Meet the Director

Jim Goode is the faculty director for the Turkey: History & Middle East Studies program.  

• Born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Studied at Georgetown U. (BS), U. of Mass. (MA) and Indiana U. (PhD)
• Served in the Peace Corps in Iran, 1968-1971, and taught there at the U. of Mashhad, 1971-73
• Met and married his Australian wife, Virginia, in Tehran in 1972
• Lived and worked in Sydney, Australia, 1973-1977, where their two sons were born
• Has been teaching in the history department of GVSU since 1986
• Specializes in courses on the history of US foreign policy and the history of the Middle East
• Co-founded the Middle East Studies Program and served as its first director, 1997-2007
• Started Grand Valley’s first study-abroad program to the Middle East (Egypt) in 1999
• Much of his research and publications have focused on the history of US relations with Iran
• Currently studying the US movement to embargo arms to Turkey in 1974-1975

Jim Goode on Study Abroad

“Study abroad in Turkey might well provide the most rewarding experience of your undergraduate years.” - Jim Goode

 

Testimonials from Past Participants

One of the best parts about Turkey is the friendliness of the people. On many occasions I've experienced this personally, and, no, they were not trying to sell me things! The one that sticks in my mind the most is when a Turkish merchant gave me a 5 lira bowl, despite my having the money out to pay him. This and other instances of Turkish friendliness will be something I will cherish about my trip to the country.  K. K.

I have greatly enjoyed Turkey and feel very honored and appreciative to have been able to have this experience. The country is so beautiful and the people here are so welcoming and inviting. I hope to be fortunate enough to return here someday, and I look forward to sharing my wonderful experiences with people back in the United States.  S. H.

Studying abroad in Turkey has been a great opportunity to expand my understanding of other societies. The opportunity I have been given has been one of the most important things I have done in my life, so far. In the future, I hope to return to Turkey and explore the regions of this vast nation that I have not been able to visit during these five weeks. K. M.

I have found Turkey to be an amazingly diverse culture that has offered me new and exciting ways to expand my horizons.  I feel as if I have grown as a person by being allowed to participate in this program, and I want to return for the centennial celebrations in the future to share in the anniversary of the Republic. M. D.

For more information on this program, visit: www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/turkeymideaststudies