Erasmus+ Trainee from Greece at the University of Gothenburg
Maria Dasenaki currently holds an internship as an Erasmus + trainee at the Centre for Critical Heritage Studies (CCHS), University of Gothenburg. She will participate in several projects during her year in Sweden.
Maria Dasenaki has a master’s degree from Leiden University in Applied Archaeology and is especially interested in public archaeology.
“I finished my bachelor studies in History, Archaeology and History of Art at the University of Crete in Rethymno and had the opportunity to be part of two university excavations (both prehistoric). During my studies, I had also been given the chance to spend a semester as an Erasmus + student in Wrocław, Poland, where I attended lectures in English, studied different university material and met a wide variety of people from around the world.”
Ending up in Gothenburg
“Just before finishing my master studies in Leiden University, my thesis supervisor advised me to take part in a training activity in the context of EU_CUL. It was there that I met my current supervisor Anita Synnestvedt, Coordinator of the Heritage Academy, Centre for Critical Heritage Studies. I also met Elisabeth Punzi, Coordinator for the research cluster Heritage and Wellbeing, Centre for Critical Heritage Studies, and was fascinated by their work. Later on, while searching for the ideal place to work as an Erasmus + trainee, I contacted Ola Wetterberg, director at the centre and Anita Synnestvedt and they both were positive on me joining them in Gothenburg. So, here I am!”
When in Gothenburg Maria Dasenaki will work closely with Anita Synnestvedt, experienced in the field of public archaeology. Maria Dasenaki is also engaged in projects within the research cluster Heritage and Wellbeing (Centre for Critical Heritage Studies), which also has a strong engagement in community based research and practice. Maria is co-arranging and taking part in activities centered on introducing Swedish heritage sites to young girls in the suburb Hjällbo.
“It is wonderful to have Maria Dasenaki here. She brings new perspectives and is an important part of our team already”, says Elisabeth Punzi, PI for the heritage and social work project in Hjällbo.
Expectations
“What are your expectations of this internship?”
“Since my studies were mostly focused on archaeology, I want to gain more experience in heritage management and public outreach within the archaeological context. Hopefully, with Anita Synnestvedt and Elisabeth Punzi showing me the way, I can get a better grasp on public and applied archaeology and heritage.”
“So far, I enjoy my time with the Centre for Critical Heritage Studies! Anita Synnestvedt provided me with a lot of studying material on public archaeology and heritage interpretation, which I found enlightening and helped me think outside of the box. The projects that I am engaged in seem quite interesting and I can’t wait to cooperate with them and start a more in-depth research!”
During her stay, Maria Dasenaki will be based at the Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg.
Centre for Critical Heritage Studies (CCHS) is a cross-disciplinary, cross-faculty research centre. Our research explores the many layers of cultural heritage, as a material, intangible and intellectual field.
Research within CCHS is conducted under five main thematic areas. Alongside these areas, the Heritage Academy aims to create a bridge between the academic world and the surrounding society.
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Erasmus+ supports traineeships (work placements, internships, etc) abroad for students currently enrolled in higher education institutions in Programme countries at Bachelor and Master level as well as for doctoral candidates.
