Study Abroad Options for Apparel Merchandising & Interior Design Majors

T here are majors at IU that are not easily found in other countries, but with careful planning, students can study abroad and graduate on time even if they do not fulfill major requirements. Most IU programs do not offer coursework in Apparel Merchandising & Interior Design (AMID); however, there are some non-IU program options that would allow students to earn major credit in AMID or credit toward a Design certificate.

AMID students can also earn credit toward a second major or a minor, fulfill distribution, culture studies, and/or elective requirements while studying abroad thereby still keeping on track with graduation requirements.

Consider the following types of programs:

• Mainstreamed programs in English-speaking countries (Mainstreamed programs involve taking regular classes with
host national students.)
• Mainstreamed programs that require proficiency in another language
• Programs for Americans taught in English or other languages

All AMID students are recommended to work with the AMID department to verify that credit from a study abroad program can be applied toward the AMID major or Design certificate requirements.

By choosing one of the IU programs, students will receive comprehensive advising from Overseas Study in cooperation with major advisors.

Eligibility, housing, program dates, cost and financial aid details for each program can be found on individual program flyers or are available in our Information Center. This information is also available in our Information Center (Franklin Hall 303). Students studying on IU programs receive direct IU credit and grades are factored into the IU GPA.

London CIC, England (SEM & SUM)
Copenhagen, Denmark (SEM & SUM)
Copenhagen Interior Design, Denmark (SUM)

II. Affiliated Study Abroad Programs

IU does not offer programs in every location and language, so students may choose to search from among the list of Affiliated and AESOPprograms that are administered by other institutions. These programs are endorsed by our office based on the reputation of the organizing agencies or institutions, the quality of the programs and their academic standards. Students earn transfer credit on these programs and the use of financial aid is subject to approval.

As a general rule, the mainstreamed programs are most likely to include courses that fulfill major requirements. Offerings in the programs designed exclusively for Americans are limited and students should review the courses that are available and then consult Overseas Study for guidance.

III. Other Non-IU Options

If you do not find an IU program to suit your needs, you should consult the non-IU procedures to get information about how to locate an external program. Non-IU programs are programs organized by other universities or study abroad program providers.

The following non-IU programs offer coursework in AMID:

England

• AIU in London – Fashion Marketing, Fashion Design, & Interior Design; internships available
  
• London College of Fashion (LCF); internships available
• IFSA-Butler at London College of Fashion (summer)
• Arcadia University’s London Now program (semester); courses available at the London College of Fashion

France

• AIU in Paris – summer programs in Fashion; internships available
  

Italy

• Arcadia in Florence – study at the Accademia Italiana. Offers apparel merchandising & apparel design courses. Design courses are taken alongside Italian students.
  
• Study Abroad Italy at the Domus Academy in Milan
  
• Lorenzo de’ Medici Art Institute in Florence:
  • LDM through Broome Community College:
  • LDM through API
  • LDM through Wells College

Multiple Locations

• Florida State University – summer program in England, France & Italy; courses in Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising:
  

Additional programs are coordinated by IU departments, schools or campuses. In all cases information about the programs (e.g. program details, credit awarded, financial aid, eligibility, deadlines, costs, application instructions, etc.) must be sought from the sponsoring unit. See the Big List for more information.

IV. Other Non-IU Options

Some students' interest might not be accommodated by the options given above.  There are hundreds of programs available, and you can consult the instructions for non-IU programs to get information on locating a program and procedures to follow.

V. Next Steps

If you have selected an IU program and want more information, you can visit Franklin Hall 303 anytime M-F 9-4 to look at program notebooks and non-IU program materials. A walk-in advisor is also available form 10-12 and 1-4.

If you have selected a non-IU program, you should contact the program provider for more information; however you should also be completing the required non-IU procedures. In either case, should you have any specific or academic questions, you may call Overseas Study to arrange an appointment with an appropriate advisor.

Students should be prepared to show course materials to any department in which they would like to earn major or minor credit, for final course approval, at the conclusion of the program.