Important Program Dates
Academic Course Term: 2027ÌýSummer Semester
Tentative Travel Dates:ÌýÌýMay 22 – June 6, 2027
Application Deadline:ÌýJanuary 15, 2027
Scholarship Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Interest Meetings:ÌýComplete to receive an invitation.ÌýView upcoming meetings on the Education Abroad calendar.
Program Description
Step out of the classroom and into the heart of design history with UCA’s faculty-led program in Italy! Tailored for Interior Design majors, this immersive study abroad experience bridges centuries of spatial design, allowing you to examine how aesthetic and structural influences evolved from medieval craft to Renaissance splendor and ultra-modern innovation.
Destination Highlights:
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Rome: Experience the sheer scale of the Colosseum, throw a coin into the historic Trevi Fountain, and witness the timeless majesty of Vatican City.
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Naples: Uncover centuries of history, from grand historic landmarks to the magnificent Royal Palace of Naples.
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Pompeii: Walk through ancient preserved streets and analyze intact interior spaces frozen in time.
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The Amalfi Coast & Sorrento: Soak in spectacular coastal landscapes while exploring regional vernacular design and picturesque coastal architecture.
Program Highlights & Activities:
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Multi-Era Architectural Analysis: Examine the design evolution of interior spaces across the medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary eras first-hand.
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Modern Design Study: Tour the striking Napoli Afragola Train Station designed by Zaha Hadid to analyze cutting-edge parametric architecture and modern spatial movement.
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On-Site Spatial Evaluation: Analyze structural details, materials, lighting, and historic preservation techniques in real-world contexts across world-renowned cultural landmarks.
Program Cost & Scholarships
, for more information about the total cost to attend the program, including Student Program Fee and tuition, payment deadlines, and details regarding financial aid and scholarships.
Scholarships are available to help cover eligible expenses. Visit our Scholarship page to learn more about scholarship opportunities, eligibility, and application deadlines.
Course Offerings
- IDSN 3355 Introduction to Historic Preservation
- IDSN 4V40 Special Topics for Interior Design
HONC 3310 credit may also be offered to students currently admitted to Schedler Honors College and eligible for Junior Seminar. Please contact Dr. Leah Horton for more information.Ìý
Faculty Leaders
Professor Jennifer A. Whitehead
Clinical Instructor of Interior Design; Interior Design Program Internship & Academic Advising Coordinator
Professor Whitehead, MS, NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC, brings 25 years of experience in interior design education to her role as a faculty leader in international study abroad programs. She specializes in student mentorship, curriculum development, advising, and program leadership. Her passion for international design education has taken her to London, the Cotswolds, and Southern Italy, where she visited Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast. She is preparing to co-lead the Southern Italy Study Abroad program for Interior Design students in May 2026.
Professor Toni Gocke Wyre
Director of Interior Design , Clinical Instructor
Professor Wyre is the Director of the Interior Design Program at the 51ÇàÂ¥, bringing more than 25 years of experience across education, healthcare, corporate, hospitality, civic, and residential design. An award-winning designer, she has led over $15 million in furniture installations and earned more than 40 regional design awards. At UCA, she leads curriculum development, industry partnerships, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, including a multidisciplinary study-abroad program in Southern Italy.