Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior
Location: Asia, Turkey
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

This 25 day program in Turkey provides a unique learning experience for students to explore the complex depth and history of Turkey. Students will examine the creation of modern Turkey, from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the birth of the contemporary nation. This overview of the economic, social and political history will illuminate the development and challenges to its democratic institutions. There is also the extensive archaeological legacy that is still visible in the landscape of Turkey from Ottoman Empire era mosques to inspiring palaces to ancient ruins steeped in legends, to the famous covered bazaars, textiles, and ceramics, as well as cultural performances of dance, poetry, and culinary adventures. While designed for students in the Clark Honors College (CHC), this program is open to all.

For the first two weeks, students will reside in Izmir, while for the last two weeks the group will travel to Istanbul and then Ankara, stopping in various towns and cities to explore the lush cultural and historic landscape.

Potential activities include day trips to Ephesus, Troy, Assos, Gallipoli, and Cesme, while also exploring local institutions such as NGOs, factories, museums, and the US Embassy.

Scholarships: Applicants to this program have the option to apply for a program-specific scholarship. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay.  Individual awards range from $500-$1000. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by March 1, and you will be considered for the GEO Summer Faculty-led Programs Scholarship.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer202503/01/202506/30/202507/24/2025

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff (and the program faculty leader, if applicable) will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early. Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement. Some programs require a letter of recommendation from a faculty that is not the program's faculty leader. If a letter of recommendation is required, you will find more information in your GEO application portal.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

HC 421H: The History and Culture of Turkey (4 credits)

Fulfills the CHC Arts and Letters Colloquium

This course examines the vibrant culture and arts that exists throughout Turkey: from the extensive archaeological legacy that is still visible in the landscape of Turkey from Ottoman Empire era mosques to inspiring palaces to ancient ruins steeped in legends, to the famous covered bazaars, textiles, and ceramics, as well as cultural performances of dance, poetry, and culinary adventures. This is a class that immerses you inside the heart and soul of Turkey to go beyond the headlines of war in the Middle East, and to get a cultural pulse of how history is still very much a part of and alive in contemporary Turkish society and identity. 

HC 431H: From Empire to Republic (4 credits)

Fulfills the CHC Social Science Colloquium

Turkey bridges the continents of Europe and Asia and continues to maintain a major presence in Middle East affairs. This course examines the vibrant culture, literature and arts that exists throughout Turkey and explores the challenges of rapid modernization on the peoples and cultures. During this courses, students will explore a rich history through field visits to the extensive archaeological sites still visible in the landscape of Turkey, see buildings ranging from Ottoman Empire era mosques to inspiring palaces to ancient ruins steeped in legends, and visit the famous covered markets, filed with textiles and ceramics.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Faculty and Staff

Ellen Fitzpatrick

Dr. Fitzpatrick is a faculty member in Development and Ecological Economics at the Clark Honors College. She has served as a professor and administrator at the State University of New York, The Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, and Merrimack College, MA. She has 30 years of experience teaching undergraduates and graduate students in research methods, evaluation, and international development. Her current research focuses on the design and measurement of climate adaptation in livelihoods, global health, and food security. Dr. Fitzpatrick was a Fulbright Scholar at Isik University in Istanbul, Turkey and has on-going research projects with faculty at Dokez Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey.  She has led student field programs in Turkey, Mexico, Nicaragua, Vietnam, India, and Malawi. 

Housing Description

For the first two weeks, students will be housed in a hotel close Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, where classes will take place. Students will stay in single gender shared rooms, and breakfast will be provided.

While traveling, students will be housed in various hotels in Bergma, Bahramkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul, Troy, and Assos.