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Study Abroad & Field Study

Now more than ever, artists and designers perform in settings that require an understanding of international cultures and languages. Discover our study abroad offerings!

In order to enhance cultural awareness and provide competitive advantages in an increasingly globalized milieu, the College of Arts + Architecture offers a broad range of international study programs, including a semester-long architecture studio in Rome + Istanbul and annual summer architecture studios in cities such as Tokyo and Taipei, a summer dance program in Italy and a biennial summer art program in Ireland. One in 10 students in the College of Arts + Architecture studies abroad, the highest rate of student participation in the University!

The CoA+A also offers an annual interdisciplinary field study trip to New York City during spring break, open to any major in the college.

CoA+A Spring Break Field Study Program to NYC

Held annually during Spring Break, this multi-disciplinary trip allows student to visit New York City museums, performances and architectural sites, including the Museum of Modern Art, the High Line, Broadway shows and Steps on Broadway. This trip is open to all eligible CoA+A students majoring in art & art history, architecture, dance, music and theatre!

Architecture Spring Semester Program in Rome + Istanbul

In January 2018, the David R. Ravin School of Architecture launched a semester-length study abroad program in Rome. In 2023, the program added Istanbul to the itinerary. Each spring, fourth-year architecture students have the option of spending the semester in two of the most architecturally significant cities in the world.

Rome: Art, Film, & Language Summer Study Abroad Program

Living within Rome’s vibrant culture comes as something of a revelation and can provide a lifetime’s worth of inspiration. Students can choose to study Italian language and culture, Italian filmmaking, art history, street photography and their own art studio practice. Though directed through the Department of Art & Art History, this program is open to all majors.

Connecting the Past to the Present – Baroque to Modern Dance Summer Program

This experience through the Department of Dance is designed to help students develop skills and perspectives to connect Italian culture to dance technique and gain an in-depth understanding of dance history. This two-week intensive summer program in Turin, Italy, immerses students in the various dance styles of Baroque/piedmont regional dances, modern dance, ballet and Gravity Pilates.

Frankfurt Opera and Song Summer Institute

The Department of Music offers a summer study abroad program in Frankfurt, Germany! Students study opera and song and take daily singing lessons, acting classes and intensive rehearsals focused on German-language opera scenes.

Semester at E. Geppert Academy Of Fine Arts & Design in Poland

Study art and design and discover 1,000 years of central European history in Wroclaw, Poland! This university partnership between UNC Charlotte’s Department of Art & Art History and the E. Geppert Academy Of Fine Arts & Design offers art students the opportunity to partake in a semester exchange program abroad.

Creative Pilgrimage to Ireland Summer Program

Modern Ireland is a place where spirituality, history, mystery and art are woven together to create a rich tapestry. Directed by faculty in the Department of Art & Art History, this two-week program is a partnership with The Burren College of Art, housed along the magical landscape of the western coastline. Students will also take excursions to nearby locations, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the bustling capital city of Dublin.

Japan Summer Program: Tokyo Studio

Set within the world’s largest urban economy, Tokyo Studio investigates a series of urban and architectural questions concerning the nature of public and private life in a city of 37 million. Designed for students enrolled in the School of Architecture, Tokyo Studio exposes students to contemporary Japanese architecture and culture. Tokyo Studio will also participate in a joint international workshop with students and faculty at Meiji University.

Exploration of Historical and Contemporary Ceramic Art in Limoges and Paris

Led by faculty in the Department of Art & Art History, this 10-day journey provides an in-depth look at France’s remarkable cutting-edge research laboratories, contemporary ceramic practices and ceramics history. The program begins in Limoges in southwest-central France. From the picturesque medieval timber-frame houses of the city center, students examine the international and local influences that transformed French art pottery of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Please note that not every program listed is available every semester.