Academic Program

Future Offerings

This program will not be offered in 2023-2024 but is tentatively scheduled for 2024-2025. The information below is for illustrative purposes and subject to change.

Introduction

This off-campus studio course provides experience working in international studio settings in Europe.

Students will travel to designated sites, complete original artwork, attend lectures, visit relevant historic and contemporary sites, and work collaboratively with a studio team of peers and mentors to learn fabrication methods relevant to the production of original works of ceramic art. 

Winter 2022-23: Rome, Italy

Students will study in the historical center of Rome, Italy at C.R.E.T.A., a non-profit organization that focuses on ceramics, residencies, exhibitions, teaching and the arts. Located in a 16th Century palazzo, the center is run by Italian artist Paolo Porelli and American art historian Lori-Ann Touchette.

Students will have access to the C.R.E.T.A. Rome studio throughout the course, including work tables, ceramic tools, materials, firing, andtechnical support.

Faculty Director

Andrew Casto
UI Program Head of Ceramics

Cultural Activities

Additional excursions during the course include city walks led by LoriAnn Touchette, various talks, and museum visits.

Program Dates

Past dates: December 29, 2022 - January 12, 2023

For More Information

For more details about this programs please contact Faculty Director Andrew Casto andrew-casto@uiowa.edu or Program Coordinator Lindsay Budde lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu.

Daily Iowan article, November 2022

Rome

Rome is the vibrant capital city of Italy and has a population of almost 3 million (or 4.3 million in the greater metropolitan area). Known for its spectacular mix of old and new, the city has a rich history layered with a lively, modern culture. Archaeological sites, monuments, architecture, fountains, art, cuisine, music, atmosphere, and inspiration abound in the "Eternal City."

Italy

Located in Southern Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is made up of incredible coastlines, countryside, mountains, and beaches. World-renowned for food, art, fashion, design, and more, the country includes 20 different regions all with different landscapes, traditions, food, and personalities.

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 will be housed in accommodation a short walk from the C.R.E.T.A. Studio. Rooms will be shared with another student and have private bathrooms, heat and air conditioning, and a small refrigerator.

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. 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.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Rome is not provided, other than for specific course activities.

COVID-19 Protocols

For courses traveling abroad, participating students and faculty will be required to follow host country laws and procedures regarding COVID-19. Requirements of each host country are subject to change with little notice. Requirements may include COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine/isolation to enter the country or to access certain facilitates and services.

To review current entry requirements, please refer to the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 Country-specific Information page for your destination.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• GPA: 3.00 UI and cumulative


• Pre-requisite course: Ceramics 1 (CERM:2010)


• Open to Undergraduate and Graduate art students with experience in ceramics


• Good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa


• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program, including entry requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and 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

The program cost for Winter 2022-23 is $4,223, plus a $50 application fee.

Included in the program cost:

• Academic instruction in Rome
• 3 semester hours of UI credit
• Accommodation
• Ground transport from and to Rome airport
• Transportation for course activities, as needed
• Use of the CRETA Rome Studio, including tools, materials, and firing
• Guided city walks and museum visits
• 24/7 staff support
• CISI International Travel insurance

Not included in the program cost (out of pocket expenses):

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

Key points to note are:

• The $50 application fee is billed to students' U-bills after submitting the online application.
• Course Fee, Study Abroad Fees, CISI Insurance are billed to confirmed students' U-bills after Winter Registration.  
• All other amounts are estimated out-of-pocket expenses and will vary for each participant.

The total estimated costs (both U-bill charges and out-of-pockets expenses) for the program are available on the Cost Sheet. Financial Aid uses this document to determine participating students' funding awards for course.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to apply for Need-based, Merit, and Global Access Ambassador scholarships awarded by Study Abroad. More information is available on the Scholarships page.

Students who receive a Federal Pell Grant are eligible to apply for the Gilman International Scholarship, an external scholarship awarded by the Department of State. Learn more here.

Financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa (scholarships, grants, and loans) may be applied toward the program cost. Students are encouraged to speak with someone in Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

How to Apply

UI Study Abroad Application

The application process requires:

• A completed online application, including a statement of interest in this program
• A copy of your completed grades from MyUI
• A photo of the information page of your passport
• A non-refundable $50 application fee that is charged to your U-Bill after submitting the application

Application Deadline

September 28, 2022

Confirmation Materials

Next Steps:

• Review cost information: Cost Sheet


• Review and apply for Winter Financial Aid as well as Scholarships.
• Submit the Confirmation of Participation form
  Confirmation Deadline: October 10

You should also:

• Read and complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel with your doctor.
• Confirm your passport is currently valid and does not expire before August 2023. If you do not have a valid passport, please apply or renew immediately.
• Review the Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information
• Note that participation in this program is contingent upon being in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of departure.