed to life-transformative experiences which will help them grow as human beings. Most of all, I aim, as a lecturer, to inspire them and open their minds to alternative possibilities, offering them new lenses through which to view the world.
I also hope they will make long-lasting friendships and get the opportunity to explore their interests through the various events, student societies and clubs, and activities organized by the university.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Even though we are all humans, we all have something unique to offer and receive through our interactions. This reciprocal relationship is enhanced even more when people from different cultures interact.
The various and rich cultural backgrounds interweave in a magical way, creating a colorful fabric of existence that reveals how much we have in common, regardless of our different customs, traditions, religions, and beliefs.
An international and multicultural environment like the one we have at AUB Mediterraneo constitutes the perfect setting for students to get familiar with different cultures and also share their own stories, while at the same time meeting like-minded people and becoming more inclusive and open-minded.
The Sea Caves of Pafos at the seafront of Peyia Village.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I am someone who enjoys travelling a lot and I have been blessed to visit many countries so far. When I travel, I always aim to immerse myself in the local culture, mix with the locals, and visit museums and historical sites.
The experiences I have had in my travels have been incredibly culturally and historically enriching, not to mention insanely fun. I will always treasure these memories. Having also lived and studied abroad for 15 years, I got the opportunity to fully experience a different way of life, which has helped me return to my own country inspired, humble, culturally aware, and sensitive to global issues.
Studying abroad is the ultimate type of meaningful travel which will surely offer students the opportunity to discover the world and themselves in the most positive way—all while having fun along the way.
