Quick Facts

The diverse approaches to planning and design of cities, villages, buildings, sites, and landscapes found in Greece and Italy will be the focus of the international study abroad program for 2020. We will explore design elements such as form, space, materials, details, and light. Students will exercise their observation skills to deepen their understanding of cities, landscapes, culture, history and design over a wide span of history using a variety of methods, including sketching, diagramming, annotation, writing, and photography. Through additional activities, students will immerse themselves in their environment, enriching the experience of place.

Athens will be the starting point to understand ancient Greek (and Roman) influence, intermixed with modern culture. This intermingling of ancient civilizations and their architectural and artistic influence can be seen throughout the entire Adriatic and Mediterranean region. We will explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Venetian settlements in Greece and Italy and in doing so, we will visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.

• May 14 - June 1, 2020
• 2 countries (Italy and Greece), 7 cities
• What we'll do:
  • Study landscape, urban form, architecture, parks, plazas, gardens, monuments, materials, and details
  • Sketch, photograph, explore, map, hike, discover, wander, write, and reflect
  • Develop understanding of history, design, culture, and place
• Open to non-design students, all skill levels welcome
• 6 credits
• Space is limited. Apply early!

Application Requirements

To apply for this program, click the "Apply Now" button above. This will generate an online application with the requirements listed below. Please also refer to the "Academics" tab for specific eligibility information. Note: Non-ASU students should consult these instructions before applying.

• Electronically sign our standard signature documents:
  • Acknowledgement of Application
  • Medical Authorization & Release
  • Study Abroad Office Payment & Withdrawal Policies
  • Study Abroad Office Student Agreement
• Submit emergency contact details
• Submit summer program fee billing preference

Location Details

ATHENS, GREECE
We will begin our program in Athens, with its rich history and abundance of ancient archaeological sites. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years; it is widely referred to as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. We will stay near the ancient city center, within walking distance of the Plaka, Agora, and the world-famous Acropolis.
 









METEORA, GREECE
From Athens we will travel through mainland Greece, stopping at the ancient archaeological site at Delphi on our way to Meteora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of human/landscape adaptation, with its 14th Century Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched atop several natural rock spires.













ZAGORI REGION/ARISTI
From Meteora we will travel further off the beaten path to the Zagori region, with its stunning villages nestled into an equally stunning landscape. We will stay outside Vikos-Aoos National Park where we will explore the Voidomatis River and its bridges and monasterie, and travel through the Vikos Gorge, the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.











CORFU, GREECE
From our base near Old Town (another UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Old Fortress and Castle), we will explore the island of Corfu, on the northwest edge of Greece in the Adriatic Sea. Corfu is rich with Greek history and mythology, with a strong Venetian influence, offering a wealth of possibilities for experiencing ancient cities, architecture, Greek village life, and stunning beaches.










PUGLIA REGION, ITALY
On our continued quest for more off-the-beaten-path destinations, we will explore the “boot heel” of Italy. From our home base in Lecce, known as the “Florence of the south”, we will visit the Trulli houses in Alberobello, Locorotondo, see the magnificent coastline of Torre dell’Orso, considered the most beautiful coastline and beach on the Adriatic. And finally we will visit the ancient stone city of Matera, thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.












AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Our journey continues to the west coast of Italy, to the Amalfi Coast, with its cliffside villages as another remarkable example of humans’ adaptation to a severe landscape. We will use the town of Sorrento as our home base, and from there will visit Pompeii, and explore the villages and towns along the coast.













ROME, ITALY
The program concludes in the capital city of Rome, with the study of ancient Roman ruins, monuments, piazzas, parks and gardens. Rome’s history spans 28 centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. We will venture outside the city, as well, with visits to nearby Medieval and Renaissance-era Italian gardens.











 

Visa Information

It is each student’s responsibility to independently determine if a visa is necessary for travel to any foreign countries visited on this program. Limited information may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office, your faculty director, and/or partner organizations/institutions. Where visas are required, failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Payment and Withdrawal Policies. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

Courses

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (below 3.0 considered with instructor approval)
• Sophomore year completed by May 2020 (or with instructor approval)

Undergraduate students register for the following course:

•  LAP 485 | International Field Study  (6 credits)

• LAP 598 | International Field Study  (6 credits)

Faculty Director

Allyce Hargrove, ASLA
Clinical Assistant Professor | The Design School
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Mail Code: 1605
Office: Design North, 260, Tempe Campus
Phone: 602-620-3104
Email: Allyce.hargrove@asu.edu

Teaching Assistant

Silvia Neretti
Ph.D. Student | Instructor | The Design School
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Mail Code: 1605
Phone: 480-410-9414
Email: sneretti@asu.edu

Program Housing

We will be staying in hotels near the town center of each city, with breakfast generally included. Rooms will be shared: either double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. Every attempt will be made to make room assignments fair and with roommate compatibility in mind. NOTE: Not all of the hotels will have elevators, and a climb of several stories to access hotel rooms is to be expected.
 

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus. The Mediterranean Cities and Landscapes program includes a significant amount of walking, up 8-10 miles in one day. While walking will be mostly in the city, with the exception of Plitvice Lakes National Park, students may encounter surfaces that include cobblestone, gravel, uneven concrete, steep inclines and many steps.
Transportation to destinations that are out of walking distance will be as a group, and on public transportation, such as bus, train, ferry, or vaporetto. The hotels are not guaranteed to have elevators, and a climb of several stories to access hotel rooms is to be expected.
 

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in Italy, the tourist centers, sidewalks, public transport, and public buildings generally have accommodations for the physically disabled. However, Italy is known for its old world layout and architecture, which may increase the challenge level for students with physical disabilities. In Greece, individuals with mobility disabilities may find accessibility of buildings and transportation limited. Many roads and sidewalks are poorly maintained and present mobility challenges. 

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity.  

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

The Program Fee for Summer 2020 is TBD.

Program Fee includes: ASU tuition, all housing; entrance fees, transportation between locations, and international health insurance. Not included: airfare to/from Phoenix and Europe, most meals, passport, books and your own personal expenses.

Faculty Directed program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the Program Fee listed above. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student. Be sure to reference the program cost sheet for information on program fees and any additional estimated expenses.

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sight-see or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. View the program Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
2. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
3. Consider your Financial Aid options.
4. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
5. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
6. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Airfare Deposit Program*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.