Spring Break in Crete

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Crete | Classical Studies

 

The colorful waterfront of Chania's Old Venetian Harbor glowing with warm light at dusk, with crowds strolling along the promenade backed by pastel buildings and distant mountains, Crete, Greece.Dates: March 3-13, 2027
Location: Crete, Greece
Cost: $4,400
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $3,825 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: CLA 153S – Classical Studies Abroad

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Bryan Johnson (johnson_mb@mercer.edu).

Led by Dr. Achim Kopp , this 1-credit spring break course takes students to Crete, Greece from March 3–13, 2027, for a first-hand journey through some of the ancient world’s most spectacular sites. Walk through the legendary Minoan palace of Knossos, explore the ruins at Phaistos and Zakros, traverse the island’s breathtaking Amari Valley, and visit local archaeological museums that bring Greco-Roman history and mythology to life. Whether you’re a classics enthusiast or simply curious about the ancient world, this program offers a rare opportunity to step off campus and into history — no prior background required, just an open mind and a sense of adventure.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Achim Kopp (kopp_a@mercer.edu, 478-301-2761) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

What You'll Do

During this 10-day program, students will experience:

  • Guided tour of the Minoan palace of Knossos
  • Visit to the Minoan villa of Agia Triada and palace of Phaistos
  • Exploration of the Minoan palace of Zakros and town of Palaikastro
  • Traverse of the island through the scenic Amari Valley
  • Visit to the German World War II Cemetery in Maleme and Gonias Monastery
  • Exploration of the Old Town of Chania and its archaeological museum
  • Visit to the Roman tombs at Matala and the Roman provincial seat of Gortyn
  • Stop at the Byzantine church in Agioi Deka and Minoan houses at Myrtos Pyrgos
  • Exploration of the Old Town of Ierapetra and its archaeological museum
  • Visit to the Minoan sites of Mochlos and Gournia
  • Tour of the archaeological museum and Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos
  • Stop at Vai Beach and Toplou Monastery
  • Visit to the archaeological museum in Sitia

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

Application Process

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: ​​​​​​​October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $3,825 by spring tuition and fees spring deadline

Academics

CLA 153S: Classical Studies Abroad

1 credit hour

Course Description

Participants in this program will travel to Crete, the largest island of Greece, during spring break 2027 and get a first-hand introduction to the island’s foremost sites from Greek and Roman antiquity. A special focus will be on the Minoan culture in general and the sites of Knossos, Phaistos, Agia Triada, and Zakros in particular. Students will examine the archaeological remains at each locale, make connections with the literary texts, visit local museums, and generally immerse themselves into both the historical and modern landscape of Crete. The course carries one credit hour and satisfies the Expe1iential Learning (EXP) requirement in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Budget

What is included in the program fee: 

  • Airfare
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Transportation in country
  • Entry fees and required activities
  • Study Abroad application fee
  • International Insurance

What is not included in the program fee:

  • Tuition*
  • Souvenirs
  • Transportation to and from the ATL airport

*Tuition is dependent upon your current enrollment and your colleges tuition fees for the semester of your program. If you are enrolled as a traditional undergrad on the Macon campus, the 1 credit for this program will go towards your overall 12-18 credits for the semester and will not create an increase in tuition cost as long as your overall amount of credits (including this 1 credit course) does not go over 18 credits. For a current list of tuition costs, please visit the Bursar’s office at The Office of the Bursar.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Bryan Johnson, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at johnson_mb@mercer.edu.