Study Abroad
Our study abroad program gives you the opportunity to live and study in a different cultural context such as Spain, Japan, Switzerland, and Mexico.
A well-rounded design education includes practical, real-world engagement with ideas, systems, and precedents around the world. Study abroad opportunities are offered as part of the MArch, MPlan and MLA program studies, ranging from one-week field study courses to semester-long programs. Our study abroad locations are recognized for their expertise areas like growth management, transit-oriented communities, district revitalization, sustainable infrastructure, public space, and urban design. Participating in these opportunities is a great way to gain an appreciation for interdisciplinarity, sustainability, and culture.
Participation in these programs is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged for all students. Going abroad benefits the academic, personal and professional development of students and is a pivotal part of your post-secondary education.
Field Study Programs
Field study programs vary each year and are optional courses open to all programs. These intensive programs include a senior research studio and an additional course relevant to the study location. All participants must register for both courses offered in each study abroad program. Cost details are available on the individual program websites linked below.
While participation is highly encouraged, students must apply with a statement of interest and be in good academic standing to be considered for these semester-long study abroad programs.
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. This is a design studio and urban theory course using the city as a laboratory.
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.
Los Angeles
This field study course serves as an introduction to the architecture and urban landscape of Los Angeles. Through this 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.
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.
Semester Abroad Exchange Programs
The University of Calgary has agreements with various institutions worldwide where SAPL students may have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. Exchange programs allow you to study at one of UCalgary's partner universities. You will attend the partner institution for a semester (fall, winter, or full year), enrol in courses there, and pay your usual UCalgary tuition. After your exchange, you can transfer the course credits back to your UCalgary degree. It is important to note that course credit equivalency between institutions must be approved in advance by the program’s Associate Dean.
Explore here for more details.
Tromsø, Norway
Specifically, SAPL currently maintains an ongoing exchange with the University of Tromsø or The Arctic University of Norway open to full-time students in M1 or M2 years of the Master in Landscape Architecture, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. SAPL’s visit to 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. From that visit a institutional agreement for exchange programs was agreeded between the University of Calgary and The Arctic University of Norway - UiT
The University of Tromsø or UiT (The Arctic University of Norway) is the third largest in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Tromsø is Northern Norway's largest city, but don't let that fool you. Sea and mountains are right outside your door!
Read here out about how this field trip offered fresh perspectives on designing northern cities.
Tijuana
"Tijuana: International City" is a travelling seminar that provides developmental experiences in Mexico. Students will develop a deep understanding of the complex international, economical, and cultural forces that define the character of the city, understand realities of living south of the US border, and learn about and contribute to the work of Esperanza International, a Mexican-American non-profit organization that helps local communities get organized and build low-income single family houses in Tijuana.
Learn more about why our programs stand out.