UVA in Greece Program Overview

Summer 2027
Program Dates — May 25 - June 14, 2027
Application Deadline: February 15, 2027 

Learn More and Apply

Upcoming Information Sessions

If you are applying for the Odyssey Greece Summer Program (or are just thinking about it), Faculty Directors Phoebe Crisman and Michael Petrus strongly recommend that you attend one of the upcoming info sessions where they will explain in detail how the program works, what happens every day, programs costs, financial aid and what it's like live on a sailboat for two weeks.

— Greece Program Information Session
Wed. November 18, 5 - 6pm
Hotel A Conference Room

— ISO Virtual Study Abroad Information Session (Includes Greece Program)
Monday November 30, 5 - 7pm
Zoom (Link to be Shared Soon)

ODYSSEY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE

Inspired by Homeric poems and Odysseus’ travels, as well as current sustainability challenges in the Aegean, this experiential learning and sailing program introduces students to both past and present ways of life in Athens, the Saronic and Argolic Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Dhokos, and the Peloponnese peninsula. Greece offers unique environmental and cultural resources to support student learning about changing human-environmental relations, culture, and settlement patterns from antiquity to the Anthropocene.

In the process of passing one of the EU’s most ambitious climate laws, Greece plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions 55% by 2030 and intends to be fully net zero by 2050. Ten types of single-use plastic products were banned in 2021, 12% of electricity demand is generated by wind turbines and 7% by solar, and sustainable water initiatives are underway. Greening its’ 200 inhabited islands will create Europe’s largest network of sustainable off-grid communities. While most current development consumes vast amounts of water and energy, traditional Greek settlements and buildings were simply, effectively, and beautifully designed for their specific climate and provide important sustainability lessons.  

In ancient Greece important settlements were connected by water. The ocean was a divinity and source of all seas, rivers, and streams. From it rose the sun and dawn, the constellations, and in it they set. Students will experience the Greek islands more akin to how Odysseus saw them—from the sea in sailing vessels. For two weeks we will live aboard 45 to 50 foot monohull yachts and sail with highly experienced, professional Greek skippers from Poros-based Greek Sails and Profs. Crisman and Petrus, who also skipper yachts in Greece. Sailing offers a sustainable way to travel by harnessing wind energy, while managing limited water supplies, wind and solar energy, and waste reduction strategies. Lectures, reading discussions, research reports, visits to significant sites, and cultural exchanges with Greek locals will provide opportunities for students to gain valuable knowledge and experiences. Daily academic field journal entries will require students to reflect on their learning. 

LOCATIONS

The program will begin in Athens, with visits during the first 3 days to the Parthenon on the Acropolis, the Stoa of Attalos, Tower of the Winds, National Archeological Museum, and several other sites. We will take a daytrip to the beautiful ancient Sanctuary of Delphi on Mount Parnassas. On day 4 we travel by ferry from Athens to the Island of Poros. There we begin our two-week sailing odyssey aboard 45 to 50 foot yachts though the Western Aegean Sea and along the Peloponnese peninsula. Each day we will travel to a new destination - stopping in a cove for a lunchtime swim, docking in a town quay in the afternoon to explore local sites, and enjoying free evenings and dinner at local cafes and restaurants. Each night we will sleep onboard while docked or at anchor. The syllabus linked in the Courses downdown section below has a map and complete schedule of ports. We will always sail within sight of land and rarely more than an hour from a port of refuge. We will enjoy a final day in Athens before bidding farewell and independently traveling home or elsewhere. 

During the program, temperatures are typically in the upper 60s F to the low 80s, which is comfortable with the low humidity of the area. The sun will feel strong when you are out in it, though the boat’s cockpit is covered by a fabric shade structure. Winds for sailing will be generally mild (5 – 20mph), perfect for novice sailors. 

LEARN MORE —

Program dates, Program details, Planning Information, Program Costs, Financial Aid Information and Application Details can be found at UVA's Education Abroad Website.

Required Interview: A brief, 15-to-20-minute, low-key interview with Profs. Crisman and Petrus is a required part of the application process. It is best to schedule the interview early in the Spring 2027 semester while you are working on your application. An online signup will be posted on this page, or you may contact Profs. Crisman and Petrus by email.

Please note: School of Architecture students are encouraged to apply for dedicated financial aid for this program. This is a Walker Global Experience Scholarship Program - supported by a generous $2 million gift. Students may apply for an award of up $5,000 to cover expenses such as program tuition fees, room and board, transportation and incidental costs.