The Rhine River Valley is at the heart of industrial and urban sustainability efforts in Europe and provides an ideal opportunity to collaborate with industry and academic leaders in sustainable chemistry.

This faculty-led course will explore urbanization, biodiversity, conservation, climate change adaptation, and mitigation, in a region at the forefront of advancement in these areas.

Taught by UI faculty, this course carries three (3) semester hours of resident credit and is taught in English.

The course is approved for the project/Integrative Systems elective for the Sustainability Certificate or as elective credit. Contact your academic advisor to see how this course could apply to your degree plan.

Faculty Directors

Adam Brummett, Chemistry Faculty

Stratis Giannakouros, Office of Sustainability and Environment

Program Dates

Summer 2026 dates: The program will begin in Switzerland on June 1, 2026 and run until June 15, 2026. In order to arrive in Switzerland on June 1, students will likely need to depart early on May 31, 2026.

Program Activities

Students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of academic and cultural activities focused around course topics. These may include:

• Visit with ETH Zurich, National Centre of Competence
• View the Great Aletsch Glacier
• Cruise of Lake Zurich
• Guided tour of the World Nature Forum
• Visit to Carbonfuture
• Guided tour of the Vauban district in Freiamt
• Visit with the Fraunhofer-Institute
• Free time to explore the cities included in the itinerary

Program Participation

Please note: this program is highly competitive and there is a possibility that it will fill up before the designated deadline. We recommend that you apply for the program after it opens as soon as possible. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as they will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.

For More Information

Upcoming Information Sessions

• Thursday, October 23, 2025: 11:00-12:00 - W323 CB
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025: 4:00-5:00 - W323 CB

Program Contacts

Information about the academics of the program should be directed to the faculty leaders. Information about the application process or program logistics should be directed towards the study abroad program coordinator.

Adam Brummett, Faculty Leader
Email: Adam Brummett

Stratis Giannakourost, Faculty Leader
Email: Stratis Giannakouros,

Lindsay Budde, Study Abroad Program Coordinator
Email: lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu

Germany

Germany is the most populous member of the EU, has the world’s 4th largest economy, and boasts a high standard of living. It is famous for its contributions to the arts and sciences throughout history. You can learn more about Germany at Deutschland.de

Switzerland

Switzerland is situated in Western and Central Europe, and is bordered by Italy, France Germany, Austria & Liechtenstein. Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world, with the highest nominal wealth per adult. It ranks at or near the top globally in several metrics of national performance, including government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic competitiveness, & human development.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Students stay in hotels, sharing a double occupancy room with another course participant or (more rarely) in a triple occupancy rooms with two other course participants. All hotel rooms have private bathrooms. If you have concerns about room sharing, please contact the program coordinator prior to confirmation deadline.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins.

The UI Passport Office processes new U.S. passport applications and child/minor renewal applications.

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website. Most adult renewals must be done by mail.

Important notice:
Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If yours is not, you must renew your passport.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the Confirmation Deadline (in late February). A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements.

Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight. One airport pick up and drop off will be based on the suggested group flights. If you are not taking the suggested group flights, be aware that you will need to arrange your own travel to/from the airport and understand that this will incur an additional cost.

Local Transportation

Transportation for most course activities is provided, including a group airport pickup and drop-off at the beginning and end of the course for those on the suggested flights.

Eligibility

This course is designed specifically for degree-seeking students who meet the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.75 cumulative & UI GPA: Students with a 2.74-2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
• Completion of at least one semester of college-level study: Students are required to have at least one semester of college-level study completed.
  
• Completion of CHEM:1120 Students must have received with a minimum grade of C-.
  
• Walking and Hiking: There is some significant walking and hiking scheduled for this program. To learn more about the specifics, and what accommodations can be made, please contact the faculty leaders.
  
• Approval by faculty director and UI Study Abroad. Applications will be reviewed by the program’s faculty directors, and students will be accepted based on their eligibility, application materials, and date the application was received.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.
  
• Clear interest and commitment: This program is open to students of all academic backgrounds. Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  

Cost

Included in course fee:

• Academic instruction and guided tours
• 3 semester hours of UI credit
• Accommodation
• Ground transport from and to Zurich airport
• Transportation for all course activities
• Breakfasts at accommodation
• 24/7 staff support

Not included in the course fee (out of pocket expenses):

• Round-trip airfare
• Meals not included in the course fee
• Personal expenses and personal travel
• Any medical appointments needed prior to departure
• Passport fees

Key points to note are:

• The Course Fee, Study Abroad Fees, CISI Insurance are billed to student’s U-bills after Summer Registration.  
• All other amounts are estimated out-of-pocket expenses and will vary for each participant.

The total estimated costs for the program (both U-bill charges and out-of-pockets expenses) are available on the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program. UI Financial Aid uses this document to determine financial aid eligibility for the program. The cost sheet includes fees charged on each students’ U-Bill, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual depending on your spending habits.

A cost sheet for summer 2025 is provided below. An updated cost sheet for summer 2026 will be posted here in November

Cost Sheet- Summer 2025

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities are available for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities and Non-UI External Awards.

How to Apply

UI Study Abroad Application

Applications open December 1

The application process requires:

• A completed online application, including three short-answer responses
• A photo of the information page of your passport (or check the box indicating you are applying for or renewing your passport)
• A $50 application fee, which will be charged to your u-bill after submitting your application

Application Deadline

February 1, 2026

Please note that this program is highly competitive and there is a possibility that it will fill up before the designated deadline. We recommend that you apply for the program after it opens as soon as possible. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as they will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be distributed after the next application deadline. Students will have a window of time to review all details and cost before confirming their spot on the program. Details will be included in the acceptance email.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

At this time, U.S. passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for a stay in Germany & Switzerland of less than 90 days. Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with the UI Study program coordinator and their home consulate.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to orientations provided by CEPA upon arrival in Switzerland. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

During this in-person orientation, students will receive information on registering for their program, payment and billing, and other logistical matters. Students will also have the opportunity to ask the program director, questions about academics, European culture, and other general topics.