Field study trip in Egypt
A delegation of undergraduates led by the University’s Director of Civic Engagement Cameron Bell enjoyed an immersive 5-day study program alongside the Art D’Egypte exhibition openings at the Giza Plateau and Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina). Art D'Egypte is a cultural platform, founded by French-Egyptian Nadine Abdelghaffar, that curates annual exhibitions showcasing art in heritage sites, linking Egypt's rich past to its creative present, under the patronage of UNESCO since 2019. Hellenic American University was delighted to be an Art D'Egypte Educational Partner this Fall semester.
During the field study, students were tasked with exploring Hellenism in Egypt in all its forms, classical and contemporary: What was? What remains? What does the future have in store? Visits to relevant Greek sites of social, religious, and artistic importance offered a critical reflection on history, politics, and identity, and an opportunity for the students to engage with their Egyptian peers. The students also had the unique opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists and ask them directly about their work in the company of distinguished art collectors, business leaders, and philanthropists. This initiative underscores the institutional mission of HAU to develop global citizens.
Back in Athens, participants commented on how enriching the opportunity was. David-Oliver Barouh, a 3rd-year student in the B.S. in Business Administration program stated, “From the culture, to the people, to the language, to the history, the food, this country truly opened up my eyes.” Study Abroad student Hannah Crawford elaborated, “We talked about Orientalism and how western society has placed daunting stereotypes on how the Middle East is depicted, but to see how much these stereotypes are false in real life is an experience I never thought I would have.”
Cameron Bell added, “I hope the students walked away with a new understanding of Greece as part of a broader region of shared history and great potential for collaboration. Field studies are a wonderful way to allow teachings to manifest organically through firsthand experiences.”
Image: Students and Cameron Bell at the Pyramids with Greek artist Nassia Inglessis
Photo Gallery
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