February 1, 2025; $75 Application fee is non-refundable.
Travel: May 9 - 28, 2025
The main focus of this program is to expose students to urban parks and public space in W. Europe as well as these countries’ efforts toward livability, quality of life and happiness for citizens. Students will be interacting with businesses, government policy-makers, neighborhood groups and academic researchers during the program through tours, outdoor recreation activities, presentations and interviews. The locations for this program - Freiburg, Germany and Valencia, Spain - were chosen deliberately for their efforts at sustainability and community-building, bicycling infrastructure, public policy and proximity to public lands. Students will be traveling locally and from city to city using public transportation (primarily train) and bicycle.
*Student should take both of the following courses.
REC 490R - Topics in Recreation (3 credits)
REC 2200 - Foundations of Recreation (3 credits)
NOTE: We will meet in person from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on the following three Wednesdays: 4/9, 4/16 and 4/30. A paper for the 490R class will be due on June 11.
Course pre-requisites may be waived for students admitted into the study abroad program by the faculty program director
Must be 18 years of age at the time of departure
Minimum G.P.A.: 2.0
Students with Academic Standings registration holds at the time of application received for falling below a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester(s) will not be allowed to study abroad and should not apply. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program (possibly with no refund).
Physical Requirements:
Students must be capable of and capable hiking, cycling and kayaking. Cycling will be our primary mode of transportation while in Freiburg and Valencia urban areas, and we will be kayaking and hiking throughout the program. Students with mobility issues are not precluded from participation, but they must be fit enough to move throughout the city by bike and public transit. Uneven terrain throughout the program. We will have a pre-program meeting in Orem where we go over biking and kayaking basics to ensure full student ability to participate.
Study Abroad typically involves a lot of walking! Make sure that you will be able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces.
Travel during the summer in foreign countries can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Air conditioning is not always available.
Students on study abroad must be able to independently navigate in a foreign country and be able to follow specific instructions. This may include figuring out and using public transportation, making their way through airports, negotiating large crowds, and making smart decisions related to their own safety in unfamiliar circumstances.
*Accessibility services vary from country to country. Contact the Office of Education Abroad if you require such services. Students with significant physical or mental health needs should discuss their suitability for study abroad travel with their medical professional, UVU Student Health Services, UVU Accessibility Services, and/or family before making the decision to apply.
Fee covers in-country housing and transportation, some group meals, guide services, international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs.
$2330
*This cost is tentative and based on program plans and the exchange rate at the time it was posted. This cost may or may not be updated due to exchange-rate fluctuations, program revisions , and program date changes.
*Within 5 days of acceptance into a Study Abroad program, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm your spot. See the Refunds and Cancellation policy.
The student is responsible for these additional costs:
Students over the age of 73 at the time of travel may be required to purchase a supplemental international health and evacuation insurance plan through GeoBlue (approx $200-$500+)
Students should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for travel disruptions including lost luggage, possible COVID tests or quarantine stays if required by the host country for entry or exit, missed flights, etc.
All students are required to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee .
*UVU study abroad tuition is charged as an additional study abroad fee in your student account. It is separate from the study abroad program fee and regular UVU summer tuition. It is not factored into the "equal payment" calculation of the UVU Tuition Table. Study Abroad students are advised to only take study abroad courses during the block of their study abroad program.
There are some scholarship opportunities that are available from UVU and nationally. These scholarships are competitive and have varying application dates. Please click here for more information.
Pell Grants and Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility. Speak to the UVU Study Abroad Advisor (LA 209) and a Financial Aid Advisor for more information (BA 105).
UVU Faculty/Staff Dependent Tuition Waiver benefits may not be used to pay for study abroad tuition or fees.
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Students are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department’s country information webpage for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories, entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety, security, health, and other important travel factors.
