A new study abroad program will send ASU students on a three-week trek across Cyprus, Greece and Turkey to study conflict resolution this June.
The course will focus on the political, social and ideological issues that have sustained conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean region for thousands of years.
The region’s expansive history of conflict made it the ideal destination, said Gary Grossman, director of Global Technology and Development.
State Press Television
By Arielle Hurst
“If you want to study conflict,” Grossman said, “You have to go to where conflict exists.”
In total the program will have up to 24 students by March 1 — 19 undergraduates and five graduates. Graduate students will receive three credits and undergrads will receive six.
The appeal of the area rests in the long common history the people of each country share and the tension that exists between them, he said.
“It is a physically beautiful place and the people there are some of the kindest and most hospitable I have ever met — until they fight with one another,” Grossman said. “The contrast between the laid back sea life and fierce nationalism, religious animosity and strongly-held long memories of perceived injury is something to behold.”
The issues that appear absolutely arbitrary or trivial to the outsider, Grossman said, make the region a great place to see the extent humans will go to start and maintain conflict.
“History caused division to occur and those divisions required some reason to be different, giving rise to assertions of nationalism and religious differences,” he said.
The travel itinerary includes several days in Athens, where the group will first arrive, along with a stop in Thessalonica before leaving Greece for Istanbul, Turkey.
“Istanbul is one of the great cites in the world, and now the business center of Turkey,” Grossman said.
After about a week of visiting various locations in Turkey, students will head to the island of Cyprus.
“You can fit all of Cyprus into the Valley,” Grossman said.
Undergraduates will be responsible for conducting research-based work and will have the opportunity to interview and converse with experts and government officials of each country.
Amidst the conflict, Mirna Lattouf, professor in the School of Letters and Sciences, said students will be perfectly safe, adding that she and Grossman have previously led student tours in the areas.
“Faculty-directed programs are the safest types of experience. We lead students every step of the way; we have local guides facilitating most aspects of our trip and visit areas that are suitable for both the academic portion as well as the personal security of all participants,” Lattouf said.
“Decades ago the violence was physical,” Grossman said, “But for over 30 years it has been nothing but a war of words.”
The only danger, Lattouf joked, is the danger students often get into themselves in foreign countries.
“The first question from students we get is, ‘Is there drinking and where are the bars?’ — after that they’re organized and gone out partying.”
Thomas Bejarano, global technology and development graduate student, will attend the trip to guide undergraduates.
“I think the location that I am looking forward to the most to visit will be Greece,” he said, adding that its rich history adds to its appeal.
“It will be amazing to get a chance to see first hand a place where so much of history has taken place,” he said.
Reach the reporter at kpatton4@asu.edu
