My name is Ioannis Dedes, and I’m a second-year undergraduate student at McGill, majoring in Political Science and History, planning to continue my studies in Ancient Political Philosophy and Theory. The purpose of my studies isn’t limited to an undergraduate diploma. I am interested in following an academic career, which will ultimately help me become directly involved in the political stage. Additionally, I’m an award-winning writer and researcher with 250+ online articles, 10+ agency collaborations, and 100,000+ online reads. With a 4-year history of superior performance in remote environments, I have acquired an in-depth comprehension of SEO and SEM software. I also possess vital creativity to deliver unique copy and diverse knowledge of competitive social media marketing campaigns and offerings.
Through my undergraduate studies and extracurricular writing portfolio, I linked my political theory and philosophical interest with the world of ancient Greece and historically relevant aspects of archaeological heritage. My research focuses on a combination of the ancient Greek world with the political theory developed at that time, and philosophy is vital to this approach. Achieving outstanding performance overall has originated from research and understanding of History, Political Analysis, Educational Reform, Economic Sustainability, and Budgeting Evaluations. My purpose is to study and understand the political communities' theory and foundation. By comprehending the structure behind the world of politics, I will have acquired the necessary knowledge to understand, evaluate and act upon today’s political changes.
I wanted to do the internship because I wanted to learn more and excel in the part of political theory combined with its roots in the ancient Greek world. I have always been interested in this interdisciplinary approach to political science and history, so I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about how it works in practice and research while adding exciting parameters such as archeology and economics to the equation. By having the honor to work as an intern at the Canadian Institute of Greece (CIG), I sought to conduct research based on archaeological fieldwork and analyze as much scholarly research as possible, considering the political theory aspect but not solely focusing on that. The utmost goal was to gain more insight into the Greek world of antiquity as the starting point of the political community and a foundation of its structure.
The Canadian Institute in Greece (CIG) is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada, seeking to promote Canadian research and education in fields relating to Greece’s heritage. The Institute advances knowledge of Greece in all periods by sponsoring and promoting archaeological fieldwork, providing resources for scholarly research, and disseminating results. The Institute is also charged by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture with primary responsibility for all Canadian archaeological fieldwork projects and seeks to support the investigation, preservation, and presentation of Greece’s cultural heritage.
The Institute promotes research in all aspects of ancient, Byzantine, and modern Greek studies, including classics, history, art history, anthropology, and the fine arts. This is achieved through an academic program of seminars, lectures, and conferences. Provides services for its members, including applications for study and fieldwork permits, advice on developing research programs, access to accommodation, and library facilities in Athens. The provision of fellowships for graduate and postdoctoral research in Greece and internships for undergraduate and graduate students to experience academic life in Athens through the services of CIG. The Institute also sponsors Canadian cultural activities in Greece.
My responsibilities included but weren’t limited to the:
- Conducting research based on my professional and educational background by the opportunities provided by the Institute.
- Drafting articles for the CIG blog that present ongoing Canadian archaeological fieldwork in Greece, including recent findings from research and excavations
- The organization of academic lectures that focus on archaeology and classical history.
- Promotion of the CIG’s activities, including its fieldwork missions, cultural events, and lectures on its social media platforms
- Inputting content on the CIG website to inform on the developments of fieldwork conducted at nine Canadian excavation missions operating in Greece
- Contributing to the organization of the CIG’s official opening at its new premises and providing support during CIG evening events.
The primary highlight of my internship was the opportunity to connect and meet valuable individuals. During the official inauguration process, I met political figures of the Greek and Canadian governments, ambassadors, and officials of the Canadian embassy, and widely known political theorists and researchers. A prime example was meeting and connecting with Mark Allen, the former Executive Director of Human Rights and Indigenous Affairs at Global Affairs Canada and the current Ambassador of Canada to the Hellenic Republic. I also had the honor to meet Steve Mirkopoulos, the brother of Greek Canadian entrepreneur, film studio pioneer, philanthropist, and founding member of the CIG, Nick Mirkopoulos.
Another major highlight has been my experience in the city of Athens as a researcher and an intern. From the standpoint of learning outcomes, research has helped me gain valuable information on the role of archaeological excavations and their connection to relevant historical events. Although I grew up in Athens, the most vital learning outcome was achieved by visiting the Ancient Athenian sites and monuments, such as the Old Parliament, with the purpose and the mission of analyzing their foundational goal in the political structure and democracy.
The honor and the satisfaction from such opportunities were met with the challenges of connecting all the historical and archeological research to my specific field of politics and philosophical theory studies. After having access to such a vast array of bibliography, resources, and opportunities, I realized that narrowing down my research topic while also finding the right detailed approach would be more of an issue than I had expected. The opportunity of meeting valuable individuals from the political stage or the field of diplomacy was satisfied with the challenges of doing this for the first time at the professional level and overcoming certain anxiety-driven emotions.
Additionally, it was the first time I was called to have meetings with esteemed individuals and researchers who were willing to help me with my research but, at the same time, intended to have a fruitful conversation. Regarding the organization and the logistical approach, the CIG lectures, events, and openings weren’t new to me in terms of the tasks that had to be performed, but the challenge was the size of the Institute’s events. Whereas in previous internships, I had to organize events for 25-50 people, everything had to be perfect for 300-400 guests.
Although there’s a great connection between the field of my studies and the internship at the Canadian Institute in Greece, I chose not to receive academic credit for my three months at the Institute. That’s because what I worked on and researched at the Canadian Institute in Greece wasn’t something new for my degree, but it was more like a revision of things I had already learned in the quest of excelling at their interdisciplinary approach. I wouldn’t say that it was similar to a new course or something deserving of unused credits rather than a valuable experience applying what I have learned in the political and historical field during the last two years of my McGill studies.
Regarding academic and personal research, the internship at the CIG helped me continue writing my book for the Greek Independence War and the Development of the First Greek State. It also provided me with precious insight and information for research papers concerning the history of the left and the rise of the alt-right in today’s world, as well as the emerging danger for the democratic parties of the world, but again, this is based on personal research, and I haven’t received any supervising from McGill professors.
The internship at the Canadian Institute in Greece has had a significant impact on my university experience. I have learned a great deal about the process of historical research and writing, as well as how important it is to be able to work in a team. This internship has also allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I gained from my political science and history courses at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, which has allowed me to develop my skills and improve my grades.
My internship funds covered the costs of moving to Greece from Canada, travel expenses, and food. This allowed me to focus on my research during my internship at the Canadian Institute in Greece and not worry about income sources to cover my stay and study. I am more than grateful for the Ithaca Arts Internship Award, and more specifically, I am thankful to Dre. Bellisle for providing me with this award and the opportunity to research in one of the best Greek-Canadian history institutions.
