Study, Experience, Learn

A well-rounded design education includes a practical, real-world engagement with ideas, practices, and precedents beyond the confines of our city. Study abroad opportunities are offered as part of the MArch, MPlan and MLA program studies, ranging from one-week field study courses in Los Angeles and other localities to programs in Japan and Spain. The locations of our international programs are recognized for their specializations in growth management, transit-oriented communities, district revitalization, sustainable infrastructure, public space design, and urban design, among others.

Field study programs vary from year to year. These courses are optional and all travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the student unless otherwise noted. An additional program fee is also required to offset costs. Enrolment in a field study course is limited and participation cannot be guaranteed. In certain circumstances, participation may be competitive – based on academic merit and/or a statement of interest.

Barcelona and Tokyo options focus on urban design in complex urban settings. These intensive academic programs include a senior research studio and complementary courses based on the location of study. All participating students must register in the full set of study abroad courses, and have the option to pursue advanced, individualized research through a self-directed course. In addition to regular tuition, a Program Fee is required to offset study abroad costs. All travel and accommodation arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the student. 

Participation in one of these programs is strongly encouraged for all students, however, enrolment is limited and can be competitive. Students must apply with a statement of interest and be in good academic standing to be accepted into a semester-long study abroad program.

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 Laval University School of Architecture 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, visit the University of Calgary's International Study Abroad page.

The UCalgary Study Abroad Office has your questions covered, Check them out @Ucalgary Abroad. The office also has a list of funding opportunities to help students make their way like with the International Study Travel Grant. Find a list of resources HERE.

Canadian's Studying Abroad are highly encouraged to visit the Government of Canada Study Abroad Page to learn more about traveling safe and completing the proper Visa documentation for the destination country.