Do you want to learn while you travel? There are two worthwhile options on the island of Crete over summer that offer sightseeing and food for thought.

Unbound Prometheus

Unbound Prometheus is an annual summer education programme that takes place in different destinations around Greece. It’s back stronger than ever from July 7-14 (Programme 1) and July 14-21 (Programme 2) again with more advanced seminars set to take place in Chania, Crete.

Geared towards intellectuals, this year’s centrepiece is a master seminar by Professor/Author Menas Kafatos, titled “The Quantum Universe, Reality and Living”.

Participants can also choose from two academic bundles presented by experts in their field: Programme 1 (a) mathematical modelling in art and science and (b) corporate finance and strategy; or Programme 2 (a) the science behind the mass media’s influences on people and (b) computer and the brain.

Accommodation is provided, with lectures set to take place in the hotel where guests will stay. The tuition fee for one seminar is $1300, but going for both is quite the deal at $1500. The tuition fee covers 7-day accommodation, breakfast and transport to field trips.

Gifted high school students and adults are encouraged to apply, as are junior faculty members wishing to expand on their research and teaching expertise. Some United States universities have even awarded credit points to students attending the programme.

More info at http://unboundprometheus.com/

Archelon – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece

Since 1983, Archelon has worked to protect sea turtles and their environments. The society offers three different volunteering options in Crete (Rethymnon, Messara, or Chania). Volunteers can study the different options, their variations, and choose the one that best suits them.

Their duties are varied and include monitoring of the nesting activity of the loggerhead sea turtle, protection of nests and hatchlings, as well as contributing to public awareness. These projects run from May to September every year.

All the data collected by Archelon contributes to the assessment of the state of sea turtles at the local, European, and Mediterranean levels. It is clear that being a volunteer for Archelon is a great way to do good in both practical and scientific terms.

Volunteers can pay 350 euros to participate, though prices depend on the volunteering period and include accommodation. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and speak English. A knowledge of sea turtles is not obligatory, however participants should have the ability of working together in an international group.

More info at https://www.archelon.gr/index_eng.php