Study Abroad
The Faculty of Environmental Design is committed to providing a variety of ongoing study abroad opportunities for its students. These range from one week field study courses to semester long programs. We believe that a well-rounded design education should include a practical, real-world engagement with ideas, practices, and precedents beyond the confines of our city.
Semester Long Program
For the past 15 years the Faculty has offered a semester long educational program in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona is a remarkable city famous as both a historic “old world” city and as a centre for contemporary design. In 2010 the Faculty expanded its study abroad offerings to include a non-European option. The inaugural venue was Adelaide, Australia. Australia stands at the forefront of a “new world” approach to environmental challenges and contemporary design.
The semester long offerings are intensive academic programs that include a senior research studio and related seminar course. All students participating in the semester long program are required to register in these classes. Students are also able to pursue advanced personal research through an optional self-directed research course. All travel and accommodation arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the individual student. An international fee is also required to offset costs.
Participation in one of the semester-long programs is strongly encouraged for all MArch students, and it is also open to students in other programs when part of an approved program of study. However, enrolment is limited and participation in the program of choice cannot be guaranteed. Students must be in good academic standing in order to be accepted into a semester long study abroad program. In certain circumstances, participation may be competitive – based on academic merit and/or a statement of interest.
For more information on the Barcelona Program and Adelaide Program , click on the link.
Field Study Program
Since its inception over 40 years ago, the Faculty has offered a wide variety of short field study courses. Typically one–three weeks in duration, these have included regional tours as well as international trips to cities throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
The field study program varies from year to year based on academic need and faculty member participation. These courses are optional and all travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the individual student. A supplemental fee is also required to offset costs. Enrolment in the field study courses is limited and participation cannot be guaranteed. In certain circumstances, participation may be competitive – based on academic merit and/or a statement of interest.
For more information about Field Study Program, click here.
Individual Exchange Options
Students are also able to obtain academic credit for work completed as a visitor to another academic program. These are ad hoc opportunities and the student is responsible for organizing and obtaining approval from both the visiting institution and the University of Calgary. It is important to note that students may be required to pay tuition to both institutions.
The Faculty currently maintains ongoing exchanges (facilitated by Memoranda of Understanding) with several schools including: the school of architecture at Laval University in Quebec City, and the La Villette program in Paris. The University of Calgary also maintains broader exchange agreements with a number of other institutions around the world.
"My four month internship with ecoinvent in St. Gallen, Switzerland was the most memorable part of my master's degree experience. Along with 12 other international students, I worked on updating the world renowned ecoinvent Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database to its new v3 system. With my background in marketing, I was also able to assist in the development and implementation of a creative marketing campaign that promoted ecoinvent v3 at the LCM 2011 conference in Berlin, World Resources Forum in Davos and LCA XI conference in Chicago. Being able to attend the Forum in Davos with scientists and politicians from around the world further heightened this amazing experience (Kathleen Pilfold, MEDes candidate)."
For more information on Individual Exchange Programs, click here.
The Associate Dean (Research + International) is responsible for the development and administration of the Faculty’s study abroad programs. For more information on study abroad opportunities contact:
Crystal Hickey
International and Research Administrator
Professional Faculties Building, room 2185
| p: | 403.220.7442 |
| f: | 403.284.4399 |
| e: | cehickey@ucalgary.ca |