Learn more about the O’Neill in Switzerland program

May 12- May 24, 2025

 

Cultural and Creative Industries: Policy and Practice 

Program Director: Joanna Woronkowcz 

O’Neill in Switzerland is a three-credit course (A482/V482/Y500/V582).

 Immerse yourself in enlightening discussions alongside influential policymakers and visionary professionals from the creative industries. This course delves deep into the essence and boundaries of CCI as a vibrant field of policy and practice, equipping you with a critical toolkit to comprehend the origins, functionalities, and intricacies of CCIs. Prepare to unravel the challenges and solutions surrounding CCI policy in a thought-provoking and engaging educational journey.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

  • Zurich Opera House
  • Old Town Tour
  • Museum für Gestaltung
  • Dada Art Movement City Tour
  • Overnight trip to Geneva 

You will stay in clean, safe, centrally located and modernly equipped hotel for your stay in both Zurich and Geneva. The lodging will have internet connection and each room will have its own bathroom and clean sheets and towels provided. The hotel will be situated within easy distance to restaurants, shops and cafes.

All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:

  1. Program Fee for O’Neill in Switzerland (made in two payments)
  2. Tuition for the course (3 credits at your normal IU-Bloomington tuition rate)

2025 Program Fee: $2,400

The Program Fee for this program includes:

  • Lodging for 12 nights in Switzerland
  • Site visits and guest speakers
  • Cultural excursions
  • Several meals
  • International health insurance

The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:

  1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
  2. The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure

For a full breakdown of costs please see the Switzerland fee sheet. 

Tuition: 3 credits paid at your IU-Bloomington tuition rate 

Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus.

Additional Costs

Students will pay for their own flight to and from Switzerland, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals. 

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.

The program will be open to IU undergraduates and graduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students from across IU will be considered, and the instructor will review student applications and make the final decision on admission to the program.

During the application period (November 1 - December 8) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 11:59pm on December 8. 

Please review our detailed application instructions!

If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu

  • Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in urban areas or on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets.
  • Ability to Walk on Uneven Ground and Climb Stairs: Some excursions may require walking on uneven ground or cobblestones and managing multiple flights of stairs at once. A basic level of fitness is necessary.
  • Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: Students should be able to navigate stressful situations such as crowded areas, time zone changes, language barriers, and group travel dynamics.
  • Ability to Adapt to a New Culture: Willingness to embrace a different culture and step outside one’s comfort zone is essential. Students should be prepared to adapt to new customs, food, norms, and environments.
  • Ability to Navigate New Cities Independently: Participants should feel comfortable navigating new cities in small groups, using maps or public transportation.
  • Ability to Stay Calm and Focused in Unfamiliar Environments: Students may encounter unfamiliar situations such as navigating airports, public transportation, or crowded cities. The ability to stay calm and focused is important.
  • Ability to Identify and Cope with Personal Stressors: Understanding one’s own stressors (e.g., travel fatigue, group dynamics) and employing coping mechanisms is essential for a smooth experience.
  • Ability to Adjust to Language Barriers: Students should be open to learning key phrases in the local language (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions).
  • Openness to Embrace Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Programs often involve group work, requiring openness to grow as a team member, listen to others, and share responsibilities.
  • Willingness to Broaden Perspectives: A core part of the experience is expanding one’s worldview. Students must be willing to broaden their perspectives and learn about new cultures, even if it challenges their existing beliefs.

People who don’t travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what’s in front of them.

— Martin Yan, Chinese chef, writer, and TV host