Study Abroad / Study Away

Collage of scenes from Architecture and Interior Design study abroad. Clockwise from top left: London skyline at dusk, students carry building materials along a path in Ghana, not sure where this is, this one is maybe Turkey, aerial view of  Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati,  the chateau exterior in Luxembourg,  students walking somewhere, and exterior of Fallingwater

At Miami University there is total belief in the benefits of studying outside the campus, whether in our award winning US programs or in our fantastic international venues. Both the US and overseas offering form part of our SASA initiative (Study Abroad Study Away).

These opportunities are either short one month workshops, full semester immersion programs and even full year exchange program options.

Whether you want to live and study for semester in a European Chateau; design and build facilities communities need in Cincinnati; work with a village community in Ghana; study at award winning architectural sites in the US; or study energy efficient design in England, Malta or Germany, we have something for you.

Cincinnati: Over-the-Rhine Design and Build

two students wearing hardhats looking at building plans

As part of the Department’s engagement with issues of social justice, this leading national and award-winning design/build program can be done as summer studio or a full semester residency. It takes place in Over-the-Rhine, an inner city community marked by extremes of homelessness and gentrification.  Students collaborate with neighbors, consultants, code officials, contractors and material suppliers while renovating spaces, joining community campaigns, and forwarding conversations about equitable development.

Over-the-Rhine Design and Build

Professor: John Blake
Location: Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati
Duration: 6 weeks or one semester
Credit: 6 Credit Hour Design Studio or 15-18 credits for full semester

London: Energy Efficient by Design

Streets of London at night with a telephone booth in foreground

This workshop studio is based and located in the heart of London. The studio meets with world renown architects proficient in an integrated design approach that places energy efficiency at its core. It includes field visits and independent/group research in preparation for a design project.

Professor: J. Elliott
Location: London
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit: 6 Credit Hour Design Studio

Ghana: Community Design and Build

students and Ghanaian at construction site

The studio gives students the opportunity to design and build a project with a community in Ghana. Projects are driven by the needs of the village and involve the community and the village elders. Examples of what Miami students have designed and built in the past include community centers and maternity wards.

Professor: J Elliott
Location: Ghana, West Africa
Duration: 6 weeks
Credit: 6 Credit Hours
Credit: 15-18 credits for full semester (one year option possible in some circumstances)

Germany: The Rosenheim Exchange Program

countryside at rosenheim

This exchange program is located in Rosenheim, southeast of Munich. Students get the chance to study a full semester in Rosenheim in studios of interior design, architecture, visual communications, design theory, product design and more. Emphasis is placed on full-scale prototyping with projects frequently carried out with distinguished partners in both Rosenheim and Munich.

Professor: Diane Fellows
Location: Rosenheim (southeast of Munich), Germany
Duration: Full semester (one year option possible in some circumstances)
Credit: 15-18 credits (one semester equivalent)

Luxembourg: The MUDEC Program

students walking down the street in luxembourg

The MUDEC Program allows students to do their architecture and interior design studies at Miami's Luxembourg campus during the Fall semester. The program is located in a 17th Century Château. Students live with a European family. Professors include both Miami Faculty and design professionals from Luxembourg. Students experience the local culture firsthand and have multiple travel opportunities across Europe, either with faculty or own their own.

The Miami University John E. Dolibois Center (MUDEC)

Professor: Gerardo Brown-Manrique
Location: Differdange, Luxembourg
Duration: Full Semester
Credit: Full Semester Equivalent (16 credits, 11 in the major)