IARC encourages and supports its students in expanding the classroom beyond the campus. Most of these programs are structured as direct exchanges, through which students study abroad for the cost of attending UNCG.

Each year, the Department of Interior Architecture in partnership with the UNCG International Programs Center sends 7-10 students to participate in residential study abroad programs in Finland, Australia, Mexico, Italy, Iceland, South Africa, China, and the UK. Summer study abroad opportunities through Europe are available in alternating years. In addition, annual trips to regional design centers such as Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Washington, DC are organized by the department and IIDA.

Students selected for study abroad in 2006-2007:

Amanda Wilson ,University of Canberra -Canberra, Australia
Jed Brooks, University of Oulu - Oulu, Finland
Jenny Halsey, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Marissa Csanyi , Massey University - Wellington, New Zealand
Caitlin Cunningham, Mancheste Metropolitan University - Manchester, England

Reports from Jed Brooks
January 2007

Dublin was full of speedy walking individuals.
I don't consider myself slow, but I could not keep up with them in the city centre the first day.  I flew in to Dublin and spent three days before heading on to Italy.  My first and favorite visit of the entire trip was St. Patrick’s Cathedral originating from 1192.  From what I understand, St. Patrick is the one the demonstrated the Holy Trinity using a shamrock to the Vikings…of course still associated with anything Irish today.  So much detail in the architecture and Catholic Church furnishings were on display from all throughout centuries in the churches and museums I visited.  Christ Church Cathedral was a big spectacle as its current structure originates from 1180s.

I toured the interior of the Dublin castle where the British once used the building when they ruled the present day Republic of Ireland.  It is still used for government parties and events where famous leaders have been present such as JFK.
I darted in the General Post Office still in use located on the city centre’s notorious O’Connell St.

The next day I ventured to the northern parts via bus tour.  Dublin is large and quite spread out.  Going on, Malahide Castle included a monastery and was privately owned by the Talbot family from the 12th century up until the 1970s.  After touring the interior and green pastured estate, we ran further north along coastlines up above Dublin until returning back in town.  Lush green areas, the sea, and mountains on the other side could all be observed in directions as far as I could see.

The campus and library of Trinity College located in the heart of town, was worth visiting.  The school holds and displays The Book of Kells, or the original copies of the four gospels, written and lively illustrated in Latin by monks.   

That last evening, I traveled a bit east of the city also by bus to tour the Kilmainham Gaol, or Kilmainham Jail where I saw miserable cells from the 1700s and from the 1860s where prisoners of every age and gender who committed crimes such stealing food were once sent across the city to be locked in dark solitude.  Famous protesters for Ireland’s freedom were executed on the prison ground in 1916 which they were finally granted in the 1920s along with the prison closing down.

I especially appreciated overhearing some serious, Irish, small talk on the bus ride back…
Passenger: “Mate, how was your Christmas?”
Bus Driver: “It really was quite grand.”

Well, what about Italy?
Well, I am just now getting to the point to where I do not have to grab and search in a dark suitcase for items.  I moved into and apartment with two others.  Our side of town is, well, quite grand.  It is two bridges down from Ponte Vecchio, and a little away from some of the hustle there if being closer to the train station or the Duomo/Cattedrale di Santa Maria del fiore.  I am so excited a ten-consecutive-day hostel stay is over with and I have somewhere to cook dinner and be a little more confident there is some hot water available.

I am just now getting to act as a tourist and have been more concerned with finding some ground to land on and get situated. I still have not seen Michelangelo’s original statue of David, however I am sure that will happen soon.  I have walked into half the cathedrals.  There is so much Catholic symbolism, paintings, and sculpture…just out in the open.  I can walk across the city and count the number of people wearing tennis shoes on one hand.  I have learned tricks to hold my breath and breathe in moments air seams to be free of cigarette smoke or car exhaust.

A Hungarian student drove with here with her father, and me and another got to go along to see the Leaning tower of Pisa, the town of Pisa, and the town of Lucca.  The four of us traveled on to reach gray sanded coastline of the Mediterranean.  

Classes are held just a few doors down from the Duomo/Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.  The #1 attraction cathedral is so detailed and appears almost like a textile print hanging in the sky.  The old city is full of classical columns and arches in every direction and all buildings have working shudders outside, beside all the windows.  A dryer would take up too much electricity, and apartments have courtyards where they hang clothes on the line out from the windows.

Florence Design Academy is incredible. 
It is an international school with students as well as instructors from all around the world and again, I like to hear what other people have to say about things.  I am going to be busy with six courses and I will have plenty of “home works” to do while not in class.  New software like 3D Max and possibly Rhino will be taught to the newcomers.  As always, it will be another semester to fly by.

Much more to come with Italy, I am sure of.

Jed/Dave

Read about IARC's recent participation in the international art and architecture event, The Snow Show.

For more information contact the IARC Departmental Office or the UNCG International Programs Center.