The Study Tour brings together the coursework, the readings, the discussions –
synthesizing and bringing alive the wonders of Greece, past and present.
Dear friends,
If you crave meaningful conversations with educators, authors, illustrators and librarians who are passionate about children’s literature, and would be interested in pursuing those conversations while exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth, there could be a chair waiting for you in THE EXAMINED LIFE one-semester graduate course.
I occupied one of those chairs this winter and embarked on an online odyssey through Greek history and literature with internationally renowned scholars from Harvard University, Brandeis University, Boston University, UMass/Boston, and Wellesley College. The webinars led to lively discussions with fellow students in the program’s internet forum.
Our coursework culminated in a physical journey to the land of Odysseus and Orestes, Agamemnon and Alexander, Helen and Hera, Antigone and Aphrodite, Medea and Medusa, Socrates and Scylla, Python and Plato, and all the other personages we studied for a semester that have been peopling mankind’s imagination for millennia. Guided by the incredibly knowledgeable and outrageously fun Mara Kanari, it was truly the trip of a lifetime.
So, if eye-opening academics and world-class travel in the company of people dedicated to improving children’s understanding—whether through crafting curriculum or creating books— appeals, I invite you to learn about the program and join us.
Ellen Reagan, past Greek Fellow
ExL’s next Study Tour of Greece is currently planned for April 2025.
| April 18, 2025 Greek Orthodox Good Friday |
Arrival of Fellows by 5:00 p.m. Meet and Greet with Mara Kanari — Welcome and introductions Reception at 6:00 p.m. — followed by welcome dinner in the Plaka where we can watch the Epitaphos procession |
| April 19, 2025 Saturday |
Early visit to the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum. Bus pickup at the hotel and drive to Marathon. Tumulus at battle site, lunch by the sea. Drive to Evia, via the Ferry, to Ayioi Apostoloi. |
| April 20, 2025 Sunday |
Greek Orthodox Easter Argos Hotel, Petries Possible art and writing workshops. |
| April 21, 2025 Monday |
Depart Evia First stop at New Archaeological Museum of Chalkis Arethousa before bus ride to Delphi. |
| April 22, 2025 Tuesday |
Visit site and museum at Delphi. Proposed alternative visit to the Tholos at Delphi for repeat visitors. Drive to Olympia Book Discussion TBD |
| April 23, 2025 Wednesday |
Visit Olympia site and museum. Drive to Nafplion. Option 1: Dinner and dancing at Taverna Option 2: Visit Harvard Center, presentation by writer in residence and reception. |
| April 24, 2025 Thursday |
Visit to Epidauros and Mycenae |
| April 25, 2025 Friday |
Visit to the Corinth Canal, site of ancient Corinth, Museum. Return to Athens. Tour and dinner at the Benaki Museum. |
| April 26, 2025 Saturday |
Day in Athens. Possible visit to the Agora, National Archaeological Museum. Free time. Reception and farewell gathering. |
| April 27, 2025 Sunday |
Fellows return flights home. |
We strive to keep the cost of our academic program affordable.
ExL offers financial support for educators new to our program.
Graduate and professional development credits are available for ExL participants.
To join our academic program, complete the registration form. Upon submission, an acknowledgement letter with further instructions will be sent to you. Once registration is completed, each registrant will receive a letter of welcome to the program as a Greek Study Fellow with full details on everything needed for achieving graduate credits and joining the Study Tour.