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.
Areas of Study:
•International Retailing
•International Design
•International Textiles
