Study Abroad: Great Urban Spaces
-
Rowan University Students at the London Bridge, England (2024)
Study Abroad: Great Urban Spaces
Study Abroad in 4 Different Cities
Great Urban Spaces in London, Paris, Florence, and Rome
Program offered in Spring 2026; registration begins in Fall 2025.
If you'd like to be kept informed, leave your contact information on this Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RuSL1xBCqlU24Nf7KBJqnHn3XcpPKAyf6XUTtRit1qc/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Table of Contents
- Program Goals
- Learning Objectives
- Informational Video
- Itinerary
- Courses
- Planning Partner
- Safety Measures
- Cost
- Scholarships
- Important Dates
- Information Sessions
- Q&A
- Next Steps
- Testimonials
Program Goals
The goals of this study abroad, which will visit some of the world’s most renowned cities, are to understand the characteristics of great urban spaces, from architecture to principles of sustainability. Students will travel to London, Paris, Florence, and Rome under the guidance of a Rowan University Professor and a professional study abroad assistant/expert guide via EF Study Abroad.
Students will visit great urban spaces and places in some of Europe’s most significant cultural, economic, and political centers, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower and surrounding parks, the Basilica of Santa Croce, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum and Colosseum among many others.
All students (graduate and undergraduate) at Rowan University in any program are eligible for this study abroad. The 3 s.h. will be offered via a selected topics course during the spring 2024 semester that can be used as a free elective or a program elective with your program’s permission.
Learning Objectives
Through these visits, students will accomplish the following learning objectives:- Observe the characteristics of urban spaces and places that have contributed to a world-wide reputation. Characteristics include layout and design, architecture, imageability of the built and natural environment, way finding, inspirational elements, and historical context.
- Discuss and analyze these characteristics considering literature on the history and theory of urban and regional planning.
- Create examples of how these urban spaces can inform modern city and community building.
- Analyze why and how these historical places have been sustained and link the findings to contemporary efforts to build sustainable environments.
Watch the Informational Video on this Study Abroad
Content under development.
Itinerary
Date Range: EF Study Abroad will manage all of our logistics, including travel. They provide a date range for the trip to make sure they get us the best travel rates possible. The range for this trip is potential departure on May 17, 2026 and potential return on May 28, 2026. It is possible, however, that the departure could be moved later by a few days. We will know the specific departure date and return date in the Spring of 2026.
We will know the specific departure date and return date in the Spring of 2026. However, those dates will be within the range of “earliest” and “latest” dates provided above.
We will visit a total of 5 different cities in Europe!
- London, England
- Paris, France
- Florence, Italy
- Assisi, Italy
- Rome, Italy
What course should I take in Spring 26?
| Student Type | Course Number | Course Name |
| Undergraduate student | GEOG 16250 | ST: Study Abroad: Urban Europe |
| Graduate student | GEOG 16550 | ST: Study Abroad: Urban Europe |
*All students will receive university credit for taking the course. All non-GPS majors must get approval from their program for program requirement credit. GPS majors will receive major credit.
Who is helping us with planning?
Our Partner: EF Study Abroad (Education First):
- World leader in international education
- More than 1 million students experience their programs each year
- 55+ years of experience
- 600+ schools & offices in 114 countries
- Organizes all travel logistics and details for an all-inclusive experience
- Expert in safety, experiential learning, and building incredible study abroad programs
- Proven safety record during COVID
Safety Measures
EF is among the first recipients of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp, certifying that EF adheres to strict safety and hygiene protocols.
EF provides our group with:
- 24/7 Personal Tour Director
- Local presence and safety teams in country
- 24-hour emergency line & real-time incident response
- Enhanced safety measures and protocols to align with COVID standards
- Peace of Mind policy included for all travelers
- Additional support and safety policies
How much does this cost?
- $5,250*
- $100 course fee
*Includes all travel expenses (including flight to / from Europe), hotels, all breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners. If more than 25 students enroll in this program, the EF fee drops to $4,850. In 2024, 26 students enrolled.
Scholarships
Important Dates
Fall 25 Semester
- September 17, 2025 (Wednesday): Attend the Rowan University Study Abroad Fair in the Student Center Pit from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can meet the sponsoring professor and learn more about the program!
Spring 26 Semester
- Schedule TBD
Information Sessions
- May 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
- May 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
- June 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- June 9, 2025 at 4 p.m.
- June 18, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
- June 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Q&A
A Q&A document is available to answer common questions asked by Rowan students: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JSLfzju_N1FWJLvSLsqOum4AU_0Ty5QtBGF1aEk_zrw/edit?tab=t.0
What to do next?
Sign up in the Google Doc with your email. Dr. Keenan will stay connected with all who show interest.
Signing up DOES NOT mean you are committing to the trip. It means you will receive announcements from Dr. Keenan in the Fall semester regarding how to formally enroll.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RuSL1xBCqlU24Nf7KBJqnHn3XcpPKAyf6XUTtRit1qc/edit?gid=0#gid=0Have questions? Contact Dr. Keenan at keenankp@rowan.edu or (856) 256-4231.
