Geology in Greece: Natural Environment and Civilizations
- Visit sites of historical and geological interest in the mainland of Greece and the Aegean Sea islands.
- Study how the natural environment influences civilizations, from Ancient Greece to present-day.
- Make field observations of natural processes and how the earth works.
- Gain experiential education abroad and exposure to varied world views.
This program examines the profound influence of the natural environment on the development of civilizations and the course of history. Students will make field observations of how the earth works, gain appreciation for the impact of the natural environment on society, and experience ancient and contemporary Greek cultures. Greece, with its rich history and varied geology, offers an ideal location for a field-based experiential study abroad program. Geologic processes responsible for natural resources, water, landscapes, natural hazards and climate are presented in the context of their impact to the ancient and present-day Greek society. The class visits sites of geologic and historic interest in the mainland of Greece and the Aegean Sea islands. Examples from other eras and regions of the world are discussed along with present-day analogues.
Geology major and minor students are eligible for $2,000 departmental scholarships. For additional information contact Dr. Tsoflias tsoflias@ku.edu
2025 Itinerary:
- Depart U.S for Athens: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Arrive in Athens: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Depart Athens & Arrive in U.S. Monday, June 9, 2025
Athens: May 21 – 24
The group will arrive in Athens and spend four days at the seaside suburb of Palaio Faliro. They will visit the National Observatory of Athens (earthquake and natural hazard monitoring center) and the University of Athens Department of Geology. They will explore the archaeological sites of Acropolis including the Acropolis Athens Museum, Greco-Roman Agora, the Temple of Zeus, and the ancient Panathenaic Stadium site of the first modern Olympic games.
Peloponnesus and Greece Mainland: May 25 - 30:
The group will travel to sites of geological and historical interest at Loutraki and Corinth, visit the Corinth Canal, the ancient boat road of Diolkos, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio city. Crossing the Rio-Antirio Bridge will lead to Nafpaktos, Delphi and the temple of Apollo. Active tectonics in the Gulf of Corinth and broader region will be discussed.
Athens Area: May 31-June 1:
The group will return to Athens, visit the city center and the old neighborhood of Plaka by the hill of Acropolis. There will be a free day in preparation for departure to the islands.
Santorini: June 2-4:
The group will take a ferry from Piraeus (port of Athens) to Santorini where they will visit the Akrotiri excavation site as well as the Paleolithic and Archeological museums. Volcanic hazards will be discussed including the most violent volcanic eruption in the history of the Mediterranean (Santorini, 1610 BC). A full day excursion will examine the caldera of the volcano and observe past and present volcanic activity.
Crete: June 5-June 9:
The group will travel by ferry to Crete where they will visit the city of Heraklio, tour Knossos Palace and learn about the devastating tsunami of Thera. Continue to the city of Chania and visit Falasarna, the site of the largest known earthquake and tsunami in the Mediterranean (365 A.D.), and hike the Samaria Gorge. The group will fly from Crete to Athens on June 9th and transfer to flights to the U.S.
- Fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2 Culture & Diversity or Global Culture course for KU Core 34
- Fulfills Geology Elective requirement for Geology Majors and Minors
- Fulfills Geology introductory field experience requirement
- Fulfills Natural Science Elective for Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Majors
Students enroll in:
GEOL 370 Study Abroad in Greece: Natural Environment and Civilizations (3 hours)
Course instruction takes place primarily outdoors in day-long field trips. Geologic, historic and cultural information is presented and discussed. Students are responsible for actively participating through thoughtful questions based on reading assignments and presenting assigned topics to their peers. Students are also required to maintain a field notebook. Synthesis of information in the form of written reports is assigned throughout the course.
Students stay in centrally located hotels in program cities.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to undergraduate or graduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university. Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Students must have completed an introductory Geology course or have the permission of the instructor.
Professor Georgios Tsoflias is a professor of Geophysics at the University of Kansas. He is a native of Greece with expert knowledge of the country, its geology, history and culture. He has traveled to Greece extensively, including all the sites the field course visits. He has established professional relationships with university faculty and researchers in Greece that serve as local resources to the program. Tsoflias has led the study abroad program successfully over multiple summers, beginning in 2017.
Contact Information:
Georgios Tsoflias, Professor
Department of Geology
tsoflias@ku.edu
Watch the video on Greek Tourism to learn more about the course visit sites.