Study, Experience, Learn
“Studying abroad was a lifelong dream that I realized while pursuing my Masters of Architecture. I can definitively say that my time abroad is what led me to pursue a career in landscape architecture. The rich experience of being surrounded by world-class plazas, streets and parks fuelled my professional passion to design public space.”
– Michael Magnan (MArch, ’09)
Have questions about Study Abroad? Reach out to our Graduate Program Administrator. Email us
Study Abroad Block Weeks
Los Angeles
This field study course serves as an introduction to the architecture and urban landscape of Los Angeles. Through a week long field trip, students will visit a series of significant architecture and urban design projects to learn about the various cultural and environmental forces that have shaped the built form of Los Angeles. This is open to all SAPL programs and is typically taken by students in the first year of their studies.
Field Study Programs
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. This is open to all graduate programs.
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.
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.
Zurich
Consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, Zurich is similar to Calgary and offers lessons on sustainable urban development, people and design. During this trip, students will conduct a neighbourhood morphological study analysis that will lead to a design intervention on a community scale. Students will also complete a public life study of a park, plaza, street or other space/structure.
Barcelona
One of the defining opportunities at our school is the Barcelona study abroad term. Launched almost 20 years ago, students are immersed in international design culture for a rigorous semester. A group of independent, multi-disciplinary Barcelona-based design educators, engaged by the Faculty, deliver a design studio and urban theory course using the city as a laboratory.
Amanda Bakker
Tokyo
Tokyo study abroad is an interdisciplinary option open to Architecture and Planning students. Modelled after the Barcelona program, the program was launched in 2017 and is an intensive learning experience.
"Studying abroad in Tokyo was an invaluable experience that fuelled my passion for city building and sustainable design. Not only did I learn about architecture and planning in one of the worlds most liveable cities, but I also studied facets of the country and rich culture in Japan." – Bronwyn Culham (MPlan student)
Sinclair
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 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.
Profile: Tromso and Oslo
Visiting Norway in 2018 and 2019 was an opportunity for students to consider northern landscape architecture issues, and explore and learn from the built and natural landscapes. Read out about how this field trip offered fresh perspectives on designing northern cities.
Elham Kiani Dehkordi
Looking for tips and advice on how to start planning for your trip?
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.