Imagination. Creativity. Local and world histories. Art. Theatre. Music. Design.

Study Abroad: Vienna-Prague-Dresden

Vienna-Prague-Dresden is an immersive arts-based experience. The focus of this trip is the Prague Quadrennial (PQ)—one of the largest international festivals of theatre, design, and architecture in the world. PQ calls on people to re-envision what life and creativity look like in today’s rapidly changing world. During the trip, students explore world heritage sites, study works of art in museums and galleries, attend performances, and reflect on global history, culture, and connection.

Who Can Apply?

The trip is open to all majors and is designed for students whose interests benefit from creativity and new perspectives—in other words, everyone.

Faculty Leaders

Mary Cyr

Assistant Teaching Professor, Visual and Performing Arts

Kent Cyr

Associate Professor, Visual and Performing Arts

"It's not art unless it has the potential to be a disaster."
—Banksy

Lisa Gordillo

Associate Chair, Visual and Performing Arts
Associate Professor, Visual and Performing Arts
Artist-in-Residence, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences

Links of Interest

Step 1: Contact one of the faculty leaders to express interest. They will add you to the email list for updates.

Step 2: Complete the online application below.

You must be a student in good academic standing to participate in the program. You will also be required to sign a group code of conduct agreement.

Apply Now

Courses

Classes begin online two weeks before departure. The online portion of our classes is mandatory. Classes are taught in English by Michigan Tech Faculty. All students will take International Arts Immersion for 3 credits. Students then choose 3-6 additional credits from the list below.

ART 3950: International Arts Immersion

An immersive travel course focused on experiential arts learning. We’ll study theatre, art, music, design, architecture, and arts engagement, considering local traditions and international context. Experiences include gallery exhibits, museums, design festivals, and live performances as students participate in and reflect on cultural life.

Instructors: Lisa Gordillo, Mary Cyr, Kent Cyr
3 credits
ART 3950 includes a lab fee which will be the final balance of your program fee.

THEA 3850: Decorative Arts: Costume and Textiles

An exploration of clothing and textiles with an emphasis on traditional embellishment techniques, aesthetics, and cultural context. Students will study details of dress and decorative embellishments in museums and theatrical performances. Projects include research, discussions, creating a costume/textile field journal, and creating embroidered designs.

Instructor: Mary Cyr
3 credits

THEA 3850: Technicalities: Form and Function in Scenic Elements

Students will record images and drawings of the toys, tools, furniture, food, mechanics, and architectural details seen during their travels. Students will research these items while learning about their social and cultural significance. Class will focus on methods of fabrication, with an emphasis on the key details required to create facsimiles for theatre and entertainment events.

Instructor: Kent Cyr
3 credits

ART 3850: The Bohemian Art Studio

Part art studio, part seminar: students will study traditional and contemporary works of art from the region known as Bohemia (now part of the Czech republic), and make their own works of art from the idea of “bohemian” - dynamic, artistic, socially unconventional. We’ll look at street art, gallery exhibits, museums, pop-up art sites, and other creative formats. We’ll consider structure, architecture, story-telling, history, politics, and students’ personal point of view to create works of art within the heart of Prague.

Instructor: Lisa Gordillo
3 credits

Costs

Students pay their regular Michigan Tech tuition for their coursework and a program fee for the trip. The program fee includes:

round trip airfare
all housing
course materials
entrance to all activities
in-country transportation
all breakfasts
four group dinners
international health insurance*

*required by the university.

Students should also budget $20-40 per day in personal spending money for the trip. All students are required to have a personal cell phone with an international plan.

Cost Details

2024 program fee was $4920.
2027 program fee will be posted in September, 2026.
First deposit: $500 | Due: TBD
Second deposit: $1000 | Due: TBD
Final balance: Paid with summer tuition
ART 3950 includes a lab fee which will be the final balance of your program fee.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students can cover all program costs with financial aid. To qualify, you must be enrolled in 12 summer credit hours.

We recommend that students in the program take 6-9 credit hours. There’s a lot to experience in Europe, and we want you to leave room open in your schedule to do so!

This program runs during Track A. Michigan Tech students who wish to take 12 summer credit hours may enroll in 3-6 credit hours during Track B, or enroll in an additional 3 credit Independent Study course with one of the program faculty. Please contact one of the program leaders if you want to discuss this option.

Michigan Tech’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers several Study Away Assistance Scholarships each year. Students who are actively involved in CDI programming are able to apply for up to $500 of assistance.

Consult with the Michigan Tech Financial Aid Office, or the financial aid office at your home university, for more information about how to fund your study abroad experience.

Past Experiences

Our program’s experiences have provided students with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in rich cultural landscapes where art, music, and performance are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Whether you're considering your own adventure or simply want to see the incredible work our students have produced, this is your chance to be inspired. Join us in celebrating the fusion of art and culture that helps to define the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Other Things to Consider

Have questions about studying aboard? Your Faculty Leader can help you with your pre-departure. Michigan Tech has standard policies on academic misconduct and complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Here are some other resources that will help you with your visit:

Behavior and Expectations

Students are expected to abide by the Michigan Tech student conduct code. There is zero tolerance for drug use. Violations will result in immediate expulsion from the program and no refund.

Health and Safety

Reasonable precautions should be taken as in any area abroad. Faculty Leaders will assist you in finding the closest medical facilities.

Accomodations

For more information about reasonable accommodation for or equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at 906-487- 2212 or follow the link above.