Tentative Dates
January 2 - 18, 2014
Application Fee
$100
Program Fee
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsiblity of the participant.
Application Deadline
October 17, 2013
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Credits
Undergraduate
3 semester credits in History 398, Government 329, Art History 399, Philosophy 391, or Honors 130
Graduate
3 semester credits in Government 796
Housing
Hotels; Overnight Ferry!
Excursions
Too many to list!
See the itinerary below.
CONTACT: Marie alice Arnold via email or by calling 703.993.2167 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 517 area code.
Downloadable Documents
Faculty Info
Study abroad in Greece and Turkey this Winter Break, and learn more about three different religions located around the Mediterranean: the Olympic gods, Christianity, and Islam.
[M]y attitude toward Christian and Muslim interaction in Turkey was changed a lot. Speaking with our guide Halit, a practicing Muslim, he explained how modern secular Turkey has been working on building positive relations with Muslim and Greek Orthodox communities. Even though (the majority) of Turkey is Muslim, or holds some conception of cultural Islam, this large community does peacefully interact with the Christian minorities.
-- Student on 2009 Greece & Turkey Winter Break program
Plato suggested several different models of gods around which to organize a polis or republic. This study abroad program studies the political, philosophical, and cultural implications of the different conceptions of the gods set out in Plato’s Republic. Our understanding of these differences is mostly derived from texts but is given context by an examination of classic art and architecture. Our visits to cities, ancient and modern, add further depth of understanding to the connections between gods and cities.
It was refreshing for me to learn about Greek and Turkish history and culture from native people who cared about their past and teaching others about their own history.
--Former student perspective
Beginning in Athens, where Plato taught and Paul preached, we examine the ruins of ancient Greece, including the Parthenon, which has served as ancient temple to Athena, Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque, and modern museum.
Our study tour continues through the most important cities and sacred sites in ancient Greece, including Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and Delphi. We will also take a cruise to the island of Crete and visit the ancient ruins of Knossos (the legendary palace of King Minos).
Then we will head to Istanbul, the capital of the Roman Empire, first visiting Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities and the location of an early Christian church. We will also spend some days and nights at Parmukkale, Pergamun, Aphrodesia, and Troy.
Our final few days will be spent in Istanbul, a city that continues to echo with the words and actions of many different gods.
Academic Director
Char Miller, Professor of Public and International Affairs
Dates: January 2 - 18, 2013
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Athens for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Istanbul for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase your international airfare until you are advised to do so by your Program Officer.
Program Fee
$4,995The Center for Gobal Education Program Fee includes:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Greece-Turkey domestic airfare
- City transfers
- Overnight ferry
- Some meals
- Guest lectures
- Guides
- Pre-departure orientation
- Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.

