After spending my first week abroad in Athens, Greece I have had the opportunity to learn more about the ancient history of Athens, engage with local business professionals and political leaders, and develop skills to effectively communicate through cultural boundaries. We have had the opportunity to visit many historical sites such as the Acropolis, the Agora, the Panathenaic Stadium, Plato’s Academy and much more. These historical sites have played a crucial role in our modern development economically, politically, and philosophically.
We had the opportunity to visit the ancient Agora which was a marketplace where people of all trades could come to conduct business, but it also served as an area for people to meet and spread ideas. We got to walk the same streets that Socrates had roamed where he asked probing questions in order to lead people to self discovery and critical thinking. I learned that we must ask one another challenging questions and discuss controversial topics in order to grow as people and a society. I can also incorporate Plato’s view of self fulfillment and moral conduct into my own life as well as Aristotle’s view on balance and moderation known as the “golden mean”.
On our visit to the Panathenaic stadium I got to stand in the same arena and run around the same track that the first Olympians had run. I found it fascinating to learn about the Battle of Marathon and how our current day race has gotten its name. I hope I don’t end up like him after running my marathon. Sports were a massive part of Athenian culture inducing competition but also a form of physical training for the preparation of military service.
In addition to site visits, we had U.S. Embassy Diplomat, Yuri Arthur, and her team visit us for a panel. We got to learn about the different hats they must wear from participating in cultural events, delegating business affairs, and always being culturally aware in order to bridge our two countries. I enjoyed learning about the different screening processes they do on businesses looking to move abroad and the potential threats of foreign investors which shed light on the complexity of international business. I did not know how large of a role the Embassy had on not only relations, but business and economic strategies needed in global markets.
My initial impression of Athens was that everyone was extremely welcoming. I was amazed at the hospitality and generosity of the local citizens which had put my initial nerves to ease. Whether it was trying to find a museum, or the closest route to the Acropolis, the locals were excited to share their culture with us. I was shocked at how late things stayed open here and equally as shocked at how many Gyros I could consume in one week.
