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

Program Overview

This five week 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 three 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.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer202502/01/202506/28/202507/31/2025

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: Turkish History and Culture Come Alive! (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

This field course, “Turkey from Empire to Republic,” offers an in-depth exploration of the creation of modern Turkey; from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the birth of the contemporary nation. The course delves into the study of political economy and development, examining what it means to be an emerging economy and the importance of institutions to create a robust and functioning state. The in-class portion of the course concludes with identifying and assessing the 21st-century challenges for this Republic such as the Kurdish issue, EU accession, and weakening democratic institutions, and a volatile economy. The course also includes field experiences in multiple cities, assessments of various markets, and lectures from Turkish scholars.

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. 

Yalda Asmatey

Yalda Asmatey is an accomplished scholar with a diverse and impactful body of work. With her expertise in anthropology, public health, and ethnic studies, as well as her focus on Afghan diaspora and Muslim American experiences, she brings a unique perspective to the academic and public spheres.  Her background—teaching across continents and engaging with both academic and community groups—demonstrates her commitment to bridging the gap between scholarly research and real-world advocacy, especially concerning trauma, immigration, and the impact of violence. Given her focus on Muslim and Afghan identities and culture, as well as themes like human rights and corporate influence, she is deeply engaged with some of the most pressing social and political issues of our time.

Housing Description

For the first three 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, and Ankara.