Itineraries

UVA Wise Costa Rica Winter Break, Dec. 13 - 22, 2025

Volcanoes, Vines, and Ziplines: Ecotourism in Costa Rica

  • December 13 – Depart UVA Wise and Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
  • December 14 – Explore San Jose
  • December 15 – Depart San Jose for La Fortuna. Explore a volcano, hike, and enjoy hot springs.
  • December 16 – La Fortuna
  • December 17 – Depart La Fortuna for Monteverde.
  • December 18 – Monteverde. Wildlife viewing, hiking, ziplining, and exploring a coffee plantation.
  • December 19 – Explore Manuel National Park
  • December 20 – Explore Manuel National Park
  • December 21 – Return to San Jose. Free day in the city.
  • December 22 – Depart San Jose for UVA Wise

Schedule is subject to change.

Course: Choice of CRJ 3950 or BUS 3950 Volcanoes, Vines, and Ziplines: Ecotourism in Costa Rica. Excursions include active onsite learning. Debriefing and discussions usually occur in the afternoon or before dinner. Students have most evenings free. The syllabus will have additional details. 

Trip Directors:
Ron Floridia, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Department of Social Sciences Chair
Zafar Khan, Professor of Economics

Cost: $3400 (includes airfare, lodging, transportation, entrance to required excursions, breakfast, welcome dinner, and tuition for study abroad course)

UVA Wise Ireland Spring Break, March 4 - 15, 2026

Ireland 1916 Easter Rising, Literature, and Music

  • March 4 – Depart UVA Wise for Ireland
  • March 5 – Arrive in Dublin City, Ireland. City Tour.
  • March 6 – In Dublin City. Irish Heritage sites, including Glasnevin Cemetery, Arbour Hill, and Dublin Castle
  • March 7 – Day trip to Belfast City to explore the capital city of Northern Ireland
  • March 8 – Clare and Doolin. Irish Midlands to West Country
  • March 9 – Clare and The Burren. Bridges of Ross, Caherconnell Stone Fort, and Sheepdog Demonstration
  • March 10 – Dingle and Killarney. Dingle Peninsula and Dingle town; Slea Head Drive and visit Irish speaking villages
  • March 11 – Killarney and Ring of Kerry. Ring of Kerry
  • March 12 – Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel
  • March 13 – Malahide and Dublin City
  • March 14 – Depart Dublin City. Arrive at UVA Wise.

Schedule is subject to change.

Course: ENG 3149 Ireland 1916 Easter Rising, Literature, and Music. Excursions include active onsite learning. Debriefing and discussions usually occur in the afternoon or before dinner. Students have most evenings free.  The syllabus will have additional details. 

Trip Directors:
Cynthia Newlon, Instructor of English and Writing Center Director
Rachel Tighe, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Department Chair

Cost: $3400 (includes airfare, lodging, transportation, entrance to required monuments and museums, breakfast, welcome dinner, and tuition for study abroad course)

UVA Wise Portugal Spring Break, March 4 - 15, 2026

An Exploration of the Age of Discovery in Portugal, Portuguese Architecture, and Culture

  • March 4 – Depart UVA Wise for Lisbon, Portugal
  • March 5 – Arrive in Lisbon. Bus tour and group dinner.
  • March 6 – Walking tour of São Gorge Castle and Castle Town
  • March 7 – Day trip to Tomar to visit the Castle of the Knights Templar and the Convent of Christ
  • March 8 – Free Day (options: day trip to Porto, Nazare, Obidos, or relax in Lisbon)
  • March 9 – In Lisbon. Visits to the Torre de Belem, the Monument of the Discoveries, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Enjoy a group Fado performance in the evening.
  • March 10 – Day trip to Evora to explore Roman ruins, buildings with Moorish architectural style.
  • March 11 – Day trip to Sintra to visit the Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros.
  • March 12 – In Lisbon. Visits to the National Museum and the Praca do Comércio
  • March 13 – Free Day (options: National Tile Museum, Alfama neighborhood, or Santa Justa Lift)
  • March 14 – Depart Lisbon, Portugal. Arrive in the United States and stay overnight in Charlotte, NC
  • March 15 – Arrive at UVA Wise

Schedule is subject to change.

Course: HUM 1950 An Exploration of the Age of Discovery in Portugal, Portuguese Architecture, and Culture. Excursions include active onsite learning. Debriefing and discussions usually occur in the afternoon or before dinner. Students have most evenings free.  The syllabus will have additional details. 

Trip Directors:
Amelia Harris, Professor Emerita
Candice Stadler, Director of International Programs and Services

Cost: $3400 (includes airfare, lodging, transportation, entrance to required monuments and museums, breakfast, welcome dinner, and tuition for study abroad course)