Students Reflect on Traveling Abroad and Presenting

Over the summer, four philosophy majors traveled to Greece to present their research at two international conferences – The World Congress of Philosophy in Athens and the 25th International Conference of Philosophy in ancient Olympia. Each student crafted an insightful, coherent and creative take on a key political or ethical concept in the writings of Aristotle and presented their ideas shoulder-to-shoulder with professionals from around the world. The experience afforded the students a glimpse into the life of a professional philosopher and offered them invaluable hands-on learning. Additionally, since such activities are the kind professionals include on curriculum vitae, these students now have a tangible start to their academic résumés, a vital component toward successful graduate school admission. Loni Taber, Braden Agueros and Corey Horn share their experience below.

In the summer of 2016, a group of undergraduate students and several professors from Eastern Washington University had the wonderful opportunity to reflect on American democracy through the lens of Aristotle and his political philosophy. 2400 years after the birth of this great thinker, we find ourselves still turning back to reevaluate his ideas that permeate modern society. On this extraordinary occasion, our curiosity took us out of the classroom and across the globe. With guided mentorship from extraordinary faculty, our small group of students was accepted to participate in conferences in both Athens and Olympia, Greece; where we shared our thoughts with a group of diverse intellectuals from all over the world.

Our experience in Greece was highlighted by the rich culture and history of Athens and ancient Olympia. We experienced the architecture, culture, and landscape that was the backdrop for the first Olympic games, the Pan-Hellenic festivals, the plays of Sophocles, the dialogues of Socrates, Plato’s teachings, Aristotle’s investigations of nature and Pericles’ orations all of which added an immersive element to our studies. We walked up to the Acropolis, wandered through the Ancient Agora and witnessed how the passage of time, war and occupation had affected Athens most historical monuments. Our time in Olympia was punctuated by a walk to the Alpheus River (harnessed by Heracles as one of his 12 labors), a walk around the archeological site for the Olympic/Pan-Hellenic festivals and, of course, having a footrace at the first Olympic stadium.

Yet not all sights to be seen were Ancient. The constant juxtaposition of the Ancient and the Modern World of Athens made for a fascinating discussion. We saw how city streets, some hardly changed over the centuries, still facilitated Athenian commerce and dining. Small shops lined alleys lit with hanging lights, and family restaurants filled many open centers. People were friendly and some spoke freely about the economic hardships facing Greece, which added yet another layer to understanding Greece’s culture – past and present.

In addition, we experienced a welcoming atmosphere among the conference organizers. The president of the Center for Ancient Greek Culture and Philosophy was even kind enough to host us at his home on the Ionian Coast where we enjoyed rich conversations and a wonderful barbecue. While at the conference in Olympia, we were often met with glad surprise from other conference presenters that we were all undergraduates – as we were the only ones accepted. They were impressed and offered vocal support for our department opening this opportunity to students. We were honored by their sentiments, and quite proud of our professors and classmates at Eastern.

Looking back, although our individual perspectives may differ, we all unanimously agree that it was an unforgettable experience. We faced travel hardships, unplanned adventures, amazing food, diverse languages and cultures, unbelievable ruins and truly wonderful people. Traveling abroad provided us with a picture of the world that most of us had never seen and it was something real, tangible and life-changing. For this reason, we encourage every student to try and do the same. Eastern has many wonderful programs, financial assistance and extraordinary faculty that help make these opportunities possible.

Written by Loni Taber, Braden Agueros and Corey Horn
Philosophy department undergraduates at Eastern Washington University

The college and Philosophy Department would like to acknowledge the mentorship and support given by Professor Mimi Marinucci and Professor Dana Elder to these students while on the trip. Guidance from faculty provides the foundation for student’s success as these experiences are often the first time students travel overseas or engage in new cultures.