AUSTRIAN & ITALIAN ALPS

SPRING COURSE
The program begins with a spring course establishing foundational knowledge in alpine systems, mountain ecology, climate change impacts, and interdisciplinary frameworks that define human-mountain relationships and cultural adaptation.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Alpine Climate & Culture | 3 credits *

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

This spring course is open to all UW students, participation in the field experience is optional.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Field Experience: Alps | 1 credit

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

Required for field program participants. You will receive an Incomplete grade in this section at the end of spring, to be resolved after field program requirements have been completed.   

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FIELD PROGRAM
Your journey starts in Innsbruck, Austria, where you'll engage with local experts and experience the Tyrolean mountain culture. From there, you'll explore diverse alpine landscapes across the Dolomites, trekking between traditional mountain huts (rifugi).

Field Experience

2027 Dates  TBD

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UW students. 

Application preference is given to students in Haub School and Honors College programs. 

PRE-REQUISITES
None. 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.

APPLY NOW

PROGRAM FEE TBD $4,500 

The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.

What's Included lodging, transportation during the program, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and some meals.

What's Not Included round trip transportation to Europe, most meals (including travel days), UW Education Abroad fee, and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship 

Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.

Cheney Global Seminar Scholarship

Competitive application process. Deadlines vary, program participants will receive detailed application instructions.

Other Education Abroad Awards

See other funding opportunities.  

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GRANTS

Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant

Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding. 

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Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines. 

explore Innsbruck's alpine heritage and mountain culture through guided walking tours; discover Tyrolean traditions and the historical significance of this crossroads city in the heart of the Austrian Alps

conduct field research in the Stubai Valley's high alpine environments; hike to research sites at Kaserstattalm while studying glacial retreat, permafrost dynamics, and ecosystem adaptations to climate change

experience traditional alpine lake ecosystems at Lake Piburg; investigate water resource management and tourism impacts while enjoying optional swimming in pristine mountain waters

study high alpine ecology and glacier dynamics in Obergurgl; ride the Hohe Mut Bahn cable car to examine tourism infrastructure's role in mountain communities and visit the Turm Museum for historical perspectives

hut-to-hut trek through the Italian Dolomites; experience authentic rifugio culture while staying in traditional mountain huts and learning about Alpine hospitality and mountaineering heritage

traverse diverse mountain landscapes from Schlern to Sassolungo massifs; witness UNESCO World Heritage geology while studying how mountain communities adapt to seasonal tourism and climate pressures

engage with local tourism officials and mountain guides in Val Gardena; explore the intersection of recreation, conservation, and economic development in one of Europe's premier alpine destinations

celebrate Ferragosto (Italian national holiday) in traditional Alpine villages; experience local festivals and understand how cultural traditions persist in mountain communities facing modern pressures

This program involves active outdoor experiences requiring good physical fitness. 

Participants should be prepared for extended periods of sitting, extensive walking, moderate to strenuous hiking, and some rustic style accommodations. 

You'll spend full days outdoors in the diverse environments of the Alps with changing weather conditions, across different ecoregions. Participants should be prepared to carry a pack (30lbs+) and spend full days hiking.

INFO SESSION
Meet course instructors and learn more about the spring course and the field program: 

Alpine Climate & Culture Info Session

TBD Fall 2026

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QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator: 

Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu