STUDY ABROAD
Expand your world—
and your future.
At the College of Information Science, we believe that experiencing the world is one of the most powerful ways to understand it.
That's why we offer a variety of curated study abroad opportunities—including our faculty-led summer programs in Italy and Japan. Whether exploring digital storytelling in a centuries-old hill town in Italy, studying game design in the birthplace of the modern video game industry in Japan, or examining a range of InfoSci disciplines in Athens, London, Madrid, Seoul and Sydney, our programs connect your studies to real-world global contexts.
Studying abroad is a transformative experience—one that broadens your perspective, deepens your learning and empowers you to shape the future of information in an increasingly connected world.
“Combining professional development with cultural immersion made my internship in Orvieto a unique opportunity to broaden both my perspective and my understanding of the library profession.”
Jacqueline Lucas, MLIS, Orvieto '26
SUMMER 2027
IN TOKYO & KYOTO, JAPAN
Join Assistant Professor of Practice Andrew Kemp-Wilcox for two unforgettable weeks in Japan while exploring the vibrant gaming cultures of Tokyo and Kyoto.
When you join InfoSci’s three-week Summer Pre-Session Program, you’ll complete one week of online instruction designed to introduce Japan’s unique gaming culture and prepare you for the experience ahead. You’ll then spend two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto completing coursework, fieldwork and immersive excursions that bring game design history and concepts to life.
Experience game design where many of the industry's biggest ideas were born. When you join the College of Information Science, you'll combine culture, creativity and technology while exploring the global heart of video game design.
SUMMER 2027
IN ORVIETO, ITALY
Join Associate Professor of Practice Michael McKisson for five weeks in the medieval hilltop city of Orvieto, where centuries of history, vibrant local traditions and everyday moments become the inspiration for your own digital storytelling.
When you join InfoSci's five-week Summer Program, you'll learn to see the world through the eyes of a storyteller. Through coursework, field experiences and cultural exploration, you'll discover how stories preserve history, shape identities and connect communities across generations while creating your own digital narratives inspired by the people and places you encounter throughout Italy. In addition to ESOC 300: Digital Storytelling and Culture, you'll select a second course offered through another U of A College, which can fulfill general education, minor, or other degree requirements, for six total credits during your time in Orvieto.
Some stories can only be experienced firsthand. When you join the College of Information Science in Orvieto, you’ll explore one of Italy’s most historic communities while learning how digital storytelling can preserve culture, amplify voices and connect people across generations.
Summer Study Abroad in Orvieto Proves Transformative for Students
In the summers of 2024 and 2026, groups of U of A students embarked on life-changing study abroad experiences in the heart of Italy. Hosted by the College of Information Science, the five-week programs took place in the historic hilltop town of Orvieto, where students explored not only the digital world but also the rich cultural tapestry of Italy.
GLOBAL TRACKS
The University of Arizona is currently offering three semester-based global tracks designed around InfoSci majors. Students pay regular U of A tuition and may use financial aid and scholarships toward the experience:
ATHENS
Discover the rich history of Athens while studying at the American College of Greece, the oldest American-accredited college in Europe. Take your InfoSci major abroad to explore the Mediterranean, choose from more than 1,000 courses and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience. Talk to your academic advisor to learn how studying in Athens can expand your global perspective and enhance your academic journey.
View Athens Global Track details by major (PDF):
LONDON
Step into one of the world’s biggest creative capitals by taking your InfoSci major abroad to UA London, hosted by St. Mary’s University. Talk to your academic advisor to explore how studying in London can help you sharpen your technical skills, find your creative voice and prepare for a future in game design.
View London Global Track details by major (PDF):
MADRID
Study abroad in Spain and study your InfoSci major through a global lens. At UA Madrid, hosted by Institute for American Universities, you can choose from a variety of English-taught courses to satisfy your degree requirements in the cosmopolitan city of Madrid.
View Madrid Global Track details by major (PDF):
SEOUL
Advance your understanding of data, computing and information systems in courses taught in English at UA Seoul, hosted by Hanyang University—one of South Korea’s top institutions for science and technology. In a country known for pioneering digital infrastructure and innovation, you’ll engage with one of the world’s most tech-forward environments.
View Seoul Global Track details by major (PDF):
SYDNEY
Explore one of the world's most dynamic waterfront cities by taking your InfoSci major abroad to Sydney at the University of Technology Sydney. Experience a vibrant mix of innovation, culture and coastal living while studying in the heart of the city, with iconic attractions and beautiful beaches just minutes away. Talk to your academic advisor to learn how studying in Sydney can broaden your global perspective and prepare you for a career in technology and information science.
View Sydney Global Track details by major (PDF):
STUDY ABROAD FOUR-YEAR PLANS
The College of Information Science encourages all students to consider studying abroad as part of their undergraduate experience. Our Study Abroad Four-Year Plans provide major-specific guidance to help you identify when to study abroad and how an international experience can fit into your degree plan.
Each plan offers a recommended semester for studying abroad, along with guidance on incorporating general education requirements, electives and major coursework into your degree.
While these plans are a helpful starting point, your ideal study abroad timeline may vary depending on your academic progress, interests and remaining degree requirements. We encourage you to connect with your academic advisor to develop a plan that works for you.
Click to view or download the plan (PDF):
FUNDING & TRAVEL RESOURCES
Need funding to support your global learning experience? The College of Information Science offers a limited number of scholarships each year to help students participate in approved international experiences. Eligible opportunities include faculty-led study abroad programs (such as Japan and Orvieto), Global Tracks semester abroad programs and approved international internships.
Other Study Abroad Cost & Scholarship Information
The U of A Study Abroad office offers the following additional cost and scholarship information:
Study Abroad Resources & Policies
The U of A Study Abroad office offers a variety of study abroad resources and policies:
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Orvieto, Italy
Photos of Italy by Michael McKisson.
Photos of London, Madrid and Seoul courtesy Adobe Stock.
CONTACT US
For additional information or assistance with your transformative study abroad experience, please contact Kevin Carton, manager of global and international programs, at kevincarton@arizona.edu.