Athena Blogs

Every dollar counts while you are in school. Between books, tuition, room and board, car payments, etc., money is tight for most college students. Despite this highly budgeted time in students’ lives, many still make the effort to give back to their communities help to make the world become a better place. Athena Study Abroad rewards those who've proven their dedication to volunteering and community service through our S.O.S. program.  As one of the three components, Scholarships Offering Support is our way of helping those who help others.

Our biggest and most prestigious scholarship is the Michele Iavagnilio Charitable Scholarship worth $8,000.  In memoriam of Michele Iavagnilio, the scholarship honors a young Italian man who had dedicated his life to giving back to his community. Michele’s family wanted his name and his aspirations to live on. Recipients of this award have the honor of meeting and sharing an authentic Italian meal with Michele’s family during their semester abroad. The scholarship is open to accepted Athena students going to Italy during the spring semester.  We encourage all eligible students to apply as we’re consistently impressed and inspired by the work being done by our students!

While fashion trends come and go, seasons fade and hairstyles change, one thing that never loses its style or importance is the idea of giving back. Whether your passion is to find shelter for the homeless, befriend the elderly, rescue abandoned animals, or donate locks of your hair, there is always room for more love in the world. We at Athena do our best to put charitable giving at the center of our work and mission through our S.O.S. program.  With three unique components, S.O.S uses a dynamic approach to help Athena Study Abroad fulfill our mission of giving back to the community and the world.

The first component of the S.O.S. program rewards those who have already made a commitment to service and volunteer efforts. Offering scholarships ranging from $250 to $8,000, Athena is happy to reward deserving recipients who are able to demonstrate themselves as proven, competent global citizens. Consistently impressed and proud of the hard work being done by our students, we encourage you all to continue the amazing work already being done.

Athena Study Abroad is proud to announce the winners of the summer 2013 scholarships! After receiving many impressive applications, we are happy to reveal the most deserving winners and their respective scholarships. 

Short Term Service Scholarship:  $400. 

Katie Yeaton, Endicott College

It is hard to believe another class of Athena alumni is just a few weeks away from graduation day.  After all of the exams, papers, quizzes and readings you all have finally made it to the finish line, whew! :) Take time to pat yourselves on the back and relish in the success of being a college graduate. As you begin to move on from your collegiate experience and take on the next chapter in your life, there are a few things Athena wants you to remember along the way. 

Remember you are brave. You are so brave that you traveled to the other side of the world to leave your friends, family and all the comforts of home behind. Even though mom and dad, advisers and friends may have supported you along the way (which you should thank them for), it was YOU who believed YOU could do it. Take this bravery with you into the real world; it will take you further than you ever dreamed it could.  It has already taken you to the other side of the world, hasn't it? 

Ok, maybe Indiana Jones can run, find treasure and escape outrageous danger better than we can. But still, we have some pretty fabulous opportunities abroad that inspire and prepare young archaeologists for their future careers.  Travelling into the rolling hills of Italy’s countryside to the culturally rich town of Tuscania, students are able to learn about the ancient Etruscan civilization that pre-dates the Roman Empire.  The workshop-styled program allows students to do hands-on excavations and studies while soaking up the unique town nestled in the heart of Italy!

Offered as either a two- or four-week program, students are able to earn course credit while uncovering historic lifestyles of ancient Italy. This program is perfect for students looking for something off the beaten path and for the chance to discover an academically enriching experience abroad.  If you think this might be the program you've been looking for and would like a little more information, you are welcome to call our representatives at 1-866-922-7623 or visit our website at www.athenaabroad.com. We are accepting applications for Summer 2013 until May 1st.  Discover what treasures lay ahead; start an application today!