Written by Kenzie James// Photo by Abigail Callicoat
Harding University in Greece (HUG) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a special study abroad program.
Communication instructor Noah Darnell and director of photographic services Jeff Montgomery will take 30 students on a weeklong trip in Greece over spring break. The group will primarily be in Porto Rafti and Athens, with one day in Corinth. Vice President for Student Life Zach Neal, Executive Vice President Jean-Noel Thompson and their wives will also attend the weeklong program. The group will stay at the Artemis, the HUG property in Porto Rafti, with the spring 2025 HUG students.
Unlike other study abroad trips, the students will not take classes while abroad. Montgomery said there will be a couple of class sessions to make sure students are comfortable with using their cameras and know the basics of taking pictures. The program will focus on the storytelling aspect of photography more than the technical components of making photos.
“It’s a short-term study abroad group with the idea that we’re going to create some art for the hotel there,” Montgomery said.
Some of the photographs made on the trip will be used to redecorate the Artemis. Montgomery said he wants photos that are deeper than touristy-looking photos to replace the art currently at the HUG property.
“If you see something that grabs your attention, focus on it and explore it,” Montgomery said. “Because if it’s grabbing your attention, it’s a worthy subject.”
Students practiced this concept at the Mardis Gras parade in Little Rock March 1 and photographed various subjects that caught their attention, including dogs, scenery and people. The event was an opportunity for the group to meet one another and practice with their cameras. Many of the students are not experienced photographers and are using cameras from the Communication Department’s checkout room for the trip.
“I like that a lot of the group… [doesn’t] have photography experience, so we’re all kind of just coming together and we’re going to learn,” Carlson said.
Students are excited to explore the new culture and landscape of Greece, and to see how the others perceive it. Carlson said she is looking forward to the class sessions because it is an opportunity for the students to compare their photographs. Sophomore Nate Rabb, another student going on the trip, said he is looking forward to observing God’s creation with like-minded people who have different perspectives.
“I’m excited because in photography you are able to capture a still moment and enjoy it for as long as you’d like,” Rabb said. “Greece is a beautiful place, and there will be lots of opportunities to do that.”
