Textiles, Apparel, and Merchandising

- Multi-Country

  England

• London: 
London

  France

• Paris: 
Paris

Term: Summer 
Dates: June - August (6 weeks)

Description: This study program is a rigorous, substantive on-site exploration of both the history and present state of textiles, apparel, and retailing in Europe.

The program begins with an exciting three-night stay in Milan, the center of the Italian fashion industry. Participants then travel to Paris, where they have the opportunity to study French retail and design in a wide variety of ways. Field trips have included famous Paris retail organizations, haute couture shows, tours of couture workrooms, and studio meetings with a variety of business executives as well as cultural outings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The program in Paris focuses on research of a major design house in Europe documenting business statistics, the socio-economic impact of the business, design philosophies, and market strategies.

At the London Study Centre the program provides an in-depth study of the British retail, textile, and apparel industries and their roles in a global economy. Beginning with a historical perspective, the students study the retail industry, comparing current management techniques, merchandising, product assortments, research and technology. The retail merchandising course focuses on presentation techniques from a variety of stores in Europe and on key emerging trends. Students compare and contrast the contemporary use of textiles in apparel applications.

Classroom lectures by FSU faculty are augmented by lectures from European professionals from major retail, design and consulting firms. Students are exposed to museums in London, visit major British department stores, and enjoy cultural field trips to places such as Manchester, Oxford University and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Students conduct market analysis in each course completing either a research report or a forecast mini publication.

Scholarships
The FSU Department of Textiles and Consumer Sciences in partnership with Federated Department Stores, Inc. offers a scholarship for FSU students participating in this summer program. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of academic performance, professional commitment, and financial need. A committee appointed by the Textiles and Consumer Sciences Chair, reviews applicants and selects a scholarship recipient. Further details are provided at meetings attended by those students interested in the study abroad program.

Eligibility
The program is open to Textiles and Consumer Sciences majors and graduate students. Participants must have completed CTE 3806, Merchandising Principles, CTE 1401, Introduction to Textiles, CTE 1401L, Textiles Lab, and CTE 3201, Visual Design as prerequisites for the study abroad program.

Housing
Students stay in hotels in Milan and Paris and in furnished flats within central London. For details, see the London Study Centre.n Court Palace.

Highlights: Florida State University's International Programs offer students from throughout the United States the ideal combination of contemporary and traditional education-whether in Old World countries of Western Europe, in nations both ancient and emerging such as Vietnam and Russia, or in Latin America's rich and vibrant cultures. Students live and study in the midst of incomparable academic resources: art works, architecture, museums and libraries, institutions of government, commerce, and learning. They are taught by distinguished FSU faculty and by guest scholars from the host country. They move within another language and among students from all of Florida, the nation, and the world. They bring home an unsurpassed academic credential for career or for graduate school.

Florida State is a national leader in international education, with more than forty years of experience. The university has forged solid affiliations with host countries and sought out excellent sites and accommodations' residential and academic. Program directors are FSU faculty who mold curriculum and plan singular adventures within countries they know (and love) inside and out. Such expertise makes FSU study abroad extremely affordable. Every program features university- chaperoned excursions to other locations to enhance coursework and cultural experience. Students also have ample opportunity for personal travel during long weekends or semester breaks. FSU International Programs aim always for a beneficial balance of security, supervision, and independence.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD8,295

Not Included: round-trip international airfare; passport; food; books and supplies; personal travel/activity/spending money.

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Florida State University International Programs's Mission Statement: The Florida State University International Programs is committed to providing a quality international learning environment where students are challenged to be learners, leaders, achievers and contributors within a global community. In the twenty-first century students must be able to understand and perceive global change, and we are dedicated to exposing them to international cultures, lifestyles and languages.

Year Founded: 1957