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Study/Travel

The Ancient Studies Department sponsors annual study/travel programs to sites in the modern world relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world.

Ancient Studies Study/Travel Program 2013: France


The Ancient Studies Department is pleased to announce its 47th study/travel program. After preparatory classes at UMBC starting in late January, participants will travel to France leaving on Friday, March 15, and returning on Saturday, March 23.


Our travels take us first to southern France, where we will see spectacular monuments of Roman architecture: the amphitheater in Orange, the aqueduct Pont du Gard, and the best-preserved of absolutely all Roman temples, the Maison Carrée. In Avignon, we will visit the town's celebrated medieval bridge and the Papal Palace, home to the popes in exile in the fourteenth century. We will also participate in a private wine-tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the most famous wine-producing regions in France.


Our visits in and around Paris will include the museums of the Louvre and d'Orsay, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Holocaust Mémorial Shoah, an excursion to the Palace of Versailles, an excursion to tour some of the châteaux of the Loire Valley, and a relaxing Seine River boat ride at night on a Bateau-Mouche to see Paris from the calm waterway which divides the city.


Our department has not visited France for many years. Don't wait another decade and miss this fantastic opportunity! Instructors for the course are Professors Rivkin and Mason of the Ancient Studies Department. A preliminary itinerary is available in the Ancient Studies departmental office, FA 452.


The cost of the trip is $3100 based on the value of the euro as of July 17, 2012 [$1.00 = €0.75]. This price includes round trip airfare, transportation to and from UMBC to Dulles, non-stop flight to Paris, double rooms with private bath, private tours as listed on itinerary, full buffet breakfast daily, gratuities to guides and drivers, all transfers, hotel taxes and service charges, pre-trip lectures and materials. Single supplement is $600. Participants who wish to earn three university credits may enroll in ANCS 301: France. Taking the course for credit is optional. Regular UMBC tuition costs and fees apply and are not included in the cost of the trip.


Starting July 23rd, places may be reserved with a deposit of $300.00, of which $25.00 is non-refundable once your reservation is confirmed. Reservations will be confirmed mid-September. If your reservation is not confirmed, you will receive your deposit check back, un-cashed. If your reservation is confirmed, we will cash your deposit in mid-September. Checks must be payable to UMBC and should be dated September 9, 2012 but are due September 7 to the ANCS main office. (Travel insurance is available once your reservation is confirmed. If you wish to purchase travel insurance--recommended--turn in a check for $184 to the ANCS made out to Key Tours by September 23 along with the insurance registration form. The reason for using this date is that trip cancellation and interruption insurance, if purchased within 15 days of the initial deposit, contains a waiver of pre-existing conditions.)

All trip deposits must be accompanied by
• a completed Ancient Studies Registration Form France

NB: Your name on the Registration Form must be identical to your name as written in your passport. This is extremely important.
• a legible signed copy of your passport (your reservation will not be confirmed if it is not legible or if your passport has not been signed)
• a signed Liability Release and Assumption of Risk for Long Distance/International Travel
• a signed UMBC Emergency and Medical Information Form
• a signed 2013 UMBC TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM AGREEMENT

If you do not currently have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Most US Post Offices have the form. All the other forms listed above are available from the ANCS office, FA 452, or by email from Abby Granger abigail3@umbc.edu


No deposits will be accepted without these forms.


Trip assistantships are available for declared ANCS majors. A transcript should be submitted with the application; an unofficial transcript is satisfactory. The deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 4.th Preference will be given to students who have reached the 200 level in Latin or Greek at UMBC or are currently taking an upper level course in Latin or Greek at UMBC. Remember that $500 grants are available for those who have already received a major scholarship or who plan to apply for a summer excavation scholarship. To receive an application form, email Abby Grangerabigail3@umbc.edu.


If you have any questions about scholarships, please see or email Dr. Goldberg goldberg@umbc.edu


If you have any questions about the trip, see or email
•Abby Granger abigail3@umbc.edu
•Robert Rivkin rrivkin@umbc.edu
•Richard Mason masonrs@umbc.edu

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