Claire Hughes, Professor of special education and gifted education at Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, recently returned from a summer trip to Greece where she served as a Fulbright Specialist advancing international collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) in special education.

Hughes partnered with Dr. Eleni Morfidi at the University of Ioannina in Ioannina, Greece to co-author a chapter on the philosophical perspective of AI in education.  It’s part of a forthcoming book project they are co-editing titled Bridging Borders: AI for Inclusive Special Education Around the World with scholars from the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Greece. “Being there in person was invaluable,” Hughes said while reflecting on the impact of face-to-face collaboration compared to remote work.

Hughes’ husband, who speaks Greek fluently, accompanied her on the trip and provided translation support to help her navigate both academic settings and daily life in Greece. The couple stayed in university housing, where Hughes noted the authenticity of living like locals rather than tourists.  This included walking a mile and a half walk from the dorms to the cafeteria to eat.

In addition to her research, Hughes delivered lectures to university students on gifted and twice-exceptional education. “While American education often emphasizes math and standardized benchmarks, Greek students expressed greater interest in literacy and the arts,” Hughes said of the distinct cultural difference in educational priorities.

Hughes also delved into the broader contrasts in education. “In the U.S., labels often come first before students can access services,” she explained. “In Greece and elsewhere, the focus is on providing support first, with labels coming later.”

While academia was the focus, Hughes found herself immersed in Greece’s layered history and culture. She traveled across the country, from Patras and Thessaloniki to Athens and Corfu, visiting Ottoman and Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches, and sites steeped in cultural memory. One story that resonated was the legend of Ali Pasha of Yanina, an Albanian ruler who served as Ottoman Pasha of the Pashalik of Yanina, remembered for both tyranny and tragedy. Many of the people in the area shared the stories and legends associated with their history, which provided fascinating insights. 

“Living in Greece reminded me of the difference between a tourist’s view and the authentic life of a community,” said Hughes. “It’s something I’ve tried to teach my children.  The richest lessons come when you share daily life with people.”

The time abroad also deepened Hughes’ appreciation for the resilience she saw in Greek culture compared to the American drive for rapid solutions and how this connected to the adoption of AI. “Greeks are accustomed to systems evolving slowly, while in the U.S. we want to fix problems immediately,” Hughes reflected. “Both perspectives have something to teach us.”

Looking ahead, Hughes plans to return to Greece next year to help launch the AI and special education book with Morfidi. “This was a chance not just to share research, but to learn from another culture’s approach to education and life.  That’s what Fulbright is all about,” added Hughes.