Midway Reflection: A Message from your Program Manager
Wednesday, August 6th
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I can’t believe we have already reached the midway point. I hope you have been following our Instagram account: @gsagreeceaugust2025. With the stories, posts and reels, I have tried to give you all a small window into what it’s like to be on a Global Summers Program.
In just 13 days, we have visited so many places and done so many things. From exploring Athens and hiking to the top of the Acropolis, to taking our very first ferry ride to the beautiful island of Syros, to getting lost in the charming streets of Mykonos, making new friends from GSA’s Double Credit Program, to sunset swims and volleyball tournaments at the Dolphin Bay Resort. We have also learned how to use the metro, for many students, for the very first time.
I am amazed at how well this group of students has immersed themselves in the Greek culture. Not only are they keeping up with their schoolwork, but they are making time to explore the architecture, history, art and food that this incredible country has to offer.
We, as staff, have tried to expose them to as many of these incredible places as possible each day. Whether in-class, by taking them to so many breathtaking historical sites, gardens, cafes and galleries or outside of class by taking them to the “must see” locations in each region.
What is amazing is that we have managed to do all this on foot. After all, the best way to explore the European continent is by walking around. We have averaged over 20,000 steps a day. Despite all this, this amazing group of students has spent very little time at the hotel. Even with all the walking around, they are still taking the opportunities to go out each night and explore some more on their own. From back-to-school clothes shopping, to finding that perfect gift for family and friends back home, to chasing sunsets and new gelato places, they have been doing it all.
I am very excited to share the second half of our program with them. We still have many places to explore, many sunrises and sunsets to chase, more gelato to taste and most importantly many more lifetime memories to make.
Please stay tuned for many more stories and reels to come your way.
On behalf of all the staff on our program, thank you for giving your child this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We will make sure they remember this for a very long time.
Yassas for now,
Bertan
Program Manager
Greece August Program
