UW Conflict & Culture in Croatia

Location

Not sure where Rovinj is? See it on a map here.

The city of Rovinj, on the peninsula of Istria on the northeastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. Rovinj was originally an island but in the 17th century the narrow channel separating the city from the mainland was filled to accommodate the growing population of the area as a naval and mercantile outpost of the Venetian Republic. The area has a rich historical legacy due to the constant exchange between Slavic, Latin and Germanic cultures. Immune to the nationalism that has affected the rest of the region, this part of Croatia offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into European ideas of ethnic and religious tolerance.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

Housing and two daily meals are included in the program fee and will be provided at a villa located in Rovinj. You will stay in rooms in apartment-style housing with other program participants. Each unit includes bathrooms and basic kitchen facilities. Accommodations are a short walk from the center of Rovinj.

IAP assigns students to rooms in Rovinj. We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons.  We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad.  We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad.  If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

Field trips will be made to different areas in Istria. You will have two major day trips included as part of the program fee. Exact locations vary a little each year. In the past, the program has visited Vodnjan, a church with medieval relics and Dvigrad, a medieval ruined city, as well as Pula, which contains one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world. In northern Istria, the program has explored the Archbishop's Palace, in Porec, as well as Hum, the smallest city in the world.

On-Site Support

UW Professor Toma Longinovic, Resident Director, will accompany you.

Orientation

IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.

Visa

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements; contact your Study Abroad Advisor for guidance.

Getting to Your Program

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, which includes arranging flights that will allow for arrival by the start of the program. An optional airport transfer will be offered.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record.  If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business.  All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.

UW-Madison
History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Quotes

"Rovinj is a beautiful city - a classic quaint European town sitting on an amazing blue sea. I learned a lot, but also enjoyed the time just relaxing by the water. Whether in class, talking to the owner of the pizza place, wandering around the city, or seeing a concert by Croatia's most famous pop singer, I loved the mixture of learning and having enough time to soak it all in."

Photos

Program photo album

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by International Academic Programs.  We have a team that works with each program.  Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Joanna Poinsatte (Make an appointment with Joanna Poinsatte, or email joanna.poinsatte@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Andy Quackenbush (Make an appointment with Andy Quackenbush, or email andy.quackenbush@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)