Incredible Learning Adventure
Being given the opportunity to co-lead this trip to Greece and go with my family was a truly unbelievable experience. I'm so thankful for Bethel University and the Global Studies Program, along with the ACIS partnership that made this possible. As a PreK-12 school principal, I had always seen the flyers in the hall about these trips and made the announcements about meetings. I never considered going on a trip myself until my son (Luke) had a DE Sociology class this year with Mrs. Stacie Freeman. Being that we have never traveled outside the country before, I was hesitant and nervous when he came home excited about this opportunity. As a family, we decided this opportunity was too good to pass up and initially viewed it as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We now know that we want more adventures like this! Around a week before departure we learned that the cruise portion and the visit to Turkey was canceled due to Middle East conflict. Our initial reaction was disappointment; however, Mrs. Stacie and ACIS worked quickly and efficiently to alter plans and secure stellar replacement activities. Now that the trip is over, I cannot imagine the trip being any better and there is zero regret about missing the cruise. We traveled many miles across the scenic landscape and experienced all of the following: Athens---Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka District and wonderful opportunities to roam the streets. Corinth--- Canal, Epidaurus and the Theater of Epidaurus Mycenae---Pottery making Olympia---Olympic Stadium and ancient Greek artifacts Kalambaka---Majestic Meteora rocks and monasteries Delphi---The famed site of the Oracle of Delphi, Temple of Apollo and the archaeological Museum Santorini---A day flight to experience multiple sites, headlined by the beautiful coastal views and shops in Oia Along the way, we were constantly learning about the Greek culture and history through this immersive experience. Our tour guides, Penelope and Victor, gave us countless learning experiences at stops, between stops, during meals etc. The food stops along the way were rooted in Greek tradition and gave us a sense of the flavor from all over this region. I've looked at the map of our travels several times since beginning our journey home and cannot believe we covered as much ground as we did in a week. This experience was much better than the original cruise plan and gave us the most authentic Greek cultural and historical experience possible. Finally, this trip opened my eyes to international travel. I am no longer intimidated to visit a foreign country and experience the richness found within countries and cultures that are different from ours. Perhaps the best part of the entire experience was the friendships forged along the way. As a group we became very close in a short amount of time through this shared experience. We laughed (a lot), sprung to life with each new stop and gained valuable information on how we can make ourselves and our communities better. It was a pleasure to watch kids from different schools interact and seem like old friends in a very short amount of time. I learned more in one week from this trip than a year could teach me in a class. Programs like this are invaluable assets to Bethel University and the surrounding communities. I look forward to helping spread the message on why future students and community members should attend trips like this. This trip was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.
Photos
