The program is administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member. The USAC Resident Director and staff are present on-site full-time to welcome and support you during your term abroad.

Live and study in Viterbo, a medieval city with an energetic university community and active art scene. It is about two and a half hours from Rome and three hours from Florence (by train), with easy connections to the coast and mountain regions. The Viterbo program is ideal for students interested in studying Italian, history, art, or Italian studies.

Academic program

The program offers a high-quality educational experience in a variety of academic areas including art, anthropology, history, and Italian studies. These programs are not exclusive of one another; you may choose courses from any area. USAC classes are held at the Università degli Studi della Tuscia (Tuscia University).

The list of current courses can be found here: USAC Course Offerings

Students receive University of Iowa resident credit for the courses taken on this program.

Fall, Spring, and Academic Year

Students will enroll in 12 to 18 s.h. per semester comprised of language courses plus elective in Italian art, culture, and Mediterranean studies. All students must complete a minimum of 2 language courses at this location when participating in a semester-length program. No prior language study is required to participate. A 3 s.h. internship may also be available.

Summer

USAC’s Summer I, Summer II, and Summer I & II sessions take place during the University of Iowa’s summer session. UI students can enroll in either session or both sessions.

Students will enroll in 3 s.h.- 6 s.h. per session, plus an additional 1 s.h. if enrolled in the optional South of Italy Field Study. At least one 3 s.h. is required each summer session. Note: UI students need to take a minimum of 6 s.h. during the summer to be considered full-time students and to gain financial aid eligibility.

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course. The course approval process will be discussed when you meet with your study abroad advisor.

Cultural Activities

You are encouraged to participate in the included program field trips, in addition to the field trips built into some of your courses.

More information about excursions and activities can be found on the USAC program website.

Program Dates

Program dates vary from year to year, but typically follow the University of Iowa’s academic calendar.

This program is offered for a semester, academic year, or during the summer session.

Two month-long sessions are offered each summer. Students can choose to study during either one or both of the summer sessions.

You can find the specific dates for the upcoming sessions on the USAC website

For More Information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email:study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Università degli Studi della Tuscia

USAC classes are held at the Università degli Studi della Tuscia. Students will have access to campus libraries, computer labs, a sports center, cafeterias, and many student associations. With over 10,000 local and international students, the university enjoys a close association with Viterbo, giving it a vibrant atmosphere often associated with university towns.

Viterbo

• Population: 65,000
• Distance from Rome: 40 miles
• Distance from Florence: 103 miles

Viterbo is a medieval city with a lively university community and active art scene. It is about one and a half hours from Rome and three hours from Florence, with easy connections to the Mediterranean and mountain regions. Viterbo residents have retained the charm and leisurely quality of life of days gone by. They still retain, for the most part, the tradition of closing from 1 pm to 4 pm in order to enjoy a relaxing lunch at home with the family. Each Saturday, there is an outdoor market in the main piazza where people browse and shop for clothes and housewares. Fresh produce from local farms is also sold every morning in outdoor markets around town.

Viterbo has kept a fascinating historical record of its past better than almost any place in Italy. Protected by a medieval wall, Viterbo’s fountains, palaces, quarters, and churches all exemplify its glorious and eventful heritage of art and culture. The San Pellegrino quarter is certainly the most characteristic and best preserved medieval quarter in Italy, a jewel of a thirteenth-century contrada with its small squares, houses, narrow lanes, arches, and characteristic profferli—the typical external stairs of the medieval houses of Viterbo. The thirteenth-century papal palace is evidence of Viterbo’s significant role as a place of refuge for medieval popes, and more recently, as the film location for Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet.

Viterbo cuisine is some of the best in Italy, thanks to the city's green surroundings, absence of pollution, and the "art" of entertaining. Two local dishes not to miss are Lombrichelli alla viterbese and Acquacotta. Be sure to visit the Sagra festivals throughout the summer as well, where one can sample pasta, gnocchi, and more.

Italy

Aside from the unending, tangible history in Italy, the nation has beyond remarkable landscapes which bring any visit to an entirely new level. You can go skiing in the Alps, visit Roman ruins and Greek temples, or explore the Grand Canal in Venice.

As one of the world's most-loved destinations, Italy is also the land of la dolce vita, meaning "the sweet life." After an adventure, tourists can unwind, relax, and be pampered by staying at one Italy’s high-end spas or simply enjoying Italy's sophisticated dining pleasures, such as family-owned restaurants where you can experience real Italian cooking.

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 can choose to live in apartments or in a homestay. Accommodations are arranged by USAC in consultation with the student. More information about housing can be found on the USAC program website.

• Apartments: Most students share private apartments with 2-4 other USAC students. The apartments have basic kitchen amenities and modest furnishings. Most bedrooms are double occupancy. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee but cannot be guaranteed.
• Homestay: Occasionally there may be the opportunity to live with local Italian singles, students, or families. However, this is a limited option, and availability can’t be guaranteed.

Housing Fees

During the semester and academic year sessions, the housing fee is not included in the course fee. Students pay rent for their accommodations each month. You will need to have a plan and budget in place to withdraw the amount needed for rent monthly.

For summer sessions, housing is included in the course fee.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

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 your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

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 work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around Italy, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Italians are also very used to walking, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Clear interest and commitment- Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• 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.
  
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA- Students must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
• 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.
  
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing- Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.
  
• Approval by USAC and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by USAC. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and USAC.

Costs

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fee- Includes program course fee, tuition, all or some housing fees, pre-departure advising, airport pickup for those on the group flight, on-site orientation, 24-hour local emergency staff support, and program-organized field trip and excursions. (charged shortly before departure)
• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fee (charged shortly before departure)
• The mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Consular and visa fees (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Textbooks, copyright permission fees, course packets, and other course-related materials (paid upoon arrival to your host country)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses and personal travel (paid by student as needed while abroad)
• Rental or purchase of required cell phone- does not include usage fees (paid as needed while abroad)

Cost Sheet

Semester

USAC Viterbo - Spring 2025
USAC Viterbo - Fall 2024

Summer

USAC Viterbo Summer Session I
USAC Viterbo Summer Session II
USAC Viterbo Summer Sessions I & II

Scholarships & 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 exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

USAC has several scholarships and grants as well. You can find these on USAC Scholarships & Discounts website.

How to Apply

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Students will need to complete a University of Iowa Study Abroad application and a USAC online application. Information on these applications will come from the study abroad advisor. Final program admissions decision is made by USAC.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Fall and Academic Year are due on February 24.

Applications for the Spring session are due on September 24.

Applications for the Summer session are due on March 4.

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Study Abroad Resources

Passports and Visas

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 should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by USAC. These can be found in your USAC Gateway account in the Documents tab. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.

The closest Consulate available to UI students is the Chicago consulate.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Italian Consulate Website for more information on Italian visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the Italian visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with USAC for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" 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

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Predeparture Resources

USAC will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by USAC and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your USAC Gateway Account often.