Sustainable Living
How might we translate thousands of years of history and culture into a more sustainable future?
Why Greece?
In Greece, ancient societies adapted to their surroundings and preserved cultural traditions for centuries. After making it through waves of rise and decline, modern Greece now faces its own environmental risks and opportunities.
Thousands of years of history can lend a helpful perspective when we think about issues like climate change, sustainable farming and food systems, economic stability, and their intersection with culture and community. How might we translate Greeks’ special connection to the land into a broader connection with the planet? How can a historical look at sustainability inspire new ideas for our planet?
INSIGHTS + PROJECTS
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
Students will investigate the project question by getting to know Greece as a place, along with the people who live there, tinkering with ideas together to apply what they are learning, and sharing reflections, insights, and aha moments with others.
Ancient and Modern Sustainability: 3-5 days
Athens, Greece
In Athens, we’ll explore how a modern capital can be built on thousands of years of history. We will investigate the historical core of Greece atop the Acropolis and meet with local NGOs to contextualize recent issues of equity and sustainability. We’ll take an excursion to a nearby permaculture farm to learn about sustainable agriculture and taste some locally produced honey. We’ll also climb to the church on top of Lycabettus hill, explore farmers markets around the city, and enjoy dinner at a hidden taverna in Plaka.
Mediterranean Island living: 3-7 nights
Crete, Greece
Greek islands are famous for their varied history, beautiful towns, and stunning landscapes, and on Crete we will explore all three. We will visit the ruins of Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and consider how ancient peoples designed their city to sustain their needs of the time. We’ll also see first-hand how important Greek staples like olive oil, cheese, and filo dough are produced and how they connect modern culture to the past. Across the island we will also take time to connect with local farmers and communities and explore smaller seaside towns and mountain villages. And of course we will enjoy incredible mezzes, handmade pastries, and some reinvented Minoan cuisine, as we get a first hand taste of Greece.
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs & Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
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You can also check out other programs in Greece, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
