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UCA in Italy: Interior Architecture and Design 2026

Important Dates

Tentative Travel Dates:  May 10-24, 2026

Interest Meetings: View on Office of Education Abroad event calendar here.

Scholarship Application Deadline: November 2, 2025

Application and Deposit Deadline: January 15, 2026

Program Description

Interior Design majors will see iconic architectural landmarks in Rome, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. Students will arrive in Rome, where they will spend a couple of days before traveling to Sorrento, Italy, which will serve as a home base for subsequent travel to Naples, including the Ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. The group will return to Rome for the final days of the program. Highlights of the program will include the Colosseum, the Parthenon, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Piazza Narvona, the Catacombs, the Royal Palace of Naples, and the Afragola Train Station (Zaha Hadid). Students will learn of the various architectural and interior design and decoration strategies and influences throughout medieval, renaissance and modern history.

Faculty Leaders and Course Offerings

Professor Jennifer A. Whitehead, MS, NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC brings 25 years of distinguished experience in interior design education to her role as a faculty leader in international study abroad programs. As a dedicated educator, she has made significant contributions across multiple dimensions of design education, including academic advising, student mentorship, curriculum development, and program leadership. Her comprehensive approach to design education extends well beyond traditional classroom instruction, encompassing program development, faculty leadership, and innovative teaching methodologies that prepare students for successful careers in the field.

Jennifer’s dedication to student achievement is evident through her multifaceted approach to education. She provides extensive guidance through internship programs, helping students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

Jennifer’s passion for international design education recently led her to Southern Italy during summer 2025, where she conducted a comprehensive site visit as part of the UCA Interior Design Program. Her journey included Rome, Naples, Sorrento, the Isle of Capri, Positano, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. This professional visit was specifically designed to strengthen relationships with program partners at the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, laying the groundwork for future Summer Study Abroad and Semester Study Abroad Internship opportunities. Building on her previous international experiences in London, England, and the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, Jennifer is now preparing to co-lead the Southern Italy Study Abroad program for Interior Design students, scheduled for May 2026. This upcoming program represents her ongoing commitment to providing students with transformative international design experiences. With 25 years of educational excellence, combined with her international perspective and unwavering commitment to student success, makes her an invaluable leader in design education and study abroad programming.

Courses offered by Professor Whitehead:

  • IDSN 4V40 Independent Study (3 Credits)

 

 

 

 

Professor Toni Gocke Wyre

Courses offered by Professor Wyre:

  • IDSN 3340 History of Interiors, Architecture & Furniture I
  • IDSN 3341 History of Interiors, Architecture & Furniture II
  • IDSN 3355 Introduction to Historic Preservation

 

 

 

HONC 3310 credit may also be offered to students currently admitted to Schedler Honors College.

Program Cost

Click here to view the cost information sheet for the Summer 2026 program. 

Health and Safety 

Students registering for programs should carefully read through all health and safety information provided during the application process. In addition, students should honestly complete the ‘Health and Safety Form’ so that any health related concerns may be adequately accommodated on study abroad programs.

Participants will be enrolled in comprehensive international insurance for the duration of programming. It is the student’s responsibility to extend insurance cover if they stay abroad beyond UCA’s planned program dates. For information about international insurance coverage: https://uca.edu/globalstudy/health-and-safety/

Students must attend one health and safety meeting during the spring semester. Meeting dates will be announced after the application deadlines.