ASPIRE Semester Programs

ASPIRE Semester

Arts + Sciences Programs for International Research and Education (ASPIRE)

What does your dream study abroad program look like? It’s probably not just sitting in a classroom. We bet it is experiential – out with the sights and sounds that make living in another part of the world so electric – and also interdisciplinary – weaving together all the disparate threads that make up the rich tapestry of places like Italy or Ireland.

But it also needs to fit into your studies, right?

With this in mind, the College of Arts and Sciences designed the ASPIRE Semester program: IU credits, IU faculty, IU students, but thousands of miles away in an enticing and exotic location.

Here's what one student said about her experience:

I can honestly say that signing up for the ASPIRE study abroad program was the best decision I have ever made for my own physical, mental, and intellectual health. The intensive, hands-on nature of the experience really set it apart from many other study abroad programs.

- Tvisha, Psychology, Junior

In Italy, students hike Mt. Vesuvius with an IU geologist, explore Roman ruins with a Classics professor, bring Art History to life through frescos seen in situ, and taste Italian history through food.

In Ireland, students travel to Galway Bay's Aran islands for your folklore class, visit trad music sessions, go to Dublin for a look at the Famine Museum, and spend time in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht with local Irish families.

Course topics encompass the breadth of College knowledge and meet requirements in both GenEd and CASE designations. Students will also fulfill GenEd World Languages and Culture requirement through this international experience.

The cost of these programs is generally comparable to IU estimates for a semester in Bloomington and financial aid can apply to the bursar account per the standard process.

NOTE: ASPIRE Semester will not be offered again after the Spring 2024 programs.

ASPIRE Semester: Ireland

Galway, Ireland

ASPIRE Semester: Italy

Salerno, Italy

Excursions + Experiences

An IU academic director is in residence for the entire program, and other IU faculty are in residence throughout the semester to teach courses. All classes are taught in English, and each one has a syllabus with lecture class sessions, homework, readings, and excursions. Students live in shared apartments in the center of the city.

The programs are primarily field-based courses, with activities that complement in-class lectures.

Excursions in Italy include:

Paestum Greek temples
Mt. Vesuvius crater
A mozzarella factory
Herculaneum Roman city
Villa Oplontis

Excursions in Ireland include:

Dublin
the Aran Islands
National Museum of Country Life, Co Mayo
Coole Park and Thoor Ballylee
Galway Bay

During each excursion, students receive lectures from faculty about the importance of the location, or how it relates to what is covered in the classroom. Students take museum tours, meet food producers, use a rock hammer, walk on ancient ruins, carry a field guide, take biology samples, and get incredible hands-on learning experiences.