Application Deadline & Fee

February 1, 2025; $75*
*The $75 application fee is non-refundable

Program Travel Dates

June 15 - 30,  2025

Program Details

The main goal of this program is to promote an in-depth understanding of volcanoes and marine biology through a combination of short lectures and practical field activities. These activities will take place in Italy, specifically near Naples (at Vesuvio and in the Campi Flegrei) and in Sicily (at Mt. Etna and in the Aeolian Islands). The Aeolian Islands, located about 20 miles north of mainland Sicily, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned worldwide for their unique natural heritage. Vesuvio, Mt. Etna, and the Aeolian Islands are considered the cradle of volcanology and are among the best locations globally for studying active volcanic processes and marine life.

Anticipated Curriculum

*Students are expected to enroll in one of the following two courses for this study abroad.

GEO 204R Natural History Excursion

or

BIO 204R Natural History Excursion

NOTE: Predeparture class work for the two courses will be both online and face-to-face. We will have 3 pre-departure face-to-face class meetings between May 5 and May 23. The dates and times will be decided based on the availability of the students.

Course pre-requisites may be waived for students admitted into the study abroad program by the faculty program director

Program Requirements*

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 Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program (possibly with no refund).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 need to be in good shape overall and reasonably fit. We will have a few strenuous hikes. We will occasionally use boats, so students need to be good swimmers. Students need to be comfortable in working outdoor for long time periods under any weather conditions, particularly with high heat.

Most places do not have wheelchair accessibility. Refrigerators for medications will be available at the hostels.

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.

Estimated Program Fee*

Program fee covers in-country housing and transportation, excursions with guide service, guide services, international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs. 

$3010

*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.

Additional Estimated Costs

The student is responsible for these additional costs:

  • UVU study abroad tuition* ($600 for 3 credits at $200 per credit hour)
  • International Flight: multi-city ticket from SLC to Naples and from Catania to SLC (approx $1500-$2000+)
  • Food ($750 for purchasing meals on own)
  • Discretionary spending (approx $100 - $500 based on personal spending needs)
  • Passport ($165)
  • ETIAS European Travel Authorization (approx $8)

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.

Scholarships

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.

Financial Aid 

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.

Program Director

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Travel Report

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.