This program will not be running in summer 2024 but we are hoping to offer it in summer 2026.

Program Description

Budapest, Hungary has become one of the one of the main centers for American media production. On this program, students will travel to Budapest to gain experience in American film and television production.  

Academic Objectives:

Students on this program will:

1. Learn about the variety of foreign films and series shot in Budapest.
2. Comprehend how and why Budapest has become a major media hub.
3. Understand the inner-workings of transnational American media production.
4. Become familiar with state-of-the-art studio and production technology.
5. Experience real-life production studios
6. Network with major figures in US and European media production.

Activities

A tentative list of activities are below. Academic activities include:

• Seeing where shows like Shadow & Bone, The Last Kingdom, and The Secret of Moonacre were filmed
• Visiting the National Film Institute
• Touring Korda Studios

Cultural tours include:

• Castle District
• Parliament
• Terror Haz
• Hungarian Opera House
• Museum of Fine Art

Faculty-leader

Timothy Havens is professor of Communication Studies, African American Studies, and International Studies at the University of Iowa. He is the author of Black Television Travels: African American Media Around the Globe (NYU Press, 2013) and Global Television Marketplace (British Film Institute Publishing, 2006); co-author with Amanda D. Lotz of Understanding Media Industries (Oxford University Press, 2011); and co-editor of Popular Television in Eastern Europe During and Since Socialism with Aniko Imre and Katalin Lustyik. He is a former Senior Fulbright Scholar to Hungary, and his published research has appeared in numerous scholarly journals devoted to television studies, popular culture studies, race and media, and media globalization.

Program Dates 

June 9, 2024-June 27, 2024 (tentative)

For More Information 

For more details about this program, please contact Faculty Director Tim Havens or Program Coordinator Lindsay Budde.

Budapest

The capital city of Hungary, is a stunning metropolis that straddles the banks of the Danube River. The cityscape is adorned with iconic landmarks such as Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building, creating a picturesque panorama. Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths. As a testament to its cultural significance, the banks of the Danube and the Buda Castle District are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, further emphasizing Budapest's status as a treasure trove of history and architectural marvels.

Hungary

Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is a nation steeped in history and cultural richness. The country is celebrated for its gastronomic delights. Additionally, Hungary boasts a diverse landscape, from the picturesque Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, to the historic vineyards of Tokaj, recognized for producing world-class wines. With a resilient spirit and a unique blend of influences from its neighbors, Hungary offers visitors a captivating journey through time, culture, and natural beauty. 

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 staying in double-occupancy rooms at a 3-star hotel. Hotels will have daily breakfast and wifi.

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.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• GPA 2.75
• Open to undergraduates in all majors (sophomore standing and above)
• Must be a UI degree-seeking student at the time of application.
• 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. 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

Included in the program cost:

• Academic instruction and guided tours
• 3 semester hours of UI credit
• Accommodation
• Ground transport from/to airport
• Transportation for course activities
• Welcome + Farewell dinners
• 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:

• Students are charged the $50 application fee after the application is submitted.
• Course Fee, Study Abroad Fee, and CISI Insurance are billed to participating student’s U-bills after summer registration.  

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

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for Need-based, Merit, and Global Access Ambassador scholarships awarded by Study Abroad and can apply for these scholarships before being accepted to the course. More information is available on the Study Abroad website.

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 for the Summer 2024 program opens on January 1, 2024 and will close February 28, 2024 . The application process consists of the following steps:

UI applicants complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. Once the application process is complete, application materials will be reviewed by the program director. All applicants will receive official notification of their acceptance status shortly after the final application deadline. Accepted students will also receive information about how to confirm their place in the course.

Details about flights and orientation will follow soon after accepted students confirm their place in the program in late February.

Application Deadline

Summer 2024 program: Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be distributed after the next application deadline. Accepted students will need to confirm their spot on the program by March 6, 2024

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 Travel form 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

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa if staying less than 90 days. Non-U.S. passport holders should consult the program coordinator. 

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations.

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

A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the Faculty Leader and Study Abroad Coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.