A Tale of Two Cities - London and Paris
December 1, 2025; $75 Application fee is non-refundable.
June 7 - July 11, 2026
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” So begins A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens’s novel depicting the revolutionary era that would usher two global cities – London and Paris – into an age of industry and empire. For us in Summer 2026, it will be only the best of times, as we pursue a 5-week intensive study of arts and culture in those two cities. The bulk of our time will be spent in London, with four weeks learning about the most powerful empire the world had ever known when Dickens was writing in the nineteenth century, the British Empire. Students will take two courses. One course will be focused on the heart of empire, taking a close look at the rise of London as the world’s capital in the Victorian age, the wealthiest – and perhaps dirtiest – city on the planet. The other course will explore the aftermath of empire through art and literature from British and French colonies, focusing on the Caribbean. This month in London will include excursions and in-situ learning at sites around the city, with two day trips (one to Bath/Stonehenge and one to Oxford/Cotswolds/Stratford-upon-Avon) and one weekend excursion to the Lake District and Yorkshire. We will end the term with an extended, one-week excursion to the city Londoners of the age saw as their cultural and imperial rival: Paris. All learning will take place in situ at sites around the city. This part of the term will offer students an immediate and immersive comparison of the two cities and their distinct approaches to architecture and art, politics and culture, as they helped shape life in the modern era.
*Students must take both classes while on this study abroad.
HUM 2200 "Colonial Legacies Through the Arts" - 3 credits
HUM 3300R– "Filthy Victorians" - 3 credits
NOTE: There will be class periods on campus from May 20 - June 3 before travel to London.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of departure.
Students must have reached advanced standing and be accepted majors in the Art & Design Department. English majors with a writing discipline may be considered for authoring articles and other written material.
Minimum G.P.A.: 2.0
Students with Academic Standings registration holds at the time of application received for falling below a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester(s) will not be allowed to study abroad and should not apply. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program.
Physical Requirements:
Study Abroad typically involves a lot of walking! Make sure that you will be able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces.
Travel during the summer in foreign countries can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Air conditioning is not always available.
Students on study abroad must be able to independently navigate in a foreign country and be able to follow specific instructions. This may include figuring out and using public transportation, making their way through airports, negotiating large crowds, and making smart decisions related to their own safety in unfamiliar circumstances.
*Accessibility services vary from country to country. Contact UVU Accessibility Services if you require such services. Students with significant physical or mental health needs should discuss their suitability for study abroad travel with their medical professional, UVU Student Health Services, UVU Accessibility Services, and/or family before making the decision to apply.
Fee covers in country housing and transportation, some meals, international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs.
$3540
*This cost is tentative and based on program plans and the exchange rate at the time it was posted. This cost may or may not be updated due to exchange-rate fluctuations, program revisions , and program date changes.
*Please review the Office of Education Abroad's Withdrawal Policy before applying. Within 5 days of acceptance into a Study Abroad program, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm your spot.
The student is responsible for these additional costs:
Students over the age of 73 at the time of travel may be required to purchase a supplemental international health and evacuation insurance plan through GeoBlue (approx $200-$500+)
Students should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for travel disruptions including lost luggage, possible COVID tests or quarantine stays if required by the host country for entry or exit, missed flights, etc.
All students are required to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.
*UVU study abroad tuition is charged as an additional study abroad fee in your student account. It is separate from the study abroad program fee and regular UVU summer tuition. It is not factored into the "equal payment" calculation of the UVU Tuition Table. Study Abroad students are advised to only take study abroad courses during the block of their study abroad program.
There are some scholarship opportunities that are available from UVU and nationally. These scholarships are competitive and have varying application dates. Please click here for more information.
Pell Grants and Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility. Speak to the UVU Study Abroad Advisor (LA 209) and a Financial Aid Advisor for more information (BA 105).
UVU Faculty/Staff Dependent Tuition Waiver benefits may not be used to pay for study abroad tuition or fees.
Loading Directory data....
Loading Directory data....
Students are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department’s country information webpage for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories, entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety, security, health, and other important travel factors.
