Program Application Portal in Via TRM for the Digital Narratives in the UK program. Please review the following link: https://utrgv.via-trm.com/client/program_brochure/16038
Application link on UTRGV Global Education Website:
https://www.utrgv.edu/ga/education-abroad/short-term-study-abroad/index.htm
The Program Cost: $3,000 USD
Regarding the the Acknowledgement Form, we understand that there may be some confusion about how to access the Acknowledgement Forms necessary to be considered committed to the program. We have attached some guidance. You will need to log in to viaTRM first:
https://utrgv.via-trm.com/client/traveler-dashboard
Once you are logged in, please navigate to “My Programs”. If you are having issues, please schedule a meeting online with Education Abroad Staff so we can do a screen share to assess the issue.
Schedule a Quick Question Appointment Here.
For our photography/video-focused study abroad trip, we aim to prioritize attractions and locations that provide breathtaking views and ample opportunities for capturing memorable photographs and video clips. With this in mind, I have curated an itinerary that highlights some of the finest photography spots in London and nearby areas. This includes iconic landmarks such as the White Cliffs of Dover and the amazing fishing village of Clovelly Beach, ensuring an enriching visual experience for all participants.
Digital Cultural Narratives in England – 2024 Trip Itinerary
Depart to London on July 11, 2024
Day 1-3: London
- Day 1: Arrival in London, settle into hostel.
- Day 2: Iconic Landmarks Photography:
- Sunrise at Tower Bridge
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern
- Sunset at the Shard (admire from outside for free)
- Day 3: East London Exploration:
- Morning at Columbia Road Flower Market
- Street art in Shoreditch
- Brick Lane for diverse street scenes and markets
- Sunset from Greenwich Park (views of London skyline)
Day 4-6: London
- Day 4: South Bank and Thames Photography:
- Morning at South Bank for cityscape views
- Golden Hour at Westminster Bridge and Big Ben
- Night photography along the Thames Embankment
- Day 5: Parks and Gardens:
- Sunrise at Regent’s Park (boating lake and gardens)
- Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
- Afternoon at Kew Gardens (entry fee required)
- Day 6: Historical Architecture:
- Morning at Westminster Abbey (external shots)
- Afternoon at Hampton Court Palace with entry fee
Day 7-9: Day Trips – Excursion
- Day 7: Windsor Castle:
- Morning at Windsor Castle with entry fee
- Windsor Great Park for landscapes and deer
- Day 8: Oxford:
- Morning at Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library
- Afternoon exploring college campuses for architectural photography
- Day 9: White Cliffs of Dover:
- Full-day excursion to White Cliffs of Dover (public transportation)
Day 10-12: London
- Day 10: Hidden Gems:
- Morning at Little Venice
- Sir John Soane’s Museum (photography allowed with no flash)
- Evening at Leadenhall Market (illuminated architecture)
- Day 11: Neighborhoods and Markets:
- Morning at Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill
- Afternoon exploring Camden Market and Camden Lock
- Day 12: Skyline Views and Reflection:
- Sunrise at Primrose Hill (panoramic views of London)
- Imperial War Museum for historical photography
- Sunset at Hampstead Heath (city views and green spaces)
Day 13-14: London
- Day 13: River Thames Photography:
- Morning river cruise for unique perspectives
- Explore Greenwich for maritime and historical photography
- Day 14: Iconic Landmarks:
- Morning at Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park
- Afternoon at Trafalgar Square and National Gallery or the British Museum
Day 15-16: Day Trip – Excursion
- Day 15-16: Fishing Village Photography:
- Full-day excursion to Clovelly Beach (Train)
Day 17-18: Departure
- Day 17: Pack and prepare for departure
- Day 17: Evening farewell dinner in London
- Day 18: Departure from London
Design studio / lab hours for finalizing project:
- Group presentation of digital narratives in EVABL 1.223 (two students for each group)
Please note that this itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural exploration, education, and opportunities for students to work on their digital cultural narratives projects. Given the student budget of approximately $4,000 per person, cost-effective options have been prioritized while still ensuring a rich and meaningful experience in London and England.
Suggested Cameras, Lenses, and Tripods for our Summer II, 2024 classes during the DCNE London Trip
2024 Digital Cultural Narratives in England – Program Description:
Engaging in a Study Abroad experience is a pivotal component of a well-rounded undergraduate education. It grants students a unique and irreplaceable travel opportunity that transcends the boundaries of traditional classrooms. Within this context, the Digital Cultural Narratives in England (DCNE) program emerges as a cornerstone of the UTRGV School of Art & Design’s Study Abroad initiatives, welcoming students from all UTRGV majors.
Our three-week Study Abroad excursion in the England under the DCNE umbrella is open to all, irrespective of their prior familiarity with digital programs. As part of this enriching journey, we would like to introduce the ARTS-4388 Special Topics course. Seamlessly integrated into the SOAD Study Abroad program, this course delves deep into the captivating realm of digital cultural narratives. It offers students an exploration of this enthralling subject against the backdrop of the England’s mesmerizing cultural landscape.
Poster & Flyer Design: Ping Xu
To get your study abroad application started, please contact education.abroad@UTRGV.EDU to submit your application.
For information about the study abroad program, kindly download the flyer below:
https://pxstudio.us/document/dcne-2024-flyer.jpg
The Course Introduction – Summer II, 2024 (July 12 – 29, 2024)
Major Courses of DCNE-2024
• Lectures for digital photography and video shooting/editing will be provided through the tours in different places
• Key tutorials for each program will be provided through the trip every day
• Recommended cameras and drones for the trip and projects
https://pxstudio.us/blog/?p=59841
73997
(1) ARTS-4388: Special Topics (Summer II)- Digital Cultural Narratives | CRN: 73915
Open to all UTRGV students for an upper-level art elective without prerequisites.
Faculty Leader & Course Instructor: Ping Xu (ping.xu@utrgv.edu)
Course Syllabus: https://pxstudio.us/pdf/2024_summer-2_arts-4388.pdf
The Project Setting of ARTS-4388 in the DCNE Study Abroad trip
- Project Option-A: Digital Photography (Photoshop & Lightrooi)
- Project Option-B: Travel Journal / Story-Telling Video (Premiere Rush)
Students need to complete only one project for the course through the trip
(2) ARTS-2331: Visual Communication (Summer II)- Digital Cultural Narratives | CRN: 73997
(3) ARTS-4391: Visual Travel Journal (Summer II) | CRN: TBA
Open to all UTRGV students for an upper-level art elective without prerequisites.
Faculty Leader & Course Instructor: Robert Gilbert
Course Syllabus: Ask Professor Gilbert for a copy: robert.gilbert@utrgv.edu
(4) ARTS-6387 2SA: Special Topics – Digital Cultural Narratives – Summer II (Storytelling Research)
for graduate students (CRN: 74002)
Faculty Leader & Course Instructor: Ping Xu
(Digital Imaging or Video Documentation)
Arranged for graduate students of any major with a 6000-level research course on digital design without prerequisites.
The Summary of DCNE Courses in the Summer II: 7/12-29
The title of the London program is Digital Cultural Narratives, and it includes the following classes:
- ARTS-4388 (CRN: 73915) Digital Cultural Narratives (Professor Ping Xu):
An upper-level art elective course open to all UTRGV majors without prerequisites. - ARTS-4391 Special Topics Studio – Visual Travel Journal (Professor Robert Gilbert):
An upper-level art course open to all UTRGV majors without prerequisites. - ARTS-6387 (CRN: 74002) Digital Cultural Narratives for Graduate Students (Professor Ping Xu):
A 6000-level art course open to all UTRGV graduate students without prerequisites. - ARTS-2331 (CRN: 73997) Visual Communication Design I (Professor Ping Xu):
A core design course open to all UTRGV design majors, design minors, and art majors or art minors with prerequisites., but the enrollment approval can be obtained from the faculty leader teaching the course. - ARTS-2313 Design Communication I (Professor Robert Gilbert):
A core design course open to all UTRGV design majors, design minors, and art majors or art minors with prerequisites, but the enrollment approval can be obtained from the faculty leader teaching the course.
Scholarship applications for joining the Study Abroad trip
- UTRGV International Education Abroad Scholarship (IEF) 2024 ($1000):
https://utrgv.via-trm.com/program_brochure/20061
The study abroad office will award scholarship in February. Only students with a complete study abroad application will be considered for the IEF scholarship. For the application deadline, please contact education.abroad@UTRGV.EDU. For the UTRGV International Education Fee Scholarship (IEF) 2024, please apply as soon as possible, as this is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The requirements of the IEF scholarship are as follows:
• You must be a UTRGV student.
• If you are an undergraduate student, you must have completed 30 credit hours and have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• If you are a graduate student, you must have completed 9 credit hours and have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• This scholarship will be used for international education programs in the Minimester, Summer I, Summer II, Fall, Spring, and Winter break sessions. - UTRGV College of Fine Art’s Global Citizenship Scholarship ($500-$2000)
https://pxstudio.us/pdf/CFA-Awards-Grants_2023.pdf (Page 20-22) - Gilman Scholarship – $3000-$5000
https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Application Deadline: March 7, 2024
The deadline for the first round of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is October 5th. I will reach out you soon with dates for the Gilman scholarship writing workshops.
• You’re eligible to apply Gilman if you’re:
• a U.S. citizen
• a current UTRGV undergraduate student
• a Pell Grant recipient
• For more information about the scholarship, please visit the Gilman website or contact the Office of Education Abroad about Gilman Application.
• If you have already submitted your application of the Gilman Scholarship, please submit your Study Abroad application before the program application deadline (March 31, 2024) - Federal Grant
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships?src=banner - FAFSA
http://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/paying-for-college/financial-aid/fafsa-faq/index.htm#item1