Faculty-led Program in Greece (Prof. Bruess/Varela)

1) HIST 3279: Conflict and Justice - Study Abroad: Greece: From the "Cradle of Democracy" to Today (3 credit hours)

2) HIST 3186 Study Abroad Greece: History of Greek Material Culture (2 credit hours).

•  HIST 3279 satisfies the UNIFI Responsibility category. It can count as a general education UNIFI elective credit under the category of Connect.
• HIST 3186 qualifies as an History and University elective. If interested in earning History major or minor credits, talk to your advisor!

The purpose of the courses are twofold: Give students the opportunity to visit and experience the “cradle of Western civilization;” and challenge them to re-examine that very same “classical” perception of Greece and the Greeks in light of Greece’s other rich heritages: Greece of the Byzantine Empire, Greece during its 350-year occupation by the Ottoman Turks, and modern Greece, that is, Greece since 1821.While in Greece, students will attend lectures on various aspects of Greek civilization and participate in class visits to site locations. Students will be asked to address such diverse issues as: the role of geography on Greek civilization; the impact of Catholic and Islamic rule on Greek culture; the use of myth, religion, and modern political philosophy to legitimize thought and deed; the challenge of modern city planning and living amidst archeological treasures; the impact of tourism on Greek society; and how Greeks view themselves and their past.

**Participants will also take one course in the spring to prepare for the study abroad experience, HIST 3186 - 01 Studies in History: Preparation Study Abroad - Greece (1 credit hour). Mandatory meetings will be held Thursdays at 4 pm during the spring semester. For information on enrolling in this spring course, participants should contact the program's course leaders.

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the spring semester, although the course is scheduled as a summer program course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.  

NOTES:

• Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
• Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application

Students begin the program in Athens, where ancient and modern history comes alive with visits to ancient sites and museums and walking tours of historical neighborhoods. From Athens, students travel to Ancient Corinth and Nafplio to uncover mythological and archaeological treasures like Mycenae and Epidaurus. Highlights include standing where philosophers walked and the apostle Paul preached, climbing fortress walls, experiencing life in an authentic Greek town, interacting with locals, and swimming in the Aegean Sea. Students continue the trip to Ancient Olympia and Delphi where they deepen their connection to Greece’s spiritual and athletic past. The trip to the north of Greece takes them to Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries, renowned for their unique geological formations, impressive Byzantine architecture and art, spiritual practice, and breathtaking views. The Greek experience culminates with island adventures to Crete and Santorini. In Crete, students explore the prehistoric Minoan palace of Knossos and Rethymnon’s stunning Venetian and Ottoman architecture (castles, churches, mosques and the Ottoman baths). Santorini’s stunning landscapes, including its volcanic history and caldera, and picturesque white-and-blue architecture are considered legendary worldwide. The program blends cultural immersion, archaeological wonders, seaside relaxation, and mythic landscapes—an educational experience as rich as Greece’s legacy itself.

Studying abroad offers rich cultural immersion, but it may also involve unfamiliar sensory experiences. You might encounter new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and environmental conditions that differ significantly from what you're used to. These can be exciting but also overwhelming for some individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. We encourage all participants to approach these experiences with curiosity and adaptability. If you have sensory sensitivities or specific concerns, please reach out to program staff.

Accommodations, most daily meals, local transportation, and cultural activities are included in the program cost. Students stay in 2- and 3-star hotels.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

A faculty-led study abroad program combines academic learning with cultural immersion, guided by university faculty. Students earn credit through hands-on experiences and site visits tailored to the destination. The program fosters a strong sense of community through shared housing, group activities, and cultural events, creating lasting bonds among participants. This type of program has limited individual free time and days will be spent primarily with other group members. If you are interested in a more individualized program experience, we encourage you to check out our partner university summer school opportunities.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet Your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Scotland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way. 

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

• Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Greece