Participating in Harvard Summer School 2024: two scholarship recipients from the University of Patras describe their experiences

November 15, 2024

A group of people is posing for the camera in a friendly manner, with some striking joyful poses and one gesturing the victory sign. They are standing on a pathway by the sea, with a large rocky passage as their backdrop on the left side and a sunlit hill on the right.

Guest posts by Georgia Dimopoulou and Katerina Kouni, Harvard Summer School in Greece 2024 alumnae

Two scholarships are offered annually as part of the collaboration between CHS and the University of Patras—one from each of the two collaborating institutions. These scholarships secure the participation of two University of Patras students in the Harvard Summer School Program in Greece.

Read below the reflections from the two scholarship recipients about their experiences from the summer of 2024. Additionally, you can find more information about the Harvard Summer School Program on our website. For details about these scholarship opportunities, please refer to the latest relevant announcement of the University of Patras.

Georgia Dimopoulou: “An unforgettable overall experience”

A group of people stands outdoors on a grassy field, posing with their arms around each other. In the background, the sun sets over distant mountains, casting a warm orange and pink glow across the sky, while tall trees and a view of a green valley are framing the sunset.

This summer, I had the extraordinary privilege of participating in Harvard University's Summer Program in Greece, a five-week journey that was as enriching intellectually as it was emotionally. The program, centered on the theme Migration and Boundaries: Reconceptualizing Mobility in the Eastern Mediterranean and Beyond, took us through the heart of Greece, from the vibrant city of Thessaloniki to the serene beauty of Nafplio, where we spent two weeks at the Center for Hellenic Studies.

What stood out most to me about the academic aspect of the program was how deeply we explored the complexities of migration and boundaries, not just as abstract concepts, but as real, lived experiences that have shaped civilizations throughout history. Our instructors' insights into ancient texts offered a profound lens through which to examine modern issues of migration and displacement, culminating in a final paper with the captivating Gregory Nagy that challenged me to connect past and present in meaningful ways.

However, it wasn’t only the academic discussions that made this experience unforgettable, it was also the breathtaking locations where those discussions took place. Our seminars were often complemented by day trips to archaeological sites, where history came alive before our eyes. From standing at the foot of ancient ruins to walking through historical cities, we experienced firsthand the echoes of the past. Having our professors serve as guides during these visits added a special depth, as they taught us on the very soil where history was made.

A group of people is standing and posing at a square, gesturing with their hands, with some raising them and all smiling. In the background, there are low trees, a ferry, and people walking by. The sky has an orangish color as the sun sets.

Yet, perhaps what left the deepest imprint on my heart were the friendships I formed along the way. This program brought together students from across the globe, each with unique perspectives and stories. Our shared experiences, from intense academic discussions to laughter-filled evenings by the sea, created bonds that I will treasure for a lifetime. In the end, this program was not just an intellectual journey, but a personal one, rich with memories, growth, and newfound connections.

As I look back, I feel incredibly grateful - not only for the scholarship that allowed me to be part of this adventure, but for the opportunity to grow both as a student and as a person, surrounded by inspiring individuals and unique friends. I will always remember our wonderful dinners, at first quieter and more reserved, but they eventually became the most beautiful moment of the day in an unforgettable overall experience.

Georgia Dimopoulou’s short bio

Georgia Dimopoulou studied Classics at the University of Patras, with a particular focus on ancient philosophy, as well as epic and lyric poetry. Her academic interests have always been diverse, but her passion for the intellectual richness of ancient texts has been a central aspect of her studies. Beyond academia, she is deeply involved in the arts. She enjoys painting and has pursued music studies, including piano and singing, while also exploring dance and creative writing. Currently, Georgia works as an art curator at the Hellenic Diaspora Foundation. Her responsibilities include curating art collections, writing texts and scripts for documentaries, guiding tours in the museum, and managing auctions. Her role allows her to blend her love for culture, history, and storytelling in a dynamic and creative environment. She is passionate about preserving and presenting art in ways that engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Katerina Kouni: “The opportunity […] was a privilege”

Four young women are posing with their arms around each other on a slope, as the sun sets in the background, casting orange and pink hues across the sky and over the surrounding greenery.

Harvard Summer School was one of the most inspiring and meaningful experiences of my life. The opportunity to participate in this program as a Harvard CHS Scholar was a privilege that guided me to a whole new approach to knowledge and creative thinking. As part of the courses, I had the chance to explore issues of migration and borders both geographical and cultural. Each lesson was not just a lecture but a dialogue that through the interaction of the whole class, left you with a new reflection and food for thought. Our professors were extremely knowledgeable and approached each topic in a way that inspired us, while the assignments they gave us helped deepen the topics covered in the lessons.

In addition, the excursions (Kavala, Ancient Olympia, Athens, Hydra) and the artistic activities (Epidavros theater, movie night) that we took part in during the program helped to visualize the information we were learning in the seminars and were a lot of fun for all of us! The program was perfectly organized and the CHS team was always there for us in whatever we needed to make sure that these five weeks will be unforgettable for everyone!

Two young women are standing and posing for the camera at the center of a room with curtains, stone walls, and overhead lighting. One is holding a microphone, while the other strikes a joyful pose with one leg raised. Around them, people are seated, clapping and smiling.

One of the highlights of my experience was interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which helped me see new perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of multiculturalism. The most valuable part of the program was by far the friendships I developed with people from different countries, with whom we bonded deeply in just five weeks. Despite the distance, we have kept in touch and I am optimistic that these friendships will last a lifetime.

My experience at Harvard Summer School enriched my ambitions, provided me with management skills and gave me the courage to take initiatives. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in such an important program, and I believe that the lessons and experiences I have gained will continue to guide me in my future path.

Katerina Kouni’s short bio

Katerina Kouni is a dedicated student of architecture, with rich academic and international experiences. She studies at the University of Patras, while she attended the Erasmus+ program at the Polytechnic of Milan, where she focused on urban planning and architecture in historical contexts. At the same time, she has interned in offices in Europe and Asia, gaining practical skills and discovering new cultures. Katerina actively participates in voluntary actions and events, while she stands out for her multicultural perception and her cooperative nature. Her goal is continuous development on a personal and professional level, always looking for new challenges that will provide her with knowledge and inspiration.