Turkey Crossroads of Europe and Asia
This program will not run in the summer of 2013.
Please contact our admissions staff if you are interested in applying to the program for 2014.
Learn about ancient civilizations and contemporary perspectives during five weeks of service and travel at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Orientation in Izmir
Turkey is a portrait of religious and cultural diversity. Dive into Turkish architecture, art, and history with a visit to the ruins at Ephesus, excursions to a local bazaar, and group activities. Survival Turkish language classes give you basic communication tools, and discussions about gender roles, current Turkish politics, and the country’s ethnic groups provide you with an introduction to Turkish society and culture.
Homestay in Istanbul
During your 10-day homestay, visit Istanbul’s world-famous bazaars, stroll along the Bosphorus, or explore the Avrupa and Asya areas of the city with your host family.
Sample activities: Visit the Topkapi Palace, the residence of sultans for 300 years; marvel at the Byzantine mosaics of the Kariye Müzesi; see the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia; help your hosts prepare traditional Turkish dishes such as karisik izgara.
Community Service and Village Stay
Experience life in an Anatolian village while participating in a two-week homestay and community service project. Become part of your community as you work alongside Turkish villagers in the fields, help with irrigation projects, or rebuild and renovate a local school.
Sample host communities: Inegol, Cerrah, Adana, Yarimca
Travel and Discovery
Journey to the turquoise coast of southern Turkey for four days in the lively market town of Fethiye or the historic city of Antakya. By day, enjoy pristine beaches, boat to nearby islands, or explore markets. By night, taste seafood and other Mediterranean specialties in outdoor cafés and restaurants.
Sample activities: Visit the Lykia rock tombs; wander through the ghost town of Karmylassos; see Roman mosaics and Ottoman era ruins; explore the rock-carved Church of St. Peter.
"The Adiguzel family went out of their way to show me the Bosporus Strait, the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Cistern. I felt like a member of their family and a real Turkish teenager."
-- Mary McLoughlin
Brattleboro, Vermont
