Program Details
Location
Athens and Tinos,
Greece
Term
May Session
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Greece provides a unique cultural environment in which to explore color, light, and form. Immerse yourself in a climate of light and form by observing and experiencing water, stone, and structure in a fresh way. You will explore ancient architectural forms, uniquely evolved historic villages, and references to mythological and symbolic imagery.
Course Description
Explore historic and contemporary art forms, including ancient architecture and ruins, monolithic and minuscule street art, and vibrant Athens and picturesque villages through guided museum and site tours, artist talks, and self-directed immersion. Learn creative strategies in observing and capturing the varied scenic vistas that are part of this immersive experience, including historic artifacts and architecture, flora and fauna, unique landscapes, and even street life. Expand your ability to visually interpret what you see through a variety of skill-building exercises and more polished assignments — all inspired by your day-to-day adventures. Create and capture memories of a lifetime through basic art and design instruction emphasizing careful observation, color theory, and composition. Leave your indelible mark through a meaningful community engagement project.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some other additional meals, are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions may include:
Athens
- South Slope/Peripatos
- Acropolis and Parthenon
- Benaki Greek Folk Art Museum
- Kalimarmaron Ancient Stadium, National Gardens
- Kalatrava New Olympic Stadium and sunset picnic
- Pendeli Monasteries
- Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Tinos
- Food tasting picnic
- Pyrgos village of marble
- Giannoulis Halepas Studio Museum
- Panormos coast
- The Resident Artist Landscape Exhibit
- The Marble Museum
- Isternia village
- Volax
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
This program might allow for a return flight deviation. Connect with your program contact with any inquiries.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This Seminar is taught by Frances (Fancy) Trice, Senior Lecturer and Associate Department Head in the Department of Graphic Design, Apparel Design, Retail Merchandising, and Product Design in the College of Design. Fancy has previously led this program.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000-level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
You will be assessed on your creative projects, research, and overall participation throughout the program. The assessments will focus on whether you have engaged in processes with clear intent. Created projects will be assessed for intent, effort, and evolution of content and craft. Research projects will be assessed for thoroughness, depth, organization, and writing skills.
You will receive credit for: DES 3133
Liberal Education fulfillment: Arts/Humanities
May 2024 Tentative syllabus (PDF)
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities—At a high level, this course is tied to housing inequities and homelessness in Athens. You will learn how the local government and one particular non-profit organization help assist this marginalized population.
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2025 | May 16–June 7, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec. 12th | 12:00 p.m. | Hybrid Zoom & Heller Hall 230C |
| Monday, Dec. 16th | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom only |
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May Session 2025 Cost of Participation
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, most meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included (most are included), spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May 2025
Global Seminar: Capturing Greece: Color, Light, & FormMay Session 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $6,189 |
| International health insurance | $48 |
| Housing and/or mealsshared hotel rooms, daily breakfast and 3-4 additional meals | $1,305 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee)group flight | $2,083 |
| Total Program Fee | $10,025 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $9,525 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsETIAS visa fee | $10 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*optional travel clinic visit | $25 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $185 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feefor meals not included | $400 |
| Essential daily living expensesinternational phone plan, etc. | $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $750 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $10,460 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $400 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is required for participation in this program. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827