Europe Tour

Travel for two weeks in Europe, touring some of the finest European capitals, media outlets and museums, all while earning two journalism elective credits. Visit newspapers, ad agencies, magazines, television stations and more in Brussels, Barcelona, Prague and Rome during winter break! This program offers you the opportunity to explore four countries and gain insight into each unique system of journalism. Travel with other MU journalism students and two MU journalism faculty members through the enchanting cities of Europe. You will stay in some of the finest hotels, ride the renowned rails and dine on delicious cuisine. Get a taste of study abroad through this two-week program in Europe!

Learn more: Check out the 2012 Europe Tour blogand better yet, the Europe Media Tour 2013 blog.

All scheduled activities, meetings, and transportation before, during, and after the Europe Tour Program ARE MANDATORY.

Students must be present on the shuttle returning from St. Louis to Columbia at the end of the Europe Tour Program.

Brussels, Belgium: Traditionally known for chocolate, waffles and beer, many visitors are surprised to find that the city acts as the capitol of Europe, home to the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, if it is the gourmet you came for, you surely will not be disappointed. Comfortable cafes and world-class beer may be found strewn along the streets of a city that has felt the influence of nearly all of its mighty neighbors, mainly France, Germany and the Netherlands, throughout years of migration and conflicts. Easily living up to the standards of a European capitol, while still holding strong to its own traditions and culture, the city of Brussels makes for a worldly visit with a feel of a smaller town.

Barcelona, Spain: A robust, walkable city with a metropolitan population of more than 4.5 million people, the city is a fashion stronghold; multiple suburbs offer access to some of the top designers in the world. This ancient city has grown from its Roman beginnings to boast some of the most unique architecture on the continent whilst keeping remnants of its past; it is common to see modern, realist buildings standing next to medieval structures. Every student should spend a day lost in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter before visiting Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Família.

Prague, Czech Republic: One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague is situated on the river Vltava and is the cultural, economic and political center of the Czech Republic. Prague, known as the Golden City and as the City of a Hundred Spires, is the capital of the Czech Republic with a population of approximately 1.2 million. Left largely undamaged by WWII, Prague features stunning architecture, cobblestone streets and gold-tipped spires. Visitors will find an exciting variety of entertainment in Prague, including historical landmarks such as St. Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, known as the largest ancient castle in the world according to Guinness World Records. If you are not a history buff, you will also find an abundance of music concerts, shopping markets, restaurants and much more to keep you entertained during your visit to Prague.

Rome, Italy: More than 2,500 years old, the capital of Italy boasts a population exceeding 2.5 million. The city is built on and around seven beautiful hills with breathtaking views. This very modern and cosmopolitan city also features historical treasures from the past, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain to name just a few. Within Rome, you will find the separate country of Vatican City, home to the Pope. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world with a population of only 500 and the Pope as its sovereign ruler. The tour of the Vatican City will surely be a highlight for many students on the trip.

Undergraduate applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have completed one full semester on campus. Applicants who will complete their first semester preceding the term for which they are applying will be considered for conditional acceptance to the program.

All students must be in good academic standing. If an applicant has a GPA below a 3.0, a letter of appeal should be included with their application.

Applicants should compose a well-constructed resume and cover letter highlighting technical skills for use in the professional placement process. Students should also consider developing a portfolio to provide, if requested.

The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than a summer semester completed on-campus at MU. However, a summer abroad includes new experiences, cultures, languages, and an opportunity to explore the world as an international student. It is highly recommended that students outline a budget that considers what they might spend during the program. Students on this program pay MU educational fees (2 credits) as though taking classes on campus for the summer. The cost of the trip includes international travel, ground transportation, lodging, mandatory insurance, and an MU Study Abroad fee, which is applied toward costs associated with orientation programs, administration, and staff assistance.

Program Costs

Total Program Costs: $5,807.3
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)

Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $5,450
*Program fee includes roundtrip airfare and housing.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance (GeoBlue): $100
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $257.3

Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.

Additional Costs

Students will also be responsible for regular tuition and required educational fees associated with 2 credit hours. For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.

Personal Expenditure Estimates
Meals (per week) $150 - $175
Transportation (for entire program) $90

In addition to the program costs paid to MU, you will have expenses associated with international travel and living abroad. The amounts listed are estimated costs based on current exchange rates and on the information provided to us by your host institution and past participants. Depending on your personal spending habits, you may spend more or less than the figures provided.

Please note that these expenses do not include vacation travel or sightseeing. All fees are subject to change and without notice.

The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Please visit with your Financial Aid Advisor at the MU Student Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) to explore your financial aid options: 573-882-7506.

In addition, the School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester and you can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for special program scholarship announcements each semester.

Finally, check out our special page on Funding Your Experience for more information including links to our MU Journalism Abroad Travel Scholarship, MUJA Travel Writer Scholarship, external scholarship options, and Steps to Apply for Financial Aid.

Europe Tour Winter Intersession Program