In today’s design practice, global awareness is critical, and because of this, the College of Design requires our undergraduate students to spend a semester abroad. International study challenges a designer to envision a wider range of design options and gain insight into biases and preconceptions that hamper the creative process. The international experience requirement is intended to build needed global awareness with regard to the practice of their design discipline, expose students to cultures and environments across the world, and develop their ability to observe, perceive, and reflect on design as an expression of both environment and culture.

Unable to Study Abroad?

The goal of the global engagement requirement is to provide students with a high-impact immersive experience through which they are exposed to distinctly different cultures and a variety of design ideas, thoughts, and styles. Students will have the opportunity to learn concepts and ideas presented in an entirely new and different manner.

Here are some ideas for alternative ways to meet the global engagement requirement. Most of these require a faculty advisor.

• Immersive intercultural domestic design experience (5-8 weeks in duration: semester or summer);
• Teaching design or conducting design research for at least a semester or summer session at an overseas university;
• Collaborating with a design team abroad (including remote collaboration);
• Taking remote design classes with international institutes;
• Serving as a Global Ambassador through the Office of Global Engagement (OEG) to visiting international delegates with a design focus + written reflection or departmental presentation; or
• Engaging in international travel study with architectural design focus + written reflection or departmental presentation upon return.

Short-Term Programs for Design Majors

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Semester-Long Programs for Design Majors

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Faculty-Led Program: Greece

Participate in this summer program about Design and Social Innovation in Greece.

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The College of Design supports unique design-related study abroad programs

The NC State European Center in Prague offers the opportunity for any student to study for a summer, semester, or year in Prague through a variety of design studios and general education courses. Special programs are offered at various times through several NC State University colleges and departments.

In addition to Prague, NC State University offers a global selection of Abroad programs that provide courses to fulfill curriculum requirements

Find your fit

Got Questions?

Not sure how to start the process of studying abroad? Connect with an advisor