The Ancient Olympics. Historical figures. Athletes. Marketing. Global outreach. Community reuse of Olympic facilities. The everyday activities of an Olympic bidding committee.
These things can be easily learned in a classroom. Going to the sites at which they happened and continue to happen, however, is an entirely more beneficial educational experience. I learned about the course material and about the ways of life in Europe through the program.
The Olympic Odyssey was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Not only did I learn an incredible amount, but I immersed myself in a culture opposite my own, which is a valuable experience alone. From the modern facilities used just five years ago in the London Olympics to the ancient facilities used in the very first Olympics, we learned firsthand about a global event that brought, and continues to bring, people of all creeds and nations together.
Learning about the history of the Olympics ended up as a component of the history we learned. By actually being in Europe, we could also learn about the history of the countries, namely British and Greek history. In Greece, we learned about the Battle of Marathon and Greek Democracy. In Britain, we visited famous historical landmarks like the London Tower and British Museum.
Reading about the Athenian Acropolis, the Olympian hundred meter dash and the London Olympic facilities in a textbook can teach you the facts. Being there is miles - or in this case, kilometers - more beneficial than the classroom would have been.
I enjoyed every second of being in Europe and am eager to one day return.
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