"I can reflect on my trip, the experiences I had, the things I learned, and the people I met: I see all the ways that my major, Human Development and Family Science and my body of study in Family and Consumer Science are intertwined in it all.
The basis of many of my classes is human relationships and connection. The main mission of FCSC majors is built on the pillars of contributing to the community, building strong families, and living better lives as an example to others.
What I was able to recognize from this study abroad, is that regardless of where in the world you go and what the cultural differences are, the basis of our field of study will always be applicable. Without taking into consideration all the amazingly gorgeous places I visited, all the people I met and relationships I formed, and all of the knowledge I gained, if the only thing I took away from my trip was a new-found appreciation for our department, I think it would be worth it.
Family and Consumer Sciences is such a valuable field 'focused on the science and art of living and working well in our complex world' (AAFCS); everyone in FCS is working to bring immense value to the world. Going on a study abroad did nothing but support me in fulfilling the FCSC mission."
"As a Design, Merchandising, and Textiles student, I decided to embark on a journey to Florence, Italy to study Interior Design at the Florence University of the Arts. What started as a dream, soon became a reality when I touched down in Florence, a city full of history, life, and culture.
As a student at the Florence University of the Arts, I had the opportunity to take several design classes as well as Italian culture classes that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my host country. For the first month, I took an introductory course on Italian Culture which provided a foundation that allowed for further immersion into the life of Italians. We studied the history of Italy, the cultural significance of food and drink, the diverse geography, and the country's economics. During one of our classes, we visited a private lighting showroom that provides designers with premium fixtures for their projects. Through this visit, we learned about several Italian lighting designers which inspired the design of our own light fixtures later in the course.
Outside of class, I found time to explore the city and learn more about the Italian influence on design. I visited the Museo del Tessuto, a textile museum in nearby Prato, a city built on textile production. This time spent in Italy taught me more than a textbook ever could!"
“I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Queensland, Australia to do a field course about exploring Queensland's human and physical landscapes. This trip lasted three weeks and we started in Brisbane and then traveled up the Sunshine Coast to Mooloolaba and Noosa.
As a Design, Merchandising, and Textiles (DMT) major with a concentration in Interior Design, it may seem strange for me to choose to participate in a geography-oriented field course. As a student in the DMT department, we are often taught how to combine many different integrative industries into our arsenal of knowledge as designers.
While abroad in Australia, I had the privilege to learn about urban development in coastal communities, indigenous culture, market/retail culture, colonial architecture, and how people in different parts of the world approach and practice sustainability. Along the trip, I got to see many different kinds of beautiful landscapes both natural and man-made. Ranging from Brisbane River tours and the Australia Zoo to rainforest and coastal hikes and exploring the Noosa Everglades, my days were packed full of exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
All of these elements have shaped my view of the world in a unique way that I know will not only inform my decisions as a future designer but also as a sustainably minded individual moving forward in the world."