Study Abroad
Carnegie Mellon Architecture students on study abroad in Florence, Italy.
Carnegie Mellon Architecture encourages study abroad and international travel experiences for students for the valuable learning experience gained through immersion in another culture and language.
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Undergraduate Study Abroad Options
Study abroad and travel enable students to be exposed to architectural subjects beyond Carnegie Mellon, allowing them the opportunity to study and experience architecture directly in a new context.
Semester Study Abroad
Undergraduate students may undertake study abroad for a single semester (fall, spring or summer). Students are permitted to study abroad during specific semesters based on their degree program.
Note: Students are not permitted to study abroad in their final semester before graduation.
- B.A. students: after the completion of four (4) foundational studios
- Fall 3rd year, Spring 3rd Year, Fall 4th year
- B.Arch students:
- Spring 4th year, Summer between 4th and 5th years, Fall 5th year
Year-Long Study Abroad
Undergraduate students with at least two years left in their program may undertake study abroad for an entire academic year if they attend one of the University Exchange Partners listed below. Students also have the option to attend the following institutions for one semester only per the guidelines above.
Note: Students are not permitted to study abroad in their final semester before graduation.
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Switzerland: The EPFL offers bachelor’s and master’s level coursework in architecture, civil and environmental engineering, as well as postgraduate course cycles and doctoral programs. These teachings establish links between the disciplines to provide students with the tools required to design and build together. The faculty represents disciplines that produce innovative solutions to achieve a sustainable environment and address the most important challenge of our time. This multi-faceted field requires long-term research at a multidisciplinary and international level. This research is conducted as a creative interaction between art, science and engineering.
- Students can attend the EPFL for one full year during their second to last year of study. Students must have a working knowledge of the French language.
- National University of Singapore (NUS): Recognized as one of the finest universities in the Asia-Pacific region, NUS is a comprehensive university that offers a broad-based curriculum underscored by multidisciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment. It has 11 faculties and an enrollment of over 23,000 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate students. The Student Exchange Program (SEP) provides students from NUS Partner Universities the opportunity to study for up to two (2) semesters at NUS. NUS is a leading English language university situated in the exciting city-state of Singapore.
- Students can attend NUS for up to one academic year during their second to last year of study.
Short Term Study Abroad
Undergraduate students may also have the opportunity to travel if they enroll in a studio course with an international travel component. Course offerings vary from semester to semester. Travel often takes place during school breaks: Fall Break (October), Spring Break (March) or during the summer.
Application for Undergraduate Study Abroad
To apply for semester or year-long study abroad, students submit an application to both the institution they want to study at and Carnegie Mellon Architecture. Once the student has been admitted to the study abroad location and approved by Carnegie Mellon Architecture, they meet with their academic advisor to discuss the transfer credit process.
Visit the Office of International Education (OIE) Study Abroad page for more information. Students planning to study abroad must apply through both the Carnegie Mellon Architecture office and OIE for programs and/or institutions not already affiliated with CMU.
Study Abroad Timelines
- Spring semester study abroad: apply in October of the previous year (semester prior to travel)
- Fall semester study abroad: apply in March of the current year (semester prior to travel)
- Summer semester study abroad: apply in January prior to the summer
Past Summer Study Abroad Studios
Carnegie Mellon Architecture's Summer Study Abroad Studios took place from 2012-19. These studio and elective courses were taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty.