Culture, Cognition, and Neurodiversity in Athens
Athens, Greece
Why you should go
Athens is one of the world's most fascinating classrooms, where ancient history meets contemporary inclusive early childhood education centers, the University of Athens, museums, and historic landmarks such as the Acropolis. Students will connect course concepts to real-world educational settings. They will learn directly from local educators, researchers, and community organizations while developing hands-on qualitative research skills through fieldwork. Beyond the classroom, students will experience the vibrant culture, food, and daily life of Greece, gaining a deeper understanding of how language, community, and culture shape learning and human development. This Global Seminar offers a unique opportunity to earn academic credit while exploring one of Europe's most historically significant and culturally dynamic cities.
Courses
- EDS 108GS: Culture, Cognition, and Neurodiversity in Education (draft PDF)
- EDS 102BGS: Exploring Learning Contexts: Field Methods in Education (draft PDF)
Faculty Leaders
Christoforos Mamascmamas@ucsd.edu
Christoforos Mamas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego. He teaches courses on educational research methods, inclusive education, and teacher education. His research focuses on relational inclusivity and social network analysis, examining how peer relationships shape students' academic, social, and emotional experiences in schools. He received his PhD from the University of Cambridge (UK), following studies at the University of Crete (Greece) and the University of Worcester (UK). A native Greek speaker who grew up in Cyprus, just across the Mediterranean from Greece, he is especially excited to introduce students to the history, culture, and everyday life of the region and to help them think critically about education, identity, and social connection in the Greek context.
shanarcohen@ucsd.edu
Shana Cohen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego, where she teaches courses on community-engaged learning, neurodivergence, and child development. Her research examines how immigrant and multilingual families raising neurodivergent children navigate P–12 educational systems, with a focus on language socialization, cultural context, and family strengths. She challenges deficit-oriented perspectives on bilingualism and disability, emphasizing the assets of flexible language practices, community knowledge, and relational networks. Her scholarship advances culturally responsive models of inclusion and educational systems that recognize linguistic diversity and community context as central to children's development.
Who should go
This Global Seminar is ideal for students interested in education, psychology, cognitive science, human development, neuroscience, public health, sociology, and related fields, as well as anyone interested in culture, migration, neurodiversity, and inclusive education. Students will gain hands-on experience conducting qualitative research in community settings while exploring how culture and context shape children’s learning and development. The program is particularly well suited for Education Sciences majors, as the courses are equivalent to EDS 102 (Methods Requirement) and EDS 115 (Learning Environments Requirement) and may also satisfy requirements or electives in Human Development, Psychology, Sixth College, and Eighth College. Students from all majors and colleges are encouraged to apply. Consult your college or major advisor to determine how the courses will apply toward your graduation requirements.
Information Sessions
- Program "Meet the Professor" session: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 26, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 27, 2027 |
| Mandatory Orientation: | Mon., June 28, 2027 |
| First Day of Class: | Mon., June 28, 2027 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., July 30, 2027 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., July 31, 2027 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program manager will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
$2,623.24 | $2,673.24 | $3,675.24 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Full Budget Estimate
- Coming soon!
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Local
- Athens guided walking tour: A guided walking tour of Athens provides students with an engaging exploration of the city’s historic and cultural heart, introducing key landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and important public spaces such as Syntagma Square, Plaka and Anafi otika, while offering insight into the history, architecture, and daily life that shape modern Athens.
- IVHQ Refugee Support Program: A visit to the IVQH Refugee Support Program offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about community-based initiatives supporting refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting programs focused on education, psychosocial support, social integration, and empowerment while providing insight into the challenges and resilience of displaced populations in contemporary Greece.
- Guided Tour of the Acropolis: A guided tour of the Acropolis offers an immersive exploration of one of the world's most significant ancient archaeological sites, showcasing iconic monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike while examining the history, architecture, and enduring legacy of Classical Greek civilization.
- Acropolis Museum Guided Tour: A guided tour of the Acropolis Museum offers an in-depth examination of exceptional artifacts unearthed from the Acropolis, showcasing sculptures, architectural elements, and archaeological treasures that illuminate the artistic achievements, religious practices, and daily life of ancient Athens.
- METAdrasi's Educational Programs: A visit to METAdrasi's Educational Programs offers valuable insight into educational initiatives designed to support refugee and migrant children, showcasing innovative approaches to language learning, inclusion, and educational access while highlighting the organization's efforts to promote integration and equal opportunities.
- Naturalistic Observation at the National Garden of Athens: A naturalistic observation visit to the National Garden of Athens offers an opportunity to examine child development and social behavior in a public setting, providing fi rsthand experience observing play, peer interactions, family dynamics, and the role of green spaces in supporting learning, well-being, and community engagement.
- Benaki Museum: A visit to the Benaki Museum in Athens offers a comprehensive exploration of Greek history and culture, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical objects that trace the evolution of Greek civilization from antiquity through the modern era.
- Shedia Home Community Workshop: A community workshop with Shedia Home offers an opportunity to engage with a local social enterprise supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and social exclusion, highlighting community-based approaches to empowerment, social inclusion, sustainability, and meaningful connection within contemporary Greek society.
- Local Inclusive Early Childhood Education Center: A visit to a local inclusive early childhood education center offers an opportunity to observe best practices in inclusive education, highlighting strategies that support diverse learners, foster social-emotional development, and create equitable learning environments for young children of all abilities.
- Historic University of Athens Department of Education: A visit to the Historic University of Athens Department of Education offers insight into Greece's teacher education system, showcasing the university's academic programs, educational research, and approaches to preparing future educators while fostering discussion on contemporary issues in teaching and learning.
- Jewish Museum of Greece: A visit to the Jewish Museum of Greece offers an opportunity to explore the history, culture, and traditions of Greece’s Jewish communities, highlighting their centuries-long presence in Greece, experiences during the Holocaust, and contributions to the country’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC): A visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) offers an exploration of one of Greece's premier cultural and educational institutions, showcasing its innovative architecture, public learning spaces, and commitment to promoting the arts, sustainability, and community engagement.
- Panathenaic Stadium: A visit to the Panathenaic Stadium offers a fascinating exploration of the world's only stadium built entirely of marble, showcasing its signifi cance as the site of the fi rst modern Olympic Games in 1896 and its enduring role in the history of athletics and Greek heritage.
- Epidaurus Ancient Theater: A visit to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus offers an exceptional exploration of one of the best-preserved theaters of the ancient world, showcasing its remarkable acoustics, architectural excellence, and enduring signifi cance as a center for drama, healing, and cultural life in ancient Greece.
Overnight
- Overnight Excursion to Olympia: A two-day, one-night excursion from Athens offers participants the opportunity to experience some of the Peloponnese’s most signifi cant archaeological sites, cultural landmarks, and scenic landscapes. Traveling comfortably by roundtrip private transportation, the excursion includes an overnight stay in Olympia, a guided tour of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, and a visit to the renowned Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. This overnight excursion provides a memorable combination of ancient history, cultural discovery, and independent exploration beyond Athens.
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing
- Double room in a shared apartment in a neighborhood close to the classroom
- Shared Kitchen and Wi-Fi internet
- Laundry available in the building
- Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.
Included Meals
- Welcome dinner upon arrival
- Farewell dinner at end of program
Classroom and Computer Access
- Classroom space at the Hellenic American Union
- Wireless Internet in the classroom
- Computer lab and library available
- Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.
Transportation
- Transportation from the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) included in the program for students arriving before 11:00 am on the official arrival date.
- A local transportation pass for the city of Athens will be provided for each student.
- Transportation for all out of town excursions
Phones
- Information about how to obtain a local SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students will be responsible to purchase their own calling time/minutes.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- Comprehensive insurance package with CISI
- An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
- All students are required to enroll in UC travel insurance.
