Foreign Policy Presentations, Group Dinner, Greek Dance Class

August 1

Following our free weekend, the Journey family returned to the classroom. In Dr. Dimitrou’s foreign policy class, the students began the session by reviewing the expectations of their final presentations. After this period, Dr. Dimitriou spoke about foreign policy issues affecting Greece and the United States. Our professor then briefed us on current events in Greece. One of the issues discussed, was the possibility that China could serve as the “White Night” for Greece, by investing in the country during a time when outside speculation is desperately needed. After our morning lessons, our group headed to Plaka for our customary taverna lunch.

When the meal was complete, we returned to the UINDY, Athens campus for our afternoon Greek Language class. Today, we continued expanding our vocabulary list, working on our written phrases, and practicing our conversational Greek. At the conclusion of class, students were assigned a mid-term exam to be finished the following day.

After the Greek Language lesson, our group had a short break before our Greek Folk Dance class. During the first hour of our dance class, we learned about the history behind the dances of the Peloponnese, including the Kalamatianos and Syrtos. With our newfound knowledge, we were then able to practice the steps before performing the dances with music. When class ended, the Journey family enjoyed a relaxing evening and prepared for midterm exams and final projects.

August 2

After a busy night of studying, our group returned to the classroom for midterm exams and final presentations. In Dr. Dimitriou’s class, students shared their power point foreign policy presentations.

Dimitri Dimitriou and Barrington Wilson presented on the FYROM name dispute. Their presentation provided amble background including information about the United Nation’s stance on the issue and the controversy behind the naming of the Skopje Alexander the Great Airport.

Next, Bryn Ambrose presented on Greek-China Commercial relations. Ms. Ambrose elaborated on the Chinese management of ports in Piraeus and possible future investment in the Energy Industry in Greece.

Whitney Anderson and Zoe Tranakas made the final presentation of the day about the Cyprus issue. The pair gave a history of Cyprus and the events that led to Turkey invading the island. Ms. Anderson and Ms. Tranakas continued and explained the current situation and that any hopes of Turkey joining the European Union depends on the country ceasing to illegally occupy over one-third of Cyprus. Following the presentations, the Journey family went to our favorite Plaka taverna for our traditional Greek lunch.

After our meal, we returned to the classroom for our Greek language class. This session, we reviewed our mid-term exam and practiced our conversational Greek. Students also received a study guide for their final exam, which would test their reading, writing, and oral abilities. 

The last class of the day was Greek Dance. Today, students performed one of the dances we had learned.  Dances that were performed included, the Zembetiko, Kalamatianos and Syrtos. After our performances, we enjoyed a free evening and a group dinner, before returning to our apartments to prepare for our final exams.