Summer in Transylvania

Discover Transylvania this summer!
HIS 319 - Special Topics in History: Transylvania
(June 29 - July 12, 2026)
 

Discover Transylvania with prof. Eric De Sena, archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer, who has been exploring Southeastern Europe since 2003. You will enroll in the 3-credit course HIS 319 to learn about the history and culture of Transylvania between the Dacian and Roman periods through the modern day. We will visit some of the major cities of the region, including Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Sibiu, as well as quaint villages such as Moigrad and Barsana. Some of the highlights are the birthplace of Elie Wiesel, spectacular wooden churches, Porolissum (a Roman fortress where De Sena excavated for 6 years), a communist-period prison, Sapunta's "Happy Cemetery" and traditional food. Of course, a study abroad program in Transylvania cannot not include places related to Count Dracula: Bran Castle and Sighisoara! 

Cost for tuition, housing, excursions, three special meals, insurance for the academic program is $2890. This cost does not include international airfare from/to the USA or personal expenses. 

Application deadline, February 15, 2026. 

Eligibility and information:

• HIS 319 is open to SUNY students in any major and may satisfy a Liberal Arts & Sciences elective
• GPA Requirement: 2.75
• Good disciplinary standing
• Rolling admission until places are filled. Upon acceptance you will be asked for a $500 deposit to guarantee your place (February 15 deadline)

Scholarships:

• Students who receive Pell awards are eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship (early March 2026 deadline)
• Check out other Scholarships. 

Bio.: Dr. Eric De Sena is an internationally renowned archaeologist who brings to Farmingdale 20+ years of experience overseas, 14 years of teaching experience, and 10+ years of administrative experience. He holds a BA from SUNY Albany in Mediterranean Archaeology, a MA in Art History from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD from University of Bradford (UK) in Archaeological Sciences. As an archaeologist, De Sena participated or led projects in Italy on the Palatine Hill in Rome, Ostia Antica, Pompeii, Cetamura del Chianti, Monte Pallano, Colleferro, Nomentum, and Gabii; in Romania at Porolissum and Bozna.  

While living in Rome, he was the Curator/Archaeological Laboratory Associate of the American Academy in Rome and a professor of ancient art and archaeology at John Cabot University, Saint Mary's College, and Duquesne University. He served JCU as Chair of the Dept. of Art History and Studio Arts, a position he used to develop short-term Faculty-Led programs in Italy, Romania, and Turkey. He directed the American Research Center in Sofia, which supported American and Southeast European scholars, published monographs, hosted lectures and conferences, and offered grants for cultural heritage projects in Bulgaria. During his term as Director of the ARCS, he created a network of scholars and professionals in the neighboring countries of the Balkans. 

 

For more information contact studyabroad@farmingdale.edu