Study in Rovinj, Croatia

  Croatia

• Other Cities in Croatia: 
Rural Areas

Term: Summer 
Dates: during June

Description: This three-week University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty-led program titled Conflict and Culture explores the relationship between violence and the formation of national identities in the unique cultural setting of Istria. Starting with the origins of European "vampire plagues" which emerged in the areas of intense cultural contact between different civilizations during the 17th and 18th centuries, the seminar provides insight into the lesser-known areas of cultural history of Europe and its relationship to the formation of national identity. Focusing on the historical traumas caused by the war and ethnic strife, the seminar examines specific ways for resolving the conflict and developing tolerant notion of shared culture. The course is conducted in Istria, one of the "border zones" which is presently located in the Republic of Croatia, a meeting place of Slavic, Italian and Germanic cultural traditions. Students will be based in Rovinj, a beautiful museum-city on the shores of the Adriatic sea, taking classes in the Italian cultural center located in a 17th century villa.

Housing and two daily meals are included in the program fee and will be provided by a villa located in Rovinj. Students stay in double rooms with other program participants and get breakfast and dinner daily. Accommodations are centrally located in Rovinj.

Highlights: Rovinj was an island until the 17th century when the narrow channel separating the city from the mainland was filled to accommodate the growing population of the area as a naval and mercantile outpost of the Venetian Republic. The area has a rich historical legacy due to the constant exchange between Slavic, Latin, and Germanic cultures. The residents of Rovinj are multilingual and of mixed ethnic makeup. Croatian and Italian are used interchangeably and due to tourism and its border location, many of its residents also speak German and English. Istria is an excellent setting for UW-Madison students keen on studying a variety of topics, from literature to politics and anthropology.

Students will participate in field trips to the relevant sites where the stories and legends about the cultural others have originated. Field trips will be made to the different areas of Istria, divided between Croatia and Italy. Students will visit Vodnjan, a church with medieval relics of Christian saints and Dvigrad, a medieval ruined city among other locations. In Central Istria, students will visit Kringa, the village haunted by Jure Grando, the first European vampire to be described by the German historian, Valvassor in 1672. In Italy, students will visit Risiero di San Saba, a World War II Memorial of the concentration camp and a foiba with unmarked graves among other sites.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. Contact us for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home