Ten Rhodes students have been traveling throughout Europe as part of a study abroad Maymester with the Department of International Studies since June. The course, designed by Dr. Nikolaos Zahariadis, the Mertie Buckman Distinguished Professor of International Studies, specifically studies the Brexit, Grexit, and Migrexit movements.
Since June 21, the students have visited Athens, Lesvos, and London, with several side trips along the way. While in Greece, the group visited refugee camps and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Athens and Lesvos. They were also given a tour of Parliament, where they met the president of the Hellenic Parliament and the chief prosecutor.
“On this Maymester, we were given unique access into the multifaceted perspectives regarding the refugee crisis in Greece. I really appreciated hearing directly from Greek officials, as well as Greek citizens who have been affected by the continued influx of refugees,” says Mackenzie Lampner ’19.
Students were also able to visit NGOs in London, as further study of the migration crisis.
“I find it fascinating that both Greece and England can have so many ties to, and perspectives on, the same subject,” says Sara Taylor ’20. “The multiple dimensions of the migration crisis, in particular, that we have experienced on this trip were honestly unexpected, but nevertheless very welcome.”
A native of Greece, Zahariadis’ current research deals with public policy and the financial crisis in Europe and explores the Greek crisis and international negotiations with particular interest in modeling the causes and consequences of strategies during bailout negotiations.
Students will return to the U.S. on July 10.