Spring Break 2011: Istanbul, Turkey

March 4 - 13, 2011

Program Cost: $3,000*

Application Deadline: January 1, 2011

Course Information: Participants should register for UNHP 3257.

Program Description: Participants will enroll in a three-credit hour spring semester course and participate in weekly meetings in preparation for the ten day trip to Turkey. During spring break, students will take a ten day trip to Istanbul, Turkey, where students will be exposed to history, art, architecture, culture, and religions of this capital of three world empires (Eastern Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman), bridge between East and West, and a center of Globalization past and present.  This will give students first hand exposure to many of the richest civilizations of the past and present and come away with a much better understanding of continuity and change within the Middle East. 

Eligibility and Space Available: This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students attending the University of Memphis. Preference will be given to honor's students. Graduate students may apply, but should speak with Dr. Schull prior to enrollment.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Memphis.

Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul Turkey and travel to hotel for orientation and dinner.

Day 3: Morning lecture on Roman and Byzantine Constantinople. Afternoon tour of Byzantine Constantinople: Basilica Cisterns, Hippodrome, Haghia Sofia, and Choral Church.

Day 4: Morning lecture on the rise of the Ottomans and the conquest of Constantinople. Afternoon Tour: Rumeli Hisar, Roman Aqueduct, Ancient City Walls, Faith Mosque and Bosphorus Boat Tour.

Day 5: Morning lecture on the Classical Age of the Ottoman Empire. Afternoon Tour: Suleymaniyye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Top kapi Saray.

Day 6: Morning lecture on the transformation of 19th Century Istanbul. Afternoon tour: Gulhane Park, the Dolmabahce Palace and Yildiz Park.

Day 7: Morning lecture on the diversity of Istanbul past and present. Afternoon tour of Galata, Taksim, and Christian Churches Tour in Taksim.

Day 8: Morning lecture on Istanbul and modern Turkey. Afternoon tour of Eminonu, Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoglu areas, and Bogazici University.

Day 9: Free day.

Day 10: Return to Memphis.

Program Fees and Refund Policy: The program fee is $3,000. The program fee includes international travel, domestic travel, accommodations, student ID card, application fee, and some meals. The program fees do not include tuition, medical insurance or personal expenses. A non-refundable deposit of $350 is due by January 1, 2011 to secure your place. Payment should be made at the Study Abroad Office, 102 Brister Hall. If you are a U of M student, you can pay the deposit online here.

Fees with the exception of the deposit will be refunded in full if notification is received 90 days before the program start date. Withdrawals up to 45 days prior to the program will incur a charge of $500. Withdrawals up to 20 days before the program will incur a charge of 50% of the program fees. All other withdrawals within 20 days or less will incur a charge of 75% of the program fees. In addition to these fees any unrecoverable expenses will be billed to the student. Cancellations should be in writing and are only effective upon date of receipt of written notification. Should the University decide to cancel the program, there will be a full refund of all fees paid.

Additional Program Fee Policy for Non U of M or Non-Degree Seeking Applicants: Non-degree seeking students who are accepted to participate in a U of M program are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $500. This will be applied toward the total program fee. Full payment of your program fee is due two weeks prior to the official program start date. No arrangement can be made for deferred payment.

Scholarships: Scholarships for University of Memphis students are available through the Study Abroad Office, 102 Brister Hall phone: 678-4271. Applications may be obtained at that office or accessed online here. Please note that the scholarship deadline is December 1, 2010.

Contact: For more information, please contact Dr. Kent Schull at kfschull@memphis.edu / 901.678.6828 or Dr. Melinda Jones at mljones6@memphis.edu / 901.678.2690 or the Study Abroad Office at  studyabroad@memphis.edu / 901.678.2814.

*Program costs are subject to change.