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USAC Viterbo Program

Fast Facts

Sessions Offered:

Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year

Location:

Viterbo, Italy

Credit:

Resident

Eligibility:

2.5 GPA and an appointment with the Italy study abroad advisor prior to applying

Application Due:

Spring 11/1, Summer 4/1, Fall 6/15

Program Cost:

Click the Application tab.

This semester, academic year or summer program combines academic coursework at Viterbo's historical Tuscia University of Viterbo with practical learning, tours, site visits and an integrated cultural experience. Each summer session is five weeks long. The Viterbo program offers optional tours: fall students travel to the heart of Italy through Tuscany and Florence and spring students travel through Naples and Pompeii. Summer students also have an optional tour for which the destinations may vary.

Viterbo, Italy

Academic Program

In addition to U.S. students, the Viterbo Program attracts students from throughout Europe, making the classroom experience truly an international one. The program offers a high-quality educational experience in Art History and Italian Studies. These programs are not exclusive of one another; you may chose courses from either area. All students are expected to take at least one course of Italian language. The program is administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member. University of Iowa students earn resident credit.

Program Dates

Students can study on this program for a semester, academic year or summer session. Check with Study Abroad for specific dates for your intended session.

Typical dates per session:

Fall: Late August to mid-December

Spring: Mid-January to mid-May

Summer Session I: Late May to late June

Summer Session II: Early July to early August

An optional field study course is offered between the two summer sessions.

For More Information

Amy Bowes, Adviser
The University of Iowa
Office for Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242-1802

Phone: 319-335-0353
Fax:319-335-0343
Email: amy-bowes@uiowa.edu

About Viterbo, Italy

• 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 houseware items. 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, zero 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 where one can sample pasta, gnocchi, and more.

Living Arrangements

Most students live together in rented apartments throughout Viterbo or in a residence hall. Occasionally it is possible for students to live with local university students if requested.

Travel Arrangements

Participants will make their own travel arrangements to Viterbo. The cost of travel is not included in the program fee.

Eligibility

Minimum eligibility requirements include good academic standing and a 2.5 grade point average (4.0 scale) and permission of the UI Italy advisor prior to applying.

Costs

Tuition and fees vary by semester and length of study. Please consult USAC's website for further information. Additional administrative and insurance costs apply, please see the Cost and Funding section for more information.

How to Apply

Iowa students SHOULD NOT apply for this program online; you must meet with the Italy study abroad advisor in 1111 University Capitol Centre for a paper application.