Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Europe, Italy
GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

Experience layers of history and space surrounded by a vibrant design culture through the architecture, interior architecture, and urban design of Rome. Walk through the ancient forums, sketch masterpieces of art and architecture from Ancient to Renaissance and Modern eras and learn from local and international experts about the design process and rivalries between the patrons, artists, and architects who shaped the city. See how buildings, interiors, streets, and plazas continue to sustain lively interaction in one of the world's most dynamic and eternal cities.

Architecture and interior architecture students will focus on how architecture and micro-urbanism have contributed to resiliency and sustainability of the city. Using drawing, watercolor, and multi-media approach to space analysis and documentation they will study how spatial form, light, details, materials, and colors affect micro-climates, spatial comfort, and human experience in the historic fabric of the city. Then, in studio, they will design a transformative institute that provides continuing education and inspiration for future generations of designers and migrants to learn from the past in their quest to concur climate change and provide environmental justice.

This is a competitive admission program. All eligible applicants will be reviewed after the posted deadline. The faculty director may conduct interviews prior to an acceptance decision being made. Early applications are encouraged.

Program Scholarship: Applicants to this program have the option to apply for a program-specific scholarship. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500 - $1,000. To be considered, the Scholarship Essay must be completed by February 15th. Please refer to the Scholarship Essay instructions in the program application or speak with your GEO advisor for more details.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2025 02/15/2025 06/19/2025 08/17/2025

This is a competitive admission program. All eligible applicants will be reviewed after the posted deadline. The faculty director may conduct interviews prior to an acceptance decision being made. Early applications are encouraged.

This program is less than 90 days. Students with a US passport will be traveling to Italy under the Schengen Visa waiver program and do not require a travel visa for this program, and GEO is unable to assist U.S. citizens in obtaining a visa. If you are not a U.S. Citizen: Notify your GEO Advisor. Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact the Italian consulate in their country of residence about visa requirements, no matter the duration of the program of study.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Courses will satisfy requirements in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Product Design.  ARCH 4/507: City of Rome satisfies Architectural History.  For Interior Architecture majors this course satisfies Western Architecture History or Subject Area Elective.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

This program is suitable for Architecture majors. For all other College of Design majors, please consult with your academic advisor before applying for this program.

  • Students need to be eligible for the 400-level studio sequence

Graduate Students: 3.0 GPA or above

Faculty and Staff

Visiting Assistant Professor Clay Neal is an Architect and instructor focused on the interrelationship between housing, community, and the environment. With a background in public policy administration, Clay teaches that housing is a vital community issue that impacts and is impacted by climate change, urban affordability, equity, community vitality, and public safety, not to mention the livability and joy of cities. His studios explore how housing coupled with other community programming can be architecturally crafted to connect people with their communities and respect the social and environmental context of a place. In his architectural practice, Clay has designed a variety of projects ranging from 200 to 99,000 SF for public and private clients and he incorporates professional practice preparation in all of his courses.

Housing Description

The University of Oregon partners with the University of Washington Rome Center on this program. Founded in 1985, the UW Rome Center is located in the ancient heart of Rome just off the Campo de’ Fiori. The UWRC offers highly-trained local staff to facilitate transformative learning experiences for students and one-of-a-kind teaching and research opportunities for faculty. 

Student accommodations are located in the heart of Rome, within a 10-minute walk of the UWRC. Apartments typically have one to three bedrooms, kitchen, living room/common area, and one or more bathrooms. Bedrooms are usually shared with one or two other students, including one single bed per student and closet/clothing storage space.

All apartments are furnished and have a fully-equipped kitchen including standard Italian kitchenware, washing machine and drying rack.  Bed, bath and kitchen linens are provided. Apartments are cleaned regularly by a professional cleaning service.