Anthropology is the study of human cultures, and there is no better way to study them than with firsthand experience. That is what UMW senior Ariana Adamek (’25) did in the summer of 2024 with the support of a Beyond the Classroom scholarship. A double major in anthropology and theatre, Ariana spent a month in Europe, studying in two countries that on the surface may appear quite dissimilar: Greece and Denmark! One of the points of comparison and contrast came in the study of food in a course titled “Tasting Culture: Nordic and Mediterranean Food, Tradition, and Nutrition.”
Adamek studied in Athens and Ikaria, Greece as well as the cities of Copenhagen and Samso, Denmark. Some of the highlights of her experience in Greece were visiting wineries, tavernas, local businesses, and attending a panigiri, a traditional festival in Ikaria. She experienced the history and geography of Greece, including a visit the Acropolis and hiking Mount Lycabettus, the tallest mountain in Athens. In Denmark, she visited different types of local businesses and farms and discussed their views on sustainability and Danish culture. Notable sites in Denmark included a visit to Nyhavn harbor and the Church of Our Savior in Copenhagen.
Back at UMW, Ariana is busy with her work as Peer Mentor Coordinator for the first-year seminars. She is active with UMW Theatre productions and just wrapped up a star role as “Juror Eight” in Twelve Angry Jurors. She is also a student in the Honors Program, and will be preparing her Capstone/Senior thesis soon.
Studying abroad was one of the best experiences I’ve had in college. I was able to learn so much about a subject that I was previously unfamiliar with in such a hands-on way, and it introduced me to topics and theories that I want to continue studying for my senior thesis. As an anthropology major, I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to observe and take part in other cultures firsthand. This experience allowed me to make connections with so many other unique students and incredible professors, and it is definitely something that I will never forget!
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