Learning Abroad Center
An outdoor theatre in Greece

Capturing Greece: Color, Light, & Form

Europe
LAC Program

Expand your cultural and creative horizons in Greece, the cradle of Western civilization and center for influential developments in modern life.

Program Details

Location
Location
Athens and Tinos, Greece
Term
Term
May Session
Housing
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
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

Global Seminar
Instructor-Led

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 about 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 James Boyd Brent, a professor of Graphic Design in the College of Design. He has taught many LAC Seminars over the past decade+ in both the United Kingdom and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as the Summer Design Studio in Sicily. He is a practicing printmaker, exhibiting widely, and a recipient of the McFarland Outstanding Teaching Award in the College of Design.

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 a student has 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)

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:

TermProgram DatesPriority Application DeadlineFinal Application Deadline
May Session 2024May 12–June 4, 2024February 1, 2024March 1, 2024

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.

DateTimeLocation
Wed., Jan. 2411:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.May & Summer Program Expo
Walter Library Room 101
Fri., Jan. 2612:00 p.m.Online (register for Zoom link)
Thurs., Feb. 112:30 p.m.Online (register for Zoom link)

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Term AbroadDate/TimeLocation
1st Orientation MeetingTBDTBD
2nd Orientation MeetingTBDTBD

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 2024 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.

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 2024

Global Seminar: Capturing Greece: Color, Light, & Form

May Session 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $5,487
International health insurance $54
Housing and/or mealsDouble Occupancy apartments/hotels, students will have at least three group meals during program. $1,144
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $1,820
Total Program Fee $8,905
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-500
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $8,405

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
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 documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations* $50
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $200
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $50
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included in program fee. $400
Essential daily living expensesCells phones needed. $300
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $750

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $9,355
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $450
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.

COVID-19 Information

A COVID-19 vaccine & booster is required for this program (based on current government and local policies and partner provider requirements). This may change before departure.

Participants are expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements while abroad. Visit the CDC International Travel website and the LAC COVID Policies page for updated information. A negative COVID test before departure or on arrival may also be recommended or required.

US Consulate in Greece COVID-19 Information site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).

More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.

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.

Apply Now

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

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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

Kate Meyer or call at 612.626.7535