Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
Explore the origins of humanistic psychotherapy through an experiential exploration of the history and topography of Greece. Through physical exploration, reading, reflecting, and on-site lectures, you will gain a deeper understanding of the culture in which humanism originated, learn about the unique environmental factors that promote a humanistic worldview, and critically analyze the evolution of humanistic theory from its philosophical beginnings to its status as a leading theory in counseling and psychotherapy.
You will also learn about the humanistic values and philosophy that emerged in Ancient Greece and their impact on the development of Western values. By the end of this course, you will be able to integrate these theories into your own counseling practice.
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 and activities may include:
- Guided walking tour of Athens
- Visits to ancient historical sites such as Olympia and the Acropolis
- Guided walking tour of Hydra island and its monastery
- Explore the Theater of Epidaurus
- Visit to the archeological site of Delphi
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Flight
The LAC will provide information on booking a designated flight. This flight will be the one the leader travels on and/or will include airport pick-up and transfers in-country. Estimated flight costs are noted in the budget, but fares may change until booked. You are advised not to book flights until given program confirmation from the LAC.
Important Note: A passport book is required to travel on this program. If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and reflect on aspects of intercultural sensitivity and development
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
Faculty & Staff
This program is taught by Dr. Armeda Wojciak, an Associate Professor in Family Social Science. Dr. Wojciak has led this program twice before.
Program Structure
One 3-credit course
This seminar has all instruction abroad during May 2027. It is a 2 week study abroad program led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that features:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
Receive credit for: FSOS 4150
Draft syllabus forthcoming
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 3: Good Health and Well-being—This course is centered around humanistic counseling and psychotherapy and is designed for those going in the helping profession. We will be learning about ancient ways of thinking about health and well-being through the help of others. We'll work with and learn about oracles and ancient healing centers that focused on holisitic healing through physical health, spiritual health, and emotional heath with a variety of methods such as the incorporation of theater for healing and catharsis.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequities—We will talk about the ways in which health and healing have historically been open to people despite their means, and how ancient communities help support this through local churches and giving. We will also go to the site of the ancient agora where we will talk about the birth of democracy, as well as the practices that were in place to ensure people got equal say in voting for their needs. Finally, we will compare this to the context in the United States.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—We will highlight the ways in
which Ancient Greece created peace and justice through some of their healing institutions. We will think about what components of what they did could be applicable to the work that you plan to engage in through your career.
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 | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May Session 2027 | May 16–29, 2027 | February 15, 2027 |
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.
Learning Abroad Center Information Sessions
These information sessions provide an overview all instructor-led program options within a specific term (such as Winter Break or May Term). Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 10–10:30 a.m. | Hybrid (in-person & Heller Hall 230C) | Details & Registration |
| Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 3–3:30 p.m. | Hybrid (in-person & Heller Hall 230C) | Details & Registration |
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:
Fees
The Cost of Participation (program fee) includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The estimated Cost of Participation for this program is between $6,000–$6,500.
You must also budget for international airfare (with LAC guidance), visa (if applicable), passport and passport photos, meals not included in program fee, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses. Additional estimated costs for this program are $2,000–$2,300.
The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
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.
Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
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.
Apply
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.
- Apply for a passport.
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