CLA396 - TÜRKİYE

SPRING 2026 Applications Open. Apply here by Feb 1 2026. 

The Course: CLA396 • The Ancient Mediterranean in Context

An in-depth examination of the historical issues and their relationships with specific regions in the ancient world and their monuments. Content in any given year depends on instructor. As part of this course, students will have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process. See the Department of Historical Studies website at https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/historical-studies/undergraduate-programs/classical-civilization/classical-civilization-topic-courses for more details. 

Learn more about the course here. Please note you must be registered in this course to participate in this international experience.

Make sure to check the corresponding academic calendar and ACORN for prerequisites and enrollment requirements. Click here. 

The Trip: TÜRKİYE Winter Reading Week

Approximate Travel Dates: April 22nd, 2026 - May 4th, 2026. (Plus or minus two days before and after - exact dates and times will be communicated to you at the pre-departure session). 

Join Professors Boris Chrubasik, Andreas Bendlin, Mareile Haase and fellow classmates for an immersive academic experience in Türkiye, exploring the cities and archaeological landscapes at the heart of the CLA396: Cities and Empires in the Hinterland of Asia Minor course. Guided by Professors Chrubasik, Bendlin, Haase, and partnering with scholars from the University of Konstanz, this abroad component offers the chance to study ancient Pamphylia, Pisidia, and the Upper Maeander Valley directly where Greek, Roman, and Anatolian cultures once converged.

As you travel through regions such as Antalya, Yalvaç, and Pamukkale, you’ll engage with material culture in context - visiting major archaeological sites, examining the physical dynamics of ancient cities, and learning about cultural heritage management in modern Türkiye. Students will also have opportunities to connect with faculty experts, participate in on-site learning discussions, and gain insight into both ancient civilizations and contemporary local communities. This academically focused experience combines historical inquiry, hands-on exploration, and cultural immersion, offering a meaningful extension of your classroom learning.

Why Participate?

• Experience major archaeological sites and ancient cities firsthand while gaining insight into Türkiye’s cultural heritage and landscapes;
• Establish professional connections with fellow students and your professor;
• Add international travel experience to your resume.

Sample Itinerary*

*The itinerary is subject to change based on the availability and requirements of the program.

Accommodation: shared rooms 

Transportation: local 

Meals: local restaurants and markets

The journey begins with a departure from Toronto Pearson International Airport and arrival in southern Türkiye, where the group settles into its first accommodation near Antalya. Early days may include guided visits to major archaeological sites such as Termessos, Sillyon, Aspendos, or Perge, offering students their first look at the dramatic landscapes and well-preserved remains of ancient Pamphylia. Time at the resort will allow for rest, group orientation, and setting expectations for the academic components ahead.

From Antalya, the journey continues inland toward the Taurus Mountains, where students will explore high-elevation sites like Sagalassos or Antioch in Pisidia. These visits immerse the group in the physical realities of ancient life - mountain passes, rural settlements, and monumental remains - while deepening classroom material discussed throughout the winter term. Along the way, students will gain insight from local experts and guides who specialize in the archaeology and cultural history of the region.

The group will travel to the Pamukkale area, with opportunities to visit key Greco-Roman cities such as Hierapolis, Laodikeia, or Aphrodisias. Between site excursions, students may have downtime to enjoy the natural landscape, including the area’s distinctive thermal terraces, while continuing to make connections between ancient material culture and modern Türkiye.

The experience concludes back in the Antalya region, allowing for final excursions to additional archaeological locations and time to reflect on the academic, cultural, and travel experiences gained throughout the program.

Payments 

Estimated cost of International Component: CAD $4000-4300. (Final Installments will be determined based on the final trip cost). 

What is Included: Flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, in-country activities associated with the course, and trip-cancellation insurance. Funding Available! 

What is NOT Included: Course fees, fees associated with supplemental travel insurance, additional optional tours/activities while abroad, visa applications, medical exams, vaccinations, on-the-ground medical expenses, and any other additional costs. 

Funding 

Bursaries will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need (not linked to OSAP) as shown in your funding request in your UTM Abroad application. Read more about funding here!

If you have applied for a bursary, you will hear back about your bursary application at the same time as your trip application. Once you hear back, you will have about one week to decide whether to participate in the trip based on the bursary awarded. Please review the bursary policies here, and cancellation policies here. 

Payment Schedule

*Final Installment will be determined based on the final trip cost. Each installment is due approximately every two weeks (biweekly)- Refer to exact dates in your acceptance email. 

Testimonials 

• See what your peers say about UTM Abroad experiences here.

Need To Know 

• The cost and itinerary are subject to change. The information on this page is for general reference and is subject to change. Specific and up-to-date details regarding itineraries, the final cost, and additional program requirements will be communicated through email from at the pre-departure sessions. Please refer to those communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any questions or need clarification, we encourage you to contact UTM Abroad. We look forward to your application and are here to support you on this exciting journey!
• For the full list of Terms and Conditions, please click here.
• Applicants must submit an application for admission into the course to their respective departments and will be required to abide by the corresponding UTM Abroad application requirements and deadlines to participate in the international experience.
• Fees must be paid in full by the required deadlines.
• To prepare for the trip, students attending will participate in the mandatory pre-departure sessions which occur in person on campus.

Questions?
Book a Global Learning Advising appointment through CLNx, email us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca.