Learning Abroad Center

Learning Abroad in Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures

All of the majors and minors represented by CNRC are based in the countries of Mediterranean Europe or the Near East. Study abroad gives students access to the material they are studying in a way that nothing else can.

The academic study of the ancient Mediterranean world—its languages, cultures, and history—developed and remains extremely strong in Europe. Our students can reap double rewards from studying abroad—access to both the physical remains of antiquity and contact with important and exciting academic programs devoted to studying the ancient world.

Academic Planning Recommendations

  • Majors in Greek, Latin, and Classical Civilization will benefit from all of the options listed that focus on Greco-Roman antiquity. Such programs are not limited to Greece and Italy. Greek and Latin students can also participate in academic programs in universities elsewhere in Europe, or in Australia or New Zealand, where they can continue their language training while experiencing the study of Classics outside the US.
  • Majors in Biblical Studies, Hebrew, and Jewish Studies may benefit from studying Hebrew and related subjects abroad. Although the obvious location for studying Hebrew is Israel, there are also opportunities to study in an English-speaking university with a strong Hebrew language program, as well as to participate in a study abroad program with a strong Biblical Studies or Jewish studies curriculum (for some ideas see the Jewish Studies major advising page).
  • Students in all majors in this department are encouraged to consider summer programs that afford relevant field experience such as visiting major archeological sites associated with accredited university programs. Many excellent programs are available.

Liberal Education Requirements

Search the U Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.

Major and Minor Requirements

  • Relevant internships (for example, in museum or field archeology settings) may also be considered for major credit.
  • Working on a language requirement while abroad is encouraged but can be tricky because of differences in sequencing. Learn as much as you can about how the program or host institution teaches your language, and ask your major adviser to help you plan. It can be a good idea to take with you the textbook for the parallel University of Minnesota course and to do some self-directed study on points not covered in the course you are taking overseas.
  • Only upper-division courses will fulfill requirements in the major.
  • Students of Greek, Hebrew, and Latin must be aware that CNRC offers each year of coursework in these languages beginning in the fall term only (moreover, first- and second-year biblical Hebrew are offered only every other year). You cannot, for example, plan to start your second year of Latin in the spring. If you take a semester abroad, consider how to obtain the language courses necessary to complete the sequence(s) required for your major.

Receiving Credit for Hebrew Language Courses Taken Abroad

  • Before going abroad, consult with Dr. Renana Schneller – Director of Hebrew Language Instruction, Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures to inquire if Hebrew language course(s) taken abroad will meet Hebrew language requirements.
  • When taking language coursework abroad, you will work with the program to determine your Hebrew language course level. This may involve a written placement exam, oral exam, and/or writing sample. Keep in mind that you cannot receive credit for a class that duplicates what you have already taken on campus.
  • If you are not satisfied with the level in which you have placed, notify the on-site staff, Dr. Schneller, and your Learning Abroad Center program adviser immediately.
  • As soon as you return from learning abroad, consult with Dr. Schneller to:
    • determine when a Hebrew placement exam and an oral proficiency interview will be conducted
    • discuss appropriate placement into your next Hebrew language course (if applicable)
  • Once your Hebrew language from abroad has been posted to your UofM transcript, you will need to circle back to Dr. Schneller to request an update to your Academic Progress Audit System (APAS) to reflect what will count toward Hebrew language requirements. Dr. Schneller will work with the College of Liberal Arts to have your APAS updated.

Who will advise me and help me with course approvals?

Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you find program and course information to help you prepare for your study abroad academic planning discussion with your academic adviser. Once you have narrowed down your program options meet with Prof. Bernard M. Levinson (Director of Undergraduate Studies) to use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to structure your academic planning.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

The following section highlights some of the study abroad programs that fit well for the different majors and minors offered by the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures Studies. Given the diverse nature of these majors, many options are open to you. Some of our students visit the monuments and sites of classical antiquity in Italy, Greece, or elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Others engage in hands-on archaeological fieldwork. Still, others study classical languages or related subjects in universities in Europe or elsewhere.

Programs

Africa and the Middle East

Israel

University Study in Israel: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  • Program type: University Study
  • Participants study in the Rothberg International School. Search for relevant courses under Archeology, Bible, Geography, History of the Jewish People, and Ancient Near East.
  • Fall or spring semester, academic year, or summer. Summer offers coursework during either July or August sessions.
  • Instruction at the Rothberg School is in English; no prior Hebrew is required. Students may also take regular courses in the larger university (many offered in English) in addition to courses through Rothberg.
  • Spring in Jerusalem—Honors Program is offered in the spring semester. Combines language study, research, and advanced coursework. Includes study tours and additional lectures. Available to outstanding students on a competitive basis.

Asia and Oceania

Australia

University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)

  • Program type: University Study
  • One of Australia’s most prestigious universities, Melbourne offers wide variety of relevant courses, including Latin, Ancient Greek, and Hebrew at all levels.
  • Look in the online catalog under Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Studies; Classical Studies & Archeology; Ancient Greek; Latin; and Hebrew & Jewish Studies
  • Fall or spring semester, academic or calendar year.

New Zealand

University Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland

  • New Zealand’s largest university, located in its largest city. Good place to keep on track for your language studies, as Latin and ancient Greek are taught at all levels.
  • Rich array of relevant courses are offered on ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Look under Ancient History, Biblical Studies, and Classical Studies in the online catalog.
  • Instruction is in English, although some Maori studies courses are taught in Maori instead. Fall or spring semester, academic or calendar year.

Europe

France

Université Paul Valéry (available through Language & Culture in Southern France)

  • Program type: University Study (there is also a Study Abroad Center track)
  • Paul Valéry curriculum permits you to stay on track in Greek, Hebrew, or Latin while also studying in such fields as classical archaeology, Mediterranean ethnology, and Greek or Latin literature.
  • Center track for students with inadequate French for university courses offers language and culture courses but no courses in CNES fields.
  • Instruction is in French; one year French prerequisite for center track, two for university study track. Fall semester, spring semester, academic year, or a summer intensive language program.

Germany

Exchange in Germany: Freie University of Berlin

  • This exchange is with Freie University of Berlin
  • Berlin is the largest city in Germany with a vibrant cultural life and a rich history
  • FUB offers Latin, Ancient Greek, and Archeology (specializations in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Archaeology of the Near East, Classical Archaeology, Egyptology, and Prehistoric Archaeology).
  • Students take courses from the university’s curriculum with German students

Ireland

University Study in Ireland - University College Dublin

  • Program type: University Study
  • Located on the outskirts of the Irish capital, UCD offers a remarkably broad range of courses on ancient Greece and Rome, as well as Latin at all levels and first-year Ancient Greek.
  • For course listings look in the online catalog under Search by Subject > Arts & Humanities > Greek & Roman Civilization.
  • Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

Italy

Universitá di Bologna (available through Bologna Consortial Studies Program, BCSP)

  • Program type: University Study (and Study Abroad Center)
  • UB’s strong Department of Archaeology offers courses on Celtic, Egyptian, Etruscan, Roman, early Christian archeology. Latin and Greek offered, although fitting into sequence can be tricky.
  • BCSP program supplements UB courses with center courses designed for US students. A pre-session intensive Italian course strengthens your language skills before UB classes begin
  • Instruction is in Italian. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year. (Academic year option highly recommended.)

United Kingdom—England

King’s College, University of London (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • Program type: University Study
  • Located overlooking the River Thames, Kings College London is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious colleges in the University of London system.
  • Departments of interest: Classics (includes strong Greek and Latin programs), Byzantine & Modern Greek Studies, and Theology & Religious Studies (includes Hebrew).
  • Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

University of Leeds (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • Program type: University Study
  • Located in the Yorkshire city of the same name, almost midway between London and Edinburgh, Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK.
  • Leeds offers courses in Greek and Latin language and literature at all levels, literature in translation, and Greek and Roman history and society. Look under both Classics and History.
  • Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

Additional Options to Consider

LAC Global Seminars

  • 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over winter break or May session.
  • Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.

LAC Freshman Seminars

  • Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
  • Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.

Additional LAC Seminars

  • Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.

Intensive Language Programs

  • Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor.
  • Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program.

Archeological Institute of America (AIA)

  • This list of Fieldwork Opportunities is not affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Information about the non-affiliated program process is available on the Learning Abroad Center website.