Majors in the School of Human Ecology seek to improve the lives of children, families, consumers, and communities. We value study abroad as a high impact experience that helps students understand the interconnectedness of people and systems that impact us on a global scale.
Prospective Textiles and Fashion Design Students
As a Textiles and Fashion Design student, you may choose to study abroad at any point after your first semester of your first year at UW-Madison, however, we encourage you to work closely with an academic advisor in Human Ecology to make sure you plan for course sequencing and pre-requisites. Students interested in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) option are unable to study abroad the semester before attending FIT.
Textiles and Fashion Design Course Considerations Abroad
Study abroad is a great time to complete Depth Courses for students in the Madison option. Students interested in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) option should be aware of course sequencing and pre-requisites that have to be completed before attending FIT. Direct equivalents to the Fashion Sequence can be difficult to find abroad.
Textiles and Fashion Design students who complete an internship abroad for credit through the International Academic Programs office should submit for IS 523 via the Course Equivalency Request process. Once your credits transfer, notify your academic advisor and they will substitute IS 523 for your required major internship course. Please submit your Course Equivalency Request in a timely manner to facilitate accurate course planning for future semesters.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Textiles and Fashion Design Major
Students planning to complete the Madison option have flexibility to study abroad at any time except for spring of senior year, which is when Senior Thesis should be completed. Students planning to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) senior year cannot study abroad spring of junior year. Summer is a great option for students thinking about FIT. If you are also majoring in another discipline, you will ultimately want to determine what works best for both of your programs by consulting with your academic advisors as early as possible in your time at UW-Madison.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor:
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- How many electives do I have outside of my major?
Your Study Abroad Advisor:
- What classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
The following list of programs is meant to be a starting point and should not limit you as you consider your program options. Past SoHE students have participated in these programs, and some have relevant major or elective coursework. However, courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major.
Australia: IES Direct Enrollment – University of New South Wales
China: UW Art, Design and Wellness in China
Czech Republic: CIEE Central European Studies in Prague
Denmark: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
Italy: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA)
Spain: IES Barcelona (Liberal Arts & Business track)
United Kingdom: University of Westminster
The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Textiles and Fashion Design courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests. Research all approved programs using the Program Search page.