About the Program
On February 23, 2008 14 students and 2 professors embarked on an 11-week, semester-long program that allows the students to study European history, politics and culture in the context of the developing European Union. This interdisciplinary program also challenges the students as individuals who must work within a group setting to learn, live and thrive.
Though other schools offer study abroad opportunities, there are none of which we are aware that offer an 11 week mobile classroom covering as many countries and cities as this "Odyssey." Travel is by minivan. Accommodations are in youth hostels and inexpensive hotels.
According to Hofstra Political Science Professor Linda Longmire, the structure of the European Odyssey course is based on the same ideals as the European Union: unity and diversity. Many of the countries on the tour, now partners in the EU, at some point in their histories may have been enemies or isolated from one another. Professor Longmire says, "As the students contemplate the unity and diversity of the countries on our itinerary, they will work on their own partnership. They need to work and travel as a team while holding onto and appreciating the interests and qualities that distinguish them as individuals."
Sponsored by Hofstra University's New College, the Odyssey programs have been ongoing since 1990, though this was the second one to take place for an entire semester. Hofstra graduates from past European and American Odyssey programs have called it a life-changing, transformative experience.
Coursework examines both historical and contemporary topics in each country and region. It is a 16-credit course comprised of 12 credits of coursework and a four credit independent project. The first aspect of the coursework focuses on the ancient and medieval roots of European civilization. Students visit Olympia, the home of the Olympic games; the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens; as well as the Coliseum and Pantheon in Rome. The second part of the course is devoted to understanding the contemporary, political, economic and sociological landscape of Europe. This is complemented by excursions to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Brussels and the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The third and final aspect of the program was an examination of human values and human rights in the context of the history and culture of WWII and the post war era in Europe. This part of the trip includes a stop at Terezin, the Czech concentration camp.