Education
About the Discovery Program
The Discovery Program equips students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to become successful professionals in their field. The program encourages independent thinking, creative problem solving and project-based learning. Through a series of seminars and workshops, participants explore topics such as leadership, team dynamics, negotiation, communication strategies, and career planning. They also participate in group activities designed to increase their understanding of the workplace environment and their ability to navigate it with confidence. By engaging in real-world projects and interacting with experienced professionals, participants gain valuable insights into their chosen field and develop a greater understanding of how to pursue success in today’s competitive world.
Students say that the Discovery Program
100%
had positive impact on their
personal life
95%
had positive impact on their
professional life
100%
exposed them to
local cultural values
Location
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. It is the cradle of Western civilization and is credited with the creation of democracy, political science, historiography, the Olympic Games, Western philosophy, drama, and literature. In this field experience, hosted by the Discovery Foundation, students will be based on the island of Crete.
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete rests approximately 160 km south of the Greek mainland. The program will be based in the cities of Iraklio and Chania with excursions planned to Spinalonga, Elounda, Balos, and Elafonissi. The field experience will conclude in the capital of Greece, Athens, with visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum.
Greece
It is the cradle of Western civilization and is credited with the creation of democracy, political science, historiography, the Olympic Games, Western philosophy, drama, and literature.
Student impressions
Jordyn Bankert
I think that no matter what, everyone was there to help you, to guide you and to lead you in the right direction.
Kirk Underwood
It is something that I never thought I would enjoy as much as I did. Through the course I genuinely understood that science is something that I see myself fitting into really well.
Michelle Kondrich
The course gave me a broader perspective of what science is and what I can do with my life.
100% positive energy!
Noah Medalsy
I do not get the chance to travel a lot because of my work and studies back home, but I am so glad I decided to join the course because it was a completely new experience I have never felt before.
Recognized for Excellence in International Experiential Education
Educational excellence is measured not only by what is taught, but by the lasting impact it creates on learners, communities, and society.
The Discovery Program has been honored with three national distinctions for educational excellence, presented by two of Greece’s most respected national education award programs: the Education Leaders Awards and the ELT Excellence Awards, recognizing innovation, quality, and measurable impact in education.
The Discovery Program received:
Gold Award: Teaching Adults (ELT Excellence Awards)
Silver Award: Teaching for Raising Awareness for Social Issues (ELT Excellence Awards)
Bronze Award: Student Experience (Education Leaders Awards)
These distinctions recognize an educational model that places students at the center of the learning experience, combining academic rigor with experiential learning, critical reflection, intercultural dialogue, and meaningful engagement with local communities.
Delivered in partnership with universities across the United States, the Discovery Program enables students to earn transferable academic credits while participating in immersive educational experiences in Crete that integrate history, culture, sustainability, public health, and community engagement into a coherent academic journey.
The recognition reflects the program’s measurable impact on student learning, fostering critical thinking, global citizenship, intercultural competence, and personal growth through authentic, real-world educational experiences.
These national distinctions reaffirm our commitment to designing transformative educational experiences that meet the evolving needs of higher education and prepare students to become informed, responsible, and engaged global citizens.
At Discovery Foundation we use student-centered approaches such as problem based learning. Students work in groups to solve real word problems. They are encouranged and motivated to learn through cultural experiences interactive lectures and engagement with local communities.
Experience a new way of learning
F.A.Q
When does the course take place? When should I register?
The course is offered once a year, every May, and runs for two weeks. To ensure that we can carefully plan and coordinate your experience, registration must be completed by 31 January. This allows us sufficient time to organize the field activities and courses, arrange accommodation and transfers, and ensure that every aspect of the program is tailored to your needs.
What is included in the course fee?
The fee for the course includes the tuitions fees, your accommodation in Crete, Athens and Santorini, your transportation within Crete and Athens (transportation will take place with an assigned vehicle. Taxis and other means of transportation are not included), some meals throughout the course, and planned visits to local sightseeing locations and activities of the program.
My payment did not go through. What should I do?
We are sorry for the inconvenience. We encourage you to reach out to your financial institution as further permissions may be needed to complete the payment. You are also welcome to contact us at info@discoveryfoundation.eu for further assistance. Please wait a full 24 hours before trying again. A stable internet connection and up-to-date browser are strongly recommended.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend the Discovery Program?
To receive a full refund, you must cancel your registration by sending an email to info@discoveryfoundation.eu no later than two days after the registration deadline of January 31 of the applicable program year. This deadline applies specifically to the registration period for the applicable program year and does not include any extensions that may be granted to the registration period. After this deadline, we will be unable to issue a refund, as accommodation, transportation, and planned activities will have already been paid for or otherwise committed. Please note that we are unable to reimburse any currency conversion fees charged by your credit card issuer.
Where are we going to stay?
Students will be accomodated in shared hotel rooms.
Students who wish to have a private room during their stay may request single-room accommodation, subject to availability, and will be responsible for paying the additional cost.
Do I need a passport or any other documentation for travelling to Greece?
If you are traveling to Greece from a European Union (EU) country, you do not need a passport. You may travel using a valid national ID card. However, we recommend checking with your airline in advance to confirm whether any additional documentation is required for your journey.
If you are traveling from a country outside the European Union, you will need a valid passport to enter Greece. Please ensure that your passport meets the validity requirements for your trip and remains valid for the required period after your departure from Greece.
Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa to enter Greece. Please check the visa requirements that apply to your country with the relevant Greek consular authority or your local government authority and allow sufficient time to obtain a visa, if required.
U.S. citizens: Please ensure that your passport is valid for the required period beyond your planned departure from Greece and check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
How should I handle money abroad?
It is best to have access to multiple sources of money in case you should have difficulty with any one source. In Greece the currency used is euros (€). Try to always have some euros and some with you. Keep these in a secure place on you. Do not leave money or documents in pockets or bags that could be easily accessed by someone passing by. Awareness is the key to keeping your belongings safe.
ATMs may charge expensive fees for withdrawals, so be prepared to pay extra for the convenience of taking cash out.
You may be able to obtain a travel money card, which works like a declining debit card. Most major credit cards are accepted in Greece. You can research whether your card is accepted at most locations within Greece.
You should inform your credit card company in advance of your travel dates, otherwise they may put a stop on your card if they suddenly charges are made in another country.
Be aware of the exchange rate. Taking out 20 US dollars out of an ATM may not be a big deal, but if you take out 20 Euros, it is much more significant. Likewise, a credit card purchase in local currency is going to be different from the US dollar amount that you owe when you get home.
What if I get sick while I’m abroad? What about my prescription medications?
You should have medical insurance before you leave your country in case you get sick while abroad. Insurance does not cover you while you are abroad. You can purchase temporary international insurance at several insurance companies online, or you can contact your insurance carrier for extra information.
In case you need common remedies (painkillers, cough syrup, throat lozenges etc.) you can easily find them in local pharmacies. For prescription medication, make sure that you have enough for your trip. Also make sure the medication you carry is legal in Greece. In case it is not, contact your doctor for any alternatives.
Can I use my cell phone while I am in Greece?
Check with your service provider. Some phones are equipped to be used internationally. Other phones can be used internationally if you pay additional fees. Some phones have no international utility at all, and you may prefer to purchase an international calling card or a temporary/pay-by-use phone.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please visit our Terms and Conditions page for details.
If you have any other question, please submit it below:
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