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

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

This 5-week intensive summer program immerses students in audio journalism and storytelling while exploring the landscapes and cultural heritage of Scotland. This program is primarily that of immersive journalism, with the goal of connecting with locals to learn more about what the Highland experience truly is. Through two courses in comparative journalism and audio storytelling, students blend classroom learning with hands-on field experiences. Based in Inverness, students will stay in Edinburgh, Orkney, and a Rewilding Centre, which will offer opportunities to learn directly from local storytellers, journalists, and media professionals. 

During the program, students will visit sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Lake Loch Ness, and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. You will also engage with Scottish traditions through visits through Gaelic Folk music performances and traditional Scottish farms. The program culminates in an audio showcase celebrating the students’ creative work, right before the start of Edinburgh Fringe.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2026 03/15/2026 7/5/26 8/8/26

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff and the program faculty leader will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement. 

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Faculty-Led Scholarship Opportunity

Applicants to this program are eligible for program-specific scholarship funds. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500-$1,500. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by the advertised deadline for the term you will be abroad. Students who apply will automatically be considered for all available funding within the General Scholarship, including this program's scholarship funds.

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

You will enroll in two classes during the program, JCOM 388: Audio Storytelling (4 credits) and JCOM 388: Media History of Scotland (4 credits). These courses will combine classroom learning with experiential excursions that provide access to important locations and individuals within the journalism industry and communities of Scotland. 
 

Legacy Curriculum
CourseAudio StorytellingMedia History
JournalismSpecialized Reporting, Visual 
Concentration or Additional 
Sequence		JCOM 305
AdvertisingJCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Public RelationsJMS Skills or JCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Media StudiesJCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Media Studies MinorNot eligible / UO electiveEligible for the elective section
2024 Curriculum
CourseAudio StorytellingMedia History
JournalismReporting/Writing Track ("Big Story") onlyJCOM 305
AdvertisingJCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Public RelationsJCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Media StudiesJCOM ElectiveJCOM 305
Media Studies MinorNot eligible / UO electiveEligible for the elective section

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

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.

Faculty and Staff

Charlie Deitz is an Assistant Teaching Professor within the School of Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon. Prof. Deitz specializes in late 19th-century media, audio storytelling, media studies, institutional history, government structures, and disability studies. Inspired by NPR’s narrative style in the early 2000s, he transitioned from a political science background into broadcasting, eventually working as an overnight reporter at KEX in Portland and later as an NPR-affiliated reporter in Massachusetts. 

His passion for teaching emerged during his graduate studies at the School of Journalism and Communication, where he ultimately earned his doctorate. Since joining the SOJC full-time in 2023, Deitz has helped expand audio-focused opportunities for students, including supporting the launch of the Audio Club and preparing to lead FLUX magazine. He believes deeply in the power of sound to build empathy and hopes his students leave with the curiosity and confidence to ask meaningful questions. 

When not teaching, he enjoys playing guitar and basketball, producing digital music, reading, and spending time with his daughter.

Housing Description

The student accommodation is situated on Inverness campus with local amenities such as shops and restaurants within walking distance.  There is also frequent public transport links to the city centre. Students will be given single rooms that include en-suite facilities, as well as a spacious wardrobe, comfortable study area and convenient storage. The kitchen and living area is shared by 5-7 other rooms, all of which will be occupied by other students on the program. On-site laundry also available. 

From Inverness, students will make a few trips outside the city to locations such as Orkney and Edinburgh, and generally stay in hotels/hostels that are centrally located.