Participating in Harvard Summer School 2026: Two scholarship recipients from the University of Patras describe their experiences

Guest Post by Sofia Nella

My participation in the Harvard Summer School Program was a very fulfilling experience, both academically and personally. As a scholarship recipient through the collaboration between CHS Greece and the University of Patras, I had the honor of taking part in the program on "Political and Natural Environments of the Eastern Mediterranean from Antiquity to the Present."

The interdisciplinary aspect of the program and the comparative approaches were ones I thoroughly enjoyed. The ability to engage with different fields such as history, archaeology, architecture, and even literature, in a shared context, set the foundations for insightful discussions and gave opportunities to exercise critical thinking in a creative way.

The nature of the classes, a combination of thought-provoking lectures by distinguished professors, followed by interesting dialogues, created a productive environment with intellectual interest. I was delighted to acquire a more profound understanding of not only significant historical events and particular time periods, but also the way the people of these societies operated.

The various excursions to archaeological sites, urban spaces, and monuments, gave the chance to engage with the material in an interactive way that made the experience all the more vivid. This element of the program was particularly important for me, as a student of architecture, as it enabled me to gain different understandings of space, through time and place: from ancient Epidaurus and Mycenae, to Philippi, to contemporary Thessaloniki and Nafplio and more. I was also pleased to gain more insight into the interaction between the natural and built environment in the different societies, at the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Finally, I'm very grateful for the meaningful connections I had the joy of making. It was a great privilege to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, share stories, and exchange perspectives. At the end of the day, the experience felt like a shared journey that the people made that much more special.

In reflection, I'm incredibly appreciative of having had this invaluable opportunity. The program offered a remarkable environment for educational and individual advancement, combining inspiring insights with a genuine community. It was an enriching adventure, where knowledge sparked inspiration, and the people made the experience truly memorable.

Guest Post by Konstantinos Pilaftsoglou

My participation in the Harvard Summer School Program of the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece on the topic "Political and Natural Environments of the Eastern Mediterranean from Antiquity to the Present: Comparative Cultural Approaches" was one of the most special and unforgettable experiences of my student years. In collaboration with the University of Patras, CHS annually provides two scholarships to students of the University, and I feel truly grateful to have had the honor of being one of them this year. The program takes place in Thessaloniki and Nafplio, offering through seminars a unique approach to the history and multiculturalism of the Eastern Mediterranean over the centuries. The courses are accompanied by visits to archaeological sites, such as Vergina, Philippi, and Mycenae, as well as museums, giving us the opportunity to come into direct contact with the ancient ruins.

Among all the courses, the one that particularly stood out for me was that of Professors Emma Dench and Michael Puett, entitled "The Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty." The comparative study of the rise of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty was extremely interesting to me, as it allowed me to examine two different historical worlds through a shared analytical framework. The collaboration between the two professors was truly remarkable, and I feel this course bridged an important gap in my historical knowledge while broadening the way I perceive comparative history.

However, what I will remember the most from the Summer School is the people I met there, and of course, I refer to my fellow students. I could not have imagined better company and interlocutors with whom I shared not only lectures but also moments that I will remember for many years. Everyone was friendly with distinct and interesting personalities, and I feel truly grateful that our paths crossed. I sincerely hope we meet again as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to express a huge and sincere thank you to CHS Greece for the opportunity that was given to me to participate in this unique program. In particular, I would like to thank Evangelos Katsarelis and Georgia Dimopoulou, who were always available and present whenever I needed them. This experience has given me new knowledge, cherished memories, and, most importantly, lasting connections with people who will remain a meaningful part of my life for years.