Portugal 2025

Lisbon Highlights:

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Faculty and students will explore the stunning Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both recognized for their architectural significance.
• Historic Alfama District: Wander through the charming streets of one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, famous for its Fado music and traditional atmosphere.
• Cascais: Enjoy a day trip to this picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant waterfront.

Porto Highlights:

• Douro Valley: Students will experience the breathtaking views, vineyards, and river landscapes of this stunning region, perfect for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
• Ribeira District: Discover the lively atmosphere along the Douro River, with colorful buildings and a variety of dining options.
• Cultural Experiences: Attend local festivals, concerts, and art exhibits organized by the program’s European partner to enrich your cultural experience.

Transportation:

• Public Transport: Both cities boast excellent public transportation systems. Students will receive a transportation pass as part of the program to facilitate easy travel within the cities.
• Lisboa Card: Students will also receive a Lisboa Card in Lisbon, providing discounts on attractions and transportation, making it easier to explore the city.

*Planning Timeline: This trip is currently in the planning stage and will be finalized by March 15, 2025. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Houston Wells

Senior Lecturer, Media Production, Management and Technology
Director of cultural exchange opportunities
Professor Wells teaches documentary production, cinematography, lighting and video editing.
Study Abroad teaching: Discovering Portugal and Sight, Sound and Motion.

Tim Sorel

Professor, Media Production, Management and Technology
Director of study abroad logistics and academics

Professor Sorel creates documentary films concerning pediatric health, literacy and wellness.
Specialties: Digital storytelling, content marketing, cinematography, photography.
Study Abroad teaching: Intercultural Competence in Advertising and Photography.

Bridget Grogan

Adjunct Instructor in Journalism
Professor Grogan teaches writing, TV news, content marketing and data journalism.
Study Abroad teaching: Travel Reporting.

Ted Spiker

Professor and Department Chair, Journalism
Professor Spiker teaches journalism, sports journalism. He is the author of several books and nationally distributed magazine articles.
Specialties: Magazine writing, health and fitness writing, online communications.
Study abroad teaching: International Sports Media, Global Creativity.

Kim Walsh-Childers

Professor, Journalism
Professor Walsh-Childers teaches journalism, ethics as well as graduate courses.
Specialties: Health communication, science communication and reporting.
Study abroad teaching: Ethics and News Literacy.

To see a class syllabus, click on the course name.

ADV4930 Global Creativity: Professor Ted Spiker

This course will explore the role of creativity in the media industry, with a focus on international cultures and industries. Students will develop skill sets in creativity; identify principles and techniques that can be used to apply creativity to various media assignments and industries; analyze the use of creativity in journalism and media in international communities.

JOU4930 International Sports Media: Olympic Coverage: Professor Ted Spiker

This course will explore the sports-media industry through an international lens, focusing primarily on Olympic coverage. Students will study the differences between American and international sports media in terms of their culture, norms, principles, and practice. Students will critically analyze case studies, and they will produce a piece of content related to international sports media (journalism or strategic communication, depending on the career goals of the student).

JOU4930 Travel Reporting: Bridget Grogan

This course will immerse students in local culture in order to complete several reporting/travel blogging assignments with a deep cultural focus. Students will learn about and experience firsthand many important aspects of local communities that reflect modern-day perspectives and activities, as well as the history of the country.  Students will tour, visit, and explore several destinations, and will interview residents, experts, travelers, and others about the culture and its global influence.

MMC3203 Ethics: Professor Kim Walsh-Childers

This course is designed to enhance students’ ability to work through and make effective decisions related to ethical issues communications professionals encounter, while also developing an appreciation of the ways in which national cultures and media systems impact expectations and practices in media professionals’ behavior.

PUR4932 Intercultural Competence in Content Marketing: Bridget Grogan

Marketing is telling the world you are a rockstar. Content marketing is showing the world that you are one. But how do you accomplish this across cultures? Learn the secrets in this course. Students will explore the communication skills that lead to effective content marketing communication with people of other cultures. This course will focus on learning to appreciate the cultural differences and similarities between a new market and a brand’s home market in order to develop effective and appropriate content marketing materials. Students will explore fun, engaging, successful brands that are cross-cultural rockstars.

RTV3516 Video storytelling editing: Professor Tim Sorel

This course gives career-path communication students instruction in the use of digital audio and video production tools with a concentration on Adobe Premiere as well as the fundamentals of effective audio-visual storytelling.

RTV4930 Photography Composition and Editing: Professor Tim Sorel

This course is intended to give career-path communication students instruction in the use of digital photography and editing tools as well as the fundamentals of effective visuals for communications, marketing and branding on the international stage. Course instruction includes modules for professionalism and ethics while working internationally including customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.

RTV 4930 Discovering Portugal:  Professor Houston Wells

Portugal is celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning views, and cuisine that delights the senses. Join us as we survey its fascinating history, diverse arts, breathtaking geography, and vibrant culture—most importantly, its warm and friendly people. This course is designed for anyone interested in delving deeper into our host nation’s culture and maximizing personal growth through travel.

Oct. 17, 2024: Information meeting in Wiemer 1064 at 6 p.m. Program directors will discuss travel, living arrangements, excursions and costs.

Oct. 22, 2024: Sign-up open for seniors at 10 a.m.  Juniors at 11a.m. Sophomores and freshmen at noon.

Nov. 1, 2024: Sign-ups close

Spring 2025: We will hold three meetings that will prepare you for travel.

March 1, 2025: Study abroad Canvas shells open.

May 6 – May 29, 2025: Program travel to Portugal.

June 1, 2025: Classes continue online

June 17, 2024:  semester ends.

Costs for this program will be added soon. 

Financial Aid

Studying abroad can be an incredible experience, but it’s understandable to have concerns about funding. Here are some tips to help you navigate the financial aspects of your study abroad program:

1. Explore Financial Aid Options: Visit UF’s Financial Aid office before October 15, 2024, to discuss available aid opportunities. They can provide guidance on scholarships, grants, and loans that you may qualify for.
2. Bright Futures Scholarship: If you’re eligible for the Bright Futures program, remember that you can receive around $1,200 in tuition aid for your study abroad experience. Make sure to confirm your eligibility and understand the application process.
3. Set Up a Savings Plan: If possible, start saving a little each month leading up to your study abroad departure. Every bit can help!
4. Budgeting: Create a detailed budget for your time abroad, accounting for tuition, meals, accommodation, and personal expenses. This can help you identify areas where you can cut costs.