April 2008

Applications for ITC Spring 2009 are still being accepted. Students applying now will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting list priority is determined by the date on which your completed application, recommendation form, and deposit are submitted. See the application material and instructions for applying below.

Sign-up for ITC Spring 2010 will begin Fall 2008. Watch for updates!

THE ITC IS LIKE NO OTHER ACADEMIC TRAVEL PROGRAM ANYWHERE

The International Traveling Classroom (ITC) is a program that allows you to travel, live, and study in several different countries in Europe.

As a participant you live and study in places such as Paris, London, Munich, Vienna, and more. You enroll in UW-RF courses, earning credits towards degree, and living in these foreign locations offers fascinating learning experiences that aren't available on the home campus, such as visiting key historical sites, speaking with locals about their culture, interacting with political leaders, and more.

In addition to group travel, you have plenty of time to see the sights and travel on your own. We expect you to explore the cities where we'll stay during the week, make some weekend trips to other places within the countries where we'll be based, and three weeks are reserved at the end of the semester to travel either independently, or in small groups. You can visit places, such as, Italy, Scandinavia, Ireland, or other exciting locations within Europe.

Prior to departure we hold several orientation meetings to prepare you for the semester, covering travel, accommodation, communication, money, and many other issues. We continue these orientations in Europe, and ITC staff are available to help answer your questions as they arise, both before we leave and while we are in Europe.

The benefits of studying abroad are unambiguously clear. You learn more about yourself and other cultures, develop self-reliance and other skills that can help you both in your personal lives and in your careers, make yourself more attractive as a job applicant, and much, much more. Students who have studied abroad comment about their experiences. Traveling and living abroad for several months is also an opportunity that is very practical as a student. Financial aid and grants are available, and traveling as a student allows you to tap into discounts that are unavailable to non-student travelers. In addition, after you begin work in the private sector it is very unlikely that you'll have more than a couple of weeks of vacation for years to come, and this is an opportunity to spend four months abroad while earning credits towards your degree.

Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply and can usually apply the courses to general education, liberal arts, or other requirements (see separate listing). In some situations it might be possible to arrange independent readings, or internships.

Here are the most frequently asked questions:

1. When will we leave and where will we go as a group?

We will leave near the end of January and return in May, being based in several locations such as London, Stratford, Madrid, Paris, Freiburg, Verona, Prague and Berlin. A 2008 itinerary can be accessed HERE. Note that you might be able to extend your stay in Europe if you wish.

2. Will I have time to travel?

Definitely! We expect you to take some weekend trips, and to travel at the end of the semester independently. One of the advantages of the ITC is that you'll be with a group for much of the semester and ITC staff will be available to answer your questions and help you make plans. We'll have thorough orientations that cover the main questions about traveling abroad. You might choose to spend some time traveling alone (we'll cover safety tips and other issues related to that), or you might spend time traveling with others in our group. If you want to travel to Venice, for instance, chances are there will be others in the group that want to do the same!

3. How will I travel within Europe, or do I need a car?

Europe has wonderful transportation systems, including trains, buses, trams, and more. You don't need a car to visit most sites, and we'll talk extensively about different modes of transportation, costs, and so on.

4. Where will we stay?

We reserve spots in youth hostels. These are relatively inexpensive options for travelers that allow you to meet people from all over the world. They often have kitchens, internet access, tv rooms, and other amenities. The rooms are somewhat like residence halls or dormitories with several beds per room.

5. Where will we hold classes and what classes are available?

We hold classes in the facilities where we stay, and learning in Europe presents wonderful opportunities that simply aren't available on our home campus. We supplement classroom experience with group activities, such as viewing London Theatre in London as part of a theatre course, or visiting the National Assembly in Paris as part of an examination of French politics, and more. The classes are designed to meet general education, liberal arts and other requirements. Click HERE for a full listing. If you have any questions, please contact the ITC Coordinator

6. Why should I study in Europe now?

7. How much will it cost, and is financial aid available?

We anticipate that the total cost will be about $4,000 - $4,500 more than what you'll spend for tuition, fees, and basic living expense for a semester on the home campus. The cost is not fixed because you'll be able to control some of your budget (e.g., how much you spend on food, what type of travel arrangements you make, and so on) The figure includes airplane transportation, typical local travel expenses, insurance, and other basic items. Financial aid is often available to cover the additional costs associated with academic experiences abroad.

8. When do I need to decide and how do I apply?

We plan to take 30-35 students, and slots are being reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. You need to complete an APPLICATON FORM, submit a non-refundable deposit of $150, and obtain a letter of RECOMMENDATION from a faculty member. Be sure to consult the ITC CHECKLIST, too. Act now. Don't miss out! It's the chance of a lifetime!

9. What forms and additional information are available?

Don't hesitate to contact the ITC Coordinator or other staff if you have questions: