While in Greece, the students and I spent most of our time at the Isthmian Excavation site. There, I worked with one of the professors, Daniel Trego, to create 3D models of artifacts, as well as different areas of the dig site. One main issue professor and director of the site, Jon Frey, wanted to tackle was developing a virtual space for people to visit and experience without having to travel to the dig site themselves. This includes virtual tours of the site, along with accurate models of artifacts. With my interest in user experience (UX), I wanted to help create a seamless navigational experience for people interested in the site. This type of digital space was something I had not worked with before, so I was excited. To do so, I worked with Professor Trego and a few students on scanning various artifacts and tombs using the app Polycam. The app takes pictures of an object as you walk around it to curate an accurate 3D model. In addition, I captured 360 pictures of the main areas of the dig site. Using Polycam and a 360 GoPro, I was able to take pictures of the temple area, racing tracks, altar, stadium, and different rooms of the bath area and mosaic. Using those pictures, I worked with the software Panoee to create a virtual tour of the bath area. There, users can navigate through the space while experiencing a 360 view of the different rooms of the bath house.

One thing done differently in this year’s study abroad program was the introduction of a Greek university student, Iro Paschali, who is studying archaeology. Paschali accompanied us to the dig site for about three weeks. By having someone who is from Greece, and who is the same age as us, that we could communicate with helped greatly in my understanding of the culture. Not only did I benefit from her translations, but I also made a great friend that I continue to keep in contact with to this day. Other than that, I am lucky that the majority of Greek citizens know how to speak English.

During the four weeks, I found a nearby gym and would go twice a week. Each time I walked in, I had to greet the people at the desk in order to pay. At first, I was nervous about the language barrier, but thankfully, they could understand English, so it became easier to communicate with them.

I came into this study abroad not knowing any of the language or the culture. So, practically being thrown into a completely different environment was a personal challenge and experience to adapt to. Not only did we work at the dig site, but each weekend we traveled to a different area in Greece, such as the Acropolis, Mycenae, and Nemea. There, Professor Jon gave tours about the historical importance of these places, which I had no knowledge of prior. Because of this, I feel as if I built a stronger understanding and appreciation for Greek culture and history that I never would have if not for this program.

Name: Vicky Chen
Status: Senior
Major: Experience Architecture
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)
Program: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece