Advising Guides
Community & Regional Planning
Why study abroad?
College of Design International Programs provide personal, academic and professional benefits that will extend far beyond your last day abroad. Studying abroad will help you to become more independent and flexible, to develop problem-solving and leadership skills, to increase your creativity and confidence, and to handle stressful situations better.
Depending on the program you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to study with College of Design faculty members and/or distinguished local lecturers. You can fulfill degree requirements while seeing the world. Museums, galleries, buildings, outdoor spaces and monuments abroad will become your classroom as you explore first hand what you’ve been learning about in textbooks here in Ames.
Many of our programs also emphasize links with local universities and professionals through studio visits, guest lecturers and workshops. In addition, studying abroad can also help you to develop dynamic portfolio pieces that will set you apart from other job applicants.
What types of programs are available?
The College of Design features two types of international programs to help you fulfill your goal of studying abroad.
Short-Term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
The College of Design offers a variety of short-term programs throughout the academic year that are led by College of Design faculty members. Some programs are major-specific and others are open to all majors in the college. Time abroad ranges from five days to five weeks, and students earn between two and four ISU credits depending on the program.
Reciprocal Student Exchange Programs
Some majors in the college have agreements that allow students to study for a semester or an academic year at a partner institution abroad where classes are normally taught in English. Exchange programs are limited to smaller numbers of students (usually two per semester) and provide the additional advantages of a more independent experience abroad with a higher level of cultural immersion. Students pay ISU tuition and fees when participating, and credits are transferred back to ISU from the host institution. Students from the partner institution will travel to Ames to study while ISU students are abroad.
What is available in 2019-2020 for Community and Regional Planning majors?
Short-Term Faculty-Led Options
Preservation & Cultural Heritage in Morocco – International Perspectives & Design Issues
CRP 391: Smart City of Vienna
Exchange Option
University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia
Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Exchange in Stockholm, Sweden
When can I go abroad?
Year 1
Use this year to develop a strong foundation in the college and in CRP.
Year 2
Work on developing areas of interest in CRP and establish a savings plan to help finance your experience abroad.
Year 3
University of Western Australia or KTH exchange: Apply at ISUAbroad before the application deadline, which is normally in October before the exchange starts in February for spring and March for fall application.
Year 4
Utilize the skills and knowledge you gained during a study abroad program in your fourth-year classes.
A study abroad experience may be more affordable than you think! Consider the study abroad options for your major as soon as possible and start saving money. Even putting $50 or $100 into a savings account each month can make a big difference. Scholarships from the College of Design, Iowa State University and independent entities are available at the links below. You can also use financial aid to fund a study abroad experience. The Office of Student Financial Aid will receive a list of students committed to participate in a study abroad program, and each student’s aid will be adjusted to assist with the expenses listed in the program budget.
Scholarship resources
College of Design scholarships (search by major or by study abroad)
Office of Student Financial Aid scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
For questions about study abroad financial aid, please contact Tiffany Wood in the Office of Student Financial aid.
What is the application process?
All ISU students interested in studying abroad need to create an application for their chosen program through ISUAbroad. The program links above will take you directly to ISUAbroad program brochures where you can learn more about each program and start your application, which will be completed in two parts. Each program’s application asks for different information, but in general, you must complete all signature documents, questionnaires and learning content in both application parts. After you submit the first part of your application, the faculty member leading the program and/or the college’s international programs coordinator will review it. If you are accepted to participate, you will be asked to formally commit to your offer at ISUAbroad. There will then be a second part of the ISUAbroad application to finish prior to departure.
Are there any other international options available?
College of Design students may also participate in programs offered through other colleges, the ISU Study Abroad Center or non-ISU programs. A searchable database of all programs is available here. If you want to explore other options, you will need to investigate with your academic advisor and your department how courses may or may not meet ISU degree requirements. ISU will not automatically accept transfer credit from all institutions, and a review of your work completed abroad may be required for the department to approve credit transfer.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
Contact:
Jen Hogan
Director of International Programs
290 Design
(515) 294-8275
jenhogan@iastate.edu