Global Migration
How might we create more inclusive societies in an ever changing world?
Why Greece?
Greece is positioned in a crossroad between different continents. The country has often grappled with its role as a border nation at the juncture of East and West. From past periods of forced migration to more recent waves of refugees from Syria and beyond, Greeks have had to adapt and respond to new waves of migrants, humanitarian and economic crises, and shifting cultural influences.
Greece’s identity as the center of Western civilization, coupled with its geographic position at the edge of Europe, makes it a dynamic place to learn about global migration today. Here we can meet with organizations working on the frontlines of refugee response, historians who can lend deeper perspective to the current situation, and everyday people with unique outlooks on how their communities have been impacted by migration and the factors that drive it
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.
Community Involvement and Exploration: 2-3 nights
Athens, Greece
Athens, the Greek capital will serve as the base for our program, where we’ll lay the foundation for our inquiry and return at the end to bring our experience and projects together. Here we will begin to examine how various stakeholders have responded to recent refugee crises and shifting patterns of migration. To frame our program, we will spend some time exploring historic neighborhoods that have been shaped by migration over time and understanding the context of Greece as well.
Migration Crisis Mitigation: 0-4 nights
Lesvos, Greece
We’ll board an overnight ferry or flight toward Lesvos, a Greek island just four miles off the coast of Turkey that has found itself at the forefront of the most recent refugee crisis. While the situation in Lesvos has changed dramatically in the past few years, the island has a remarkable story and perspective to share. We will hear from international NGOs, learn about the peak of the migrant crisis, and connect with locals and refugees whose lives have been shaped by recent migration. We will work to understand the various perspectives we encounter and unpack the complex global dynamics at play.
Optional: A Mix of People: 0-3 nights
Alexandroupolis and the North, Greece
As either an alternative or additional field experience, we can also take a short flight to Alexandroupolis, near the land border with Turkey. Since the 1920s and onward, this northern Greek city has been made up primarily of immigrants. We will explore this very diverse part of the country, visiting Pomak (Bulgarian-speaking Muslim) villages on the mountains of Rodope and border towns.
Returning and Reflection: 3-4 Nights
Athens, Greece
Closing our program back in Athens, we will take time to reflect on what we’ve experienced, the people we’ve gotten to know, and the understanding we’ve developed. We’ll meet with policy experts and NGOs, as well as schools and community centers, to continue our program and better understand our own responsibility in a changing world. We’ll have some final visits to key landmarks and and we’ll consider how we want to move forward, how we will share our work, and what we still have yet to learn.
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:
