I was supported by the DAAD-Stiftung
Privat
Konstantinos Korakianitis is the scholarship recipient of the Dr. Maria Trumpf-Lyritzaki Scholarship. He grew up in Athens and received his bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Cultural History at the University of Crete, which happens to be his sponsor’s home island. He earned his master’s degree in Classical Archaeology in 2011 with a dissertation on “Black and Red Figure Cretan Pottery from the 6th and 5th Century BC. Investigation and Questions of Interpretation Based on the Example of Eleftherna.”
„I am thankful to the DAAD-Stiftung and Dr. Trumpf-Lyritzaki for enabling me to do research in Germany for a whole year. This scholarship made it possible for me to gather important scientific and intercultural experiences which will continue to benefit my career in the future.“
Konstantinos Korakianitis describes In his own words how it was to work and live in Germany:
Life at the University of Heidelberg is simply amazing. The departmental library is superbly organised and situated in the best possible place, where you can look up from your books and enjoy a view of Heidelberg’s historic downtown. Right in front of the “Marstallhof” is the most beautiful university dining hall I have ever seen. Not only can you eat lunch there, but you can also take your coffee breaks there or get together with your fellow classmates for a beer.
In addition to working on one’s dissertation, meeting other scholars or establishing new professional contacts, the university also offers the opportunity to become personally acquainted with everyday life in a German city.
The German way of life is a little different from what I’m used to in Greece. But I’ve realised that it suits me quite well. The typical German thoroughness and organisation are somewhat lacking in Greece – although Greeks would welcome more of that. This German trait makes it easier for me as a Greek to adapt. In a way, it makes life easier because you can better organise your day.
As for recreation and relaxation, I find it’s very easy to converse with Germans. After all, we have a common cultural background. Both Greeks and Germans like to have a glass of wine once in a while, and our sense of humour is similar. Germans are very friendly and I’ve gained such a positive impression of the country and people that I’d like to share this wonderful view of Germany with people back at home.
Working at the university has also made it possible for me to establish a network which will certainly remain in place long after my time in Germany. Be it social-academic ties or contacts with friends, I believe it’s always beneficial to expand one’s horizons.
Privat
