I’ve been back in Greece for three weeks now and I have been grateful for every moment I spend here. Last summer and now, studying abroad has taught me travelling needs adaptability, especially here in Greece. Greece has a very laid back but reliable culture. As anxious as it can be not having a set plan down to the hour, I feel that I can be flexible here and still stick to a schedule in my free time. A typical weekday on this program includes waking up very early and doing field work from 6 am to 2 pm. In Greece it is common to have dinner later than in the States, around 8 pm. To get a full nights sleep other participating students and I get dinner earlier than normal, but the towns people are very willing to accommodate us. Because there have been many archaeological digs in the town of Ancient Corinth, the locals are used to and welcome groups of Americans who come to participate in excavations here. They know that outside of tourism, programs like these bring business to the area and they get to know the students throughout the summer. Overall, the locals are very hospitable.

Many locals know and acknowledge what we do. I have gone to coffee shops after a workday in my field clothes with other students and people will ask what we are doing in Greece. Once we explain what work we are doing they seem to be very thankful and people have said that we are doing a great service for their country. Another practice they are very thankful for is us trying to speak Greek. The program directors and supervisors try and teach us basic Greek words to practice in the village. Although most of the towns people can speak English, it is clear that they appreciate any attempt of us learning some of their language. Even if our pronunciation is off they are happy to teach us the correct way or other phrases.

As mentioned before Greece has a very laid back culture or as they say siga-siga. It is relaxing but it can also be somewhat complicating when planning. They take breaks like siestas during the day and most shops are closed on Sundays. Things like waking up later than most or not bringing the check at a restaurant unless you ask for it are some other major differences pertaining to time. One example of this is the project I am participating in put in an order for water because of the laborious work we do in the sun. The order was supposed to be delivered in the morning, but was delivered as the work day was ending and they were locking the gates to the archaeological site. I feel these cultural differences just take some getting used to, but they do not taint the amazing experiences.