Greece (J-Term)
(with travel to/from Greece tentatively scheduled for January 11-25, 2027)
Read the Blog of previous Greece programs: Hollins Goes to Crete '25
Academic Focus: History, Art History, Environmental Studies, Classics
In this J-term abroad course, open to all majors and minors, we will develop a connection with mainland Greece. Our primary foci will be the impact that landscape and topography had on the development of key cult locations and practices, political change and continuity, and artistic elements from the Classical to the Roman imperial period.
This J-term experience will challenge students to consider how architecture and art could be shaped by the demands of the local environment. We will consider changes brought about by shifting political alignments from democratic Athens and oligarchic Thebes to the royal house of Macedonia and the imperial occupations of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The itinerary of the trip reflects both the changing environments from southern to northern Greece but also challenges students to consider a wide breadth of temporal perspectives. We will be covering sites such as Athens, Thebes, Delphi, Thessaloniki, Vergina, and Corinth among others.
*Because of the location and the nature of our activities, it is critical that the students that participate in this J-term course are prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally for the experience. Many of the excursions will include a good amount of walking on difficult terrain. As such, you will need to be able and willing to walk at least two-three miles without difficulty each day.
Faculty Leaders: Professor Katelin McCullough (mcculloughkd@hollins.edu)
Professor Christina A. Salowey (csalowey@hollins.edu)
Application Information:
Trip Application deadline: March 15, 2026
Notification of application status: April 1, 2026
Trip Fee: Approximately $3,500 (does not include international flight cost to/from Greece and these other items).
Funding Opportunities: Hollins provides the opportunity for experiential learning scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. These scholarships are not guaranteed and require a student be admitted into a program and complete the scholarship application process. Click here to visit the Hollins Experiential Learning Funding Opportunities landing page on Hollins' SharePoint site, where you'll find detailed information about eligibility, application timelines, and more. Still have questions about scholarships? Reach out directly to elapps@hollins.edu.
Eligibility: Open to all students. Student must be in good academic standing and have a minimum 2.5 GPA at time of application (and maintain that GPA minimum semester before program). Limited slots available.
*Because of the location and the nature of our activities, it is critical that the students that participate in this J-term course are prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally for the experience. You will need to be:
- Able to walk at least 3 miles under challenging conditions
- Open to different cultures and foods
- Able to put the needs of the group above your own personal needs (a team player) - we function as a team!
- Adaptable - Winter weather in Greece is often unpredictable, we may have to change plans at the drop of a hat
- Curious - There is so much to learning on this trip - are you excited about expanding your understanding of the world and of yourself?
For questions about study abroad in general, contact Dr. Ramona Kirsch, Director of Global Learning at kirschrr@hollins.edu
above: Professor Salowey with students on the 2025 Greece J-Term program in Crete.