The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree requires students to complete at least one study abroad experience sanctioned by the department during the Spring semester following matriculation (generally the Junior year). There are three options available for students.
Study Abroad Requirements
Faculty-led Study Abroad
The Faculty-led Study abroad course occurs over Spring Break each year. There is a significant course fee that covers accommodations, local transportation, and venue entries. Costs associated with the trip vary and students will be informed of their financial responsibility in a timely manner. Students are responsible for finding and purchasing their own airfare to and from the destination. These trips are planned well in advance, and require students to plan in advance as well.
Course Fee Covers:
- Lodging
- Local transportation
- Venue entry
Student Responsibility:
- Finding and purchasing flights to and from destinations
- Having a valid passport, should be processed during the Fall semester
- Meals during trip
- Souvenirs and any costs for personal care and toiletries
Upcoming Tentatively Planned Trips:
- 2027 Japan
- 2028 Portugal
- 2029 Japan
- 2030 TBD
- 2031 TBD
Semester-long Study Abroad
Students participating in a semester-long study abroad automatically meet the study abroad course requirements. Students planning to study abroad should meet and plan their course schedules with Deandra Harps beforehand.
Individual Study Abroad Experience
While students are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty-led or semester-long study abroad experiences, in unusual circumstances individuals may apply to receive credit for an independently arranged study abroad. Individually arranged study abroad should be the equivalent of faculty-led study abroad experiences in their disciplinary focus, engagement with noteworthy landscapes and practitioners, learning potential, and duration.
Students will first be required to submit a justification for why they propose not completing a faculty-led study abroad course (financial need is not grounds for justification). They will be required to provide a narrative justifying the focus of the trip, the relevance of the trip, proposed travel dates, estimated costs, etc.
Students must apply and be approved to receive credit before the trip is commenced. Independent study abroad may not conflict with the student's other courses. Questions regarding the individual study abroad experience can be addressed to Professor Benjamin George.