Study Abroad/Travel Programs

Kate Schaffer is a Professor and Chair of MIAD’s First-Year Experience and also teaches in Critical Studies where they encourage MIAD students to consider the possibilities the world holds for them. Schaffer uses research. Observation, and community programming to fuel personal essays, poems, and collaborative site-specific installations in both natural and urban outdoor spaces.

Jason S. Yi is a MIAD Professor, who has taught in MIAD’s Fine Arts and First Year programs for 30 years. Jason received an undergraduate degree in Architecture as well as an MFA in Fine Arts. His studio work crosses multiple disciplines, including drawing, photography, installation and sculpture. Jason has exhibited his work nationally and internationally and has been awarded the prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation grant. He has led previous MIAD study abroad trips to Florence, China, and Thailand.

Estimated Travel/Course Fee: $6295

Includes 6 credits MIAD summer tuition, housing, field trips, travel health/safety insurance during program dates, and several group meals. Students will stay in shared housing with WIFI and access to kitchen and laundry. Airfare is NOT included. Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to Shannon, Ireland, is estimated at $1400 and will need to be purchased by early March. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Students should expect to spend an additional $850 or more on food and other expenses.

Students are responsible for necessary passports or visas. Participants who do not currently possess a valid passport that is good through December 31, 2027, should apply for a new passport or renewal no later than January 2027.

Interested students must apply for the program and complete an application packet available outside of office 265B. Completed application forms must include a deposit of $800 payable to MIAD Ireland Program, a statement of interest, 2 letters of support from current MIAD faculty/staff and financial aid form (whether requesting aid or not).

Students must be in good academic and financial standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students are encouraged to submit their application materials earlier than the regular deadline. Quality of submitted materials may also influence instructor approval. SPACE IN PROGRAM IS LIMITED.

Minimum enrollment must be met for program to run. Deposits will be returned if program is canceled because of insufficient enrollment or if student is not accepted.

Students accepted into the program will be required to sign a course commitment letter in early December and return it within 5 days of receiving notification of their acceptance. (After that, deposit will be refunded ONLY if MIAD cancels the program.)

Deposit will apply to total cost of the program.

An additional payment will be required at the end of February ($1500) and balance owed will be due in late April. The payment schedule will be identified in the commitment document. Payments beyond initial deposit may also be non-refundable if expenses have already been paid on participant’s behalf.

MIAD NEED-BASED Study Abroad Grants: A small number of need-based grant awards may be available to eligible students. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, no business office holds, be in good academic standing and a current full-time MIAD student to apply and receive the grant. Grant awards for $500 – $750 will be based on a combination of factors including need, quality of written statement of intent, and consideration of student’s cumulative GPA. If a student is awarded a MIAD need-based study abroad grant, this award will be credited to course/travel fee owed AFTER deposit. Awards are contingent upon the program running. Students must return signed acceptance/ commitment letter for the program and grant award.

Students interested in being considered for this year’s Study Abroad Need-Based Grant MUST submit their complete application package by MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026, 12:00 NOON.

Financial Aid: Aid may be available to qualified students. Interested students should inquire at the MIAD Financial Aid office ASAP to determine individual eligibility. Students should be aware that financial aid cannot be distributed any earlier than 5-7 days before the start of the official summer term. Students should plan other means to cover deposit and plane tickets. Students confirmed eligible for financial aid will be able to apply that towards the balance owed. (Financial Aid CANNOT be used for deposit.)

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Associate Professor Sarah Eichhorn is MIAD’s 3D Design Department Chair and teaches in the Fashion and Apparel Design Program. She has taught multiple fiber-based workshops in the Driftless area and maintains connections with many artists in the region.

Kayle Karbowski, Asst. Director of Emerging Technology has also taught in MIAD’s First-Year program, NSP, and Design areas. She has taught workshops at The Driftless Folk School for several years. Her artistic practice includes interests in ecology, as well as collaborative work and communal making using natural materials.

Estimated Travel/Course Fee: $2400

Fee includes 3 credits MIAD summer tuition, housing while in Viroqua, field trips, transportation to Viroqua and to field trip sites, and several group meals. Students will stay in shared housing with WIFI as well as kitchen and laundry facilities. Students should expect to spend an additional $150 or more on food and other expenses.

Interested students must apply for the program and complete an application packet available outside of office 265B. Completed application forms must include a deposit of $300 payable to MIAD Driftless Program, a statement of interest, and 2 letters of support from current MIAD faculty/staff.

Students must be in good academic and financial standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students are encouraged to submit their application materials earlier than the regular deadline. Quality of submitted materials may also influence instructor approval. SPACE IN PROGRAM IS LIMITED.

Minimum enrollment must be met for program to run. Deposits will be returned if program is canceled because of insufficient enrollment or if student is not accepted.

Students accepted into the program will be required to sign a course commitment letter in early December and return it within 5 days of receiving notification of their acceptance. (After that, deposit will be refunded ONLY if MIAD cancels the program.)

Deposit will apply to total cost of the program.

An additional payment will be required at the end of February ($700) and balance owed will be due in mid-April. The payment schedule will be identified in the commitment document. Payments beyond initial deposit may also be non-refundable if expenses have already been paid on participant’s behalf.

Please note that Financial Aid is not available unless the student enrolls in an additional 3-credit course for Summer Term. No MIAD scholarships may be applied to this or other summer courses. Any questions may be directed to the Financial Aid Office.