Study Communication Abroad
For many years, the Department of Communication faculty have led quarter-long study abroad programs in two different locations: Rome, Italy, and León, Spain. The immersive programs use the locations, ancient and modern Rome or the quaint but bustling León on the Camino de Santiago, as lab and classroom to understand communication theories and methods. These popular programs attract students from across the Seattle campus and are open to all majors. Please watch the department’s social media and this page for updates.
Rome, Italy
Proposed Study Abroad Program for Rome, Italy, 2027
Explore Rome, Italy
Winter Quarter 2027
Program dates: 1/4/2027 to 3/12/2027
- Communication and Culture in Rome is a 15-credit program offered through the Department of Communication open to all majors and students from all three UW campuses.
- This program is housed in the UW Rome Center in the historic center of Rome.
- The core 12-credit class counts as a methods class for Communication / JPIC majors, and students will analyze Italian film and gain hands-on experience through research, note-taking in the field, photography, sound collection, and immersive tours of ancient and urban Rome, as well as two overnight trips to other areas of Italy.
- Students will also take weekly classes to learn the basics of speaking Italian.
- Students live in apartments in the historic center of Rome.
- Expected program cost: $9,400 + study abroad fee of $485. Airfare is a separate cost.
Watch this page for info sessions to be held in March and April, with applications due during spring quarter. Questions? Please email program leaders.
Andrea Otáñez, teaching professor: aotanez@uw.edu
Leilani Nishime, professor: nishime@uw.edu



León, Spain

UW León Center promo
See what’s in store for you at the UW León Center.
Stories from Spain 2022
In Spring 2022, the Communication Spain study abroad program returned to the UW León Center after a two-year hiatus. The 10-week trip coincided with Semana Santa, the Holy Week dedicated to the Catholic Passion of Jesus Christ. Associate Teaching Professor Andrea Otáñez’s students wrote about the experience as part of her COM 464: Writing with Voice class. The linked pieces below are a sample of what the group experienced after witnessing the centuries-old penitente processions.






