Croatia Maymester Abroad
The Croatia Maymester Study Abroad Program offers students the opportunity to earn four credit hours studying various aspects of Croatian architecture, planning, landscape, culture and society in a this beautiful and fascinating country. Courses are taught by UGA faculty and use active engagement approaches that will focus on student fieldwork and exploration of historic urban and rural landscapes and allow students to interact with scholars from Croatian universities and research institutes, local government officials, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and citizens from different walks of life.
The 2018 study abroad program will focus on planning, development, heritage conservation, and cultural landscape issues in a region experiencing strong growth and development and the impact of increasing tourism while trying to preserve its culture and traditions.
Program Location
The program will be based in Zadar, Croatia, a city where the modern and the historic combine to create one of Croatia’s most dynamic and exciting towns. Zadar is a place to explore Roman ruins and Venetian architecture, see contemporary art installations, and enjoy traditional cuisine in a beautiful natural setting on the Dalmatian coast. Zadar and its adjoining regions, like other historic Mediterranean cities facing increased development, makes an excellent laboratory for studying planning, development, heritage conservation, and cultural tourism. We will conduct field studies in such locations as Trogir, Split, and Krka National Park.
Today Croatia is a stable, peaceful, easygoing country that is a member of the European Union. Less than 30 years ago, however, it was the scene of bitter conflict as the nation sought independence from Yugoslavia. That hard-won victory has put renewed emphasis on Croatian traditions that have kept alive a spirit of nationhood through centuries of foreign domination.
Program Director and Course Leaders
James K. Reap, Director
Lamar Dodd School of Art
706.542.4706
jreap@uga.edu |
Umit Yilmaz
College of Environment and Design
706.542.3117
yilmaz@uga.edu |
Academic Program
PLAN 6911 and LAND 4911 - Field Studies in Planning and Heritage Conservation
This course explores the urban forms and developments within the historic context through on-site lectures and exposure to cities and sites. Students will visit selected historic and contemporary cities and investigate urban systems, city forms, architecture and the history of settlements, and will complete on-site readings and observations. A city's physical setting and particular history together create a situation capable of being developed into a "perfect moment" of urban form, and students are expected to experience this first hand. The primary location of the program will be in Zadar, Croatia and its hinterland with field visits to other areas of the Dalmatian coast. This course also intends to increase the multicultural understanding of participating students. Immersing in other cultures, even for two weeks, experiencing and perceiving the differences and similarities will equip the students with a better vision to understand their own background and contribute to their role in today’s global environment.
The program will be a field-based learning experience. Much of the work will revolve around on-site observation and study of the built and natural environment, interaction with the Croation community, and collaboration with Croatian professionals and faculty from the University of Zadar. Travel, site visits and excursions will be integrated into all aspects of the course.
Students will have exposure to different cultures, history, landscapes and architecture in Zadar and the nearby Dalmatian region of Croatia. Program fees will cover rooms (double occupancy), breakfast, some group lunches or dinners, admissions, and group ground travel. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from Zadar, other meals, incidentals and other personal expenses.
2018 Program Itinerary
The course will begin on May 9-11 in Athens at the College of Environment and Design, We will travel to Zadar, Croatia on May 12-13. From May 13-28, we will be based in Zadar and will utilize the city and surrounding countryside as our laboratory. We will also visit nearby historic cities and natural heritage sites such as Trogir, Split and Krka National Park. Students will be free to return to the US after the completing of the program or travel on their own in Europe.
Housing and Meals
Housing will be double occupancy in a hotel, hostel, or apartments, depending on final arrangements. Meals and incidentals will be on your own.
Program Costs
The estimated program fee for the 2018 program is $1,370, based on an enrollment of 10 students and the current exchange rate. The program fee includes room (double occupancy), scheduled field trips; and medical insurance. Additional expenses not included are tuition and university fees (which may be partially covered by the HOPE Scholarship), airfare, meals each day, and spending money. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Croatia. There are no direct flights from the US to Zadar. A transfer will be required at a major European airport.
