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This program is not being offered for the summer of 2012, but we hope to offer it again in 2013. All information will be updated but will be similar to the information provided on this site.  

You might also be interested in expanding your language skills through the Language Institute at Penn State. Other adventure-based courses can be found online at www.programs.psu.edu/Adventure. 

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Faculty-led, world-focused

Penn State faculty-led programs offer students the guidance of trusted faculty, with the freedom to explore the world. Our faculty will create the ideal itinerary for you.

This 3-credit CAMS/HIST/ANTH 499E study tour of Petra, the Spice Route, and Roman Palestine (June 22–July 2) entails an in-depth seminar with a focus on the archaeology and history of Roman Palestine. The centerpiece of the study tour is a hiking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra (Jordan), the spectacular desert capital of the Nabatean tribes who controlled the international spice and incense trade in the eastern Roman Empire.

Highlights include a safari trip in Israel’s Negev desert tracing the ancient spice and incense route. After crossing the border into Jordan, students will experience camel trekking and camping in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, one of the world’s greatest desert nature preserves made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. The study tour also includes visits to the Early Islamic desert castles and a jeep tour of Jordan’s eastern black desert, culminating in a visit to the remarkably well-preserved Roman and Byzantine desert city of Umm al Jimal, nicknamed the “black gem of the desert.” Decapolis cities of Roman Palestine, including Gerasa and Pella, will also be visited.

Accommodations: Participants will stay in three-star hotels (two to three students per room) or youth hostels (two to four students per room) and one night of camping in Wadi Rum. Transportation will be by air-conditioned bus, safari, jeep, or camel. Students will hike several days in Petra and should be in good physical condition. Lunches are not included in the fees.

Students end their tour in Akko, Israel. This study tour is followed by the Tel Akko archaeological excavations and field school, a Penn State summer abroad program. The study tour is led by Dr. Ann Killebrew, a Penn State faculty member and an archaeologist who has directed field projects in Turkey and Israel.

The application deadline is February 18, 2011.

Courses Offered

Choose either 3 or 6 credits.

CAMS/HIST/ANTH 499E Study Tour of Jordan: Petra, the Spice Route, and Roman Palestine

This 3-credit study tour of Petra, the Spice Route, and Roman Palestine (June 22–July 2) entails an in-depth seminar with a focus on the archaeology and history of Roman Palestine. The centerpiece of the study tour is a hiking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra (Jordan), the spectacular desert capital of the Nabatean tribes who controlled the international spice and incense trade in the eastern Roman Empire. Highlights include a safari trip in Israel’s Negev desert tracing the ancient spice and incense route. After crossing the border into Jordan, students will experience camel trekking and camping in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, one of the world’s greatest desert nature preserves made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. The study tour also includes visits to the Early Islamic desert castles and a jeep tour of Jordan’s eastern black desert, culminating in a visit to the remarkably well-preserved Roman and Byzantine desert city of Umm al Jimal, nicknamed the “black gem of the desert.” Decapolis cities of Roman Palestine, including Gerasa and Pella, will also be visited.

CAMS 499B Foreign Study (3 credits) (optional)

This course is offered as an option for students to earn an additional 3 credits, with the permission of the instructor. The students will be required to write a research paper on an approved topic. The course fulfills a requirement for all students majoring in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies.

Independent study or graduate credit is possible with the permission from the instructor.

Eligibility

The program is open to all students with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. Students should be in good physical condition for moderate hiking. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

Dr. Ann E. Killebrew, co-director of the Tel Akko archaeological project in Israel, is an associate professor in the Departments of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Anthropology and the Jewish Studies Program at Penn State. She has directed several excavations in Israel and participated in archaeological expeditions in Egypt and Turkey. She is a noted expert on cultural interconnections in the eastern Mediterranean region and has authored and co-edited several books and numerous articles.

Expenses

This program will not run in Summer 2012, but we hope to offer it again in 2013.

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Dr. Ann E. Killebrew
The Pennsylvania State University
319 Weaver Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-231-7780
Fax: 814-867-6294
E-mail: aek11@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen
The Pennsylvania State University
240 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 800-252-3592
Fax: 814-865-3749
E-mail: SummerAbroad@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships web page.