Architecture

General Planning Tips for Architecture

Start planning for your study abroad experience early. Create a plan for study abroad during fall and/or spring advising in your first year at KU, or as early as possible. You can take Architecture courses and general education electives abroad and still stay on track for graduation.
Master of Architecture students are required to study abroad. Summer and winter break programs that offer ARCH 690 (6 cr) and ARCH 692 (3 cr) fulfill the study abroad requirement. Semester programs also fulfill the study abroad requirement but not the degree's total credit hour requirement. Six to nine hours of additional ARCH electives may need to be completed.
Students must apply through the Architecture Department selection process before applying to Study Abroad & Global Engagement. Note that student initiated programs are not approved.
Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Additionally, need based study abroad scholarships are available for KU Architecture students. Architecture students are automatically considered for scholarships when they apply to a KU study abroad program. For more information, contact the Architecture Department.

When To Go

First and Second Year

You can participate in a summer or winter break study abroad program as a first or second year student after you have completed ARCH 208 or ARCH 502.
For full semester or academic year study abroad, you cannot go during your first or second year. Use this time to prepare and identify a program that fits your needs.
Schedule a meeting with your architecture advisor during your first year at KU to discuss your degree plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
Studying abroad for academic year and full semester programs usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
If you plan to study abroad for a full fall semester when you are a third year student, you will need to start your study abroad application during early spring semester of your second year.

Third and Fourth Year

As a third and fourth year student, you can participate in summer and winter break study abroad programs once you have completed ARCH 208 or ARCH 502.
The ideal time for Master of Architecture students to study abroad for a full semester is the fall semester of their third or fourth year. Application deadlines for fall programs are typically on March 1st.
You can take three or four architecture courses and one or two general elective courses during a semester abroad.
If you're interested in studying abroad for a full academic year, University of Stuttgart is a great option for your fourth year.
Third and fourth year architecture courses that are commonly offered abroad include: ARCH 508, 530, 531, 552, 608, 609, 615, 658.

Fifth Year

During your fifth year, your only opportunity to fulfill the architecture study abroad requirement is to participate in a summer program between fourth and fifth year or a winter break program at the end of fall semester of your fifth year.
If you plan to study abroad in the summer before fifth year, you'll need to complete the application by March 1st (or earlier) during your fourth year.
For study abroad during winter break the deadlines are typically October 1st.

Courses and Credit

Architecture faculty have already pre-approved a number of architecture courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Semester and Academic Year Programs

DIS: Danish Institute for Study Abroad - Denmark

Term: Fall semester - fourth year
Sample Courses: ARCH 608, ARCH 658, arch. theory elective, general ed. elective

Student Initiated Programs: Architecture in the UK- Newcastle

Term: Fall semester - third year
Sample Courses: ARCH 359, ARCH 508, ARCH 626, arch. theory elective, general ed. elective

University of New South Wales - Australia

Term: Fall semester - fourth year
Sample Courses: ARCH 608, ARCH 658, arch. theory elective, general ed. elective

University of Newcastle - Australia

Term: Spring semester - third year
Sample Courses: ARCH 508, ARCH 552, general ed. electives

University of Stuttgart - Germany

Term: Fourth year
Sample Courses: ARCH 530, ARCH 531, ARCH 552, ARCH 608, ARCH 609, ARCH 615, ARCH 658, arch. theory elective, architecture electives, general ed. electives

Recommended Short-Term Programs

Architecture in Asia
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 692

Architecture in Costa Rica
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 692

Architecture in China: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity (Consult Study Abroad for timing of next offering)
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 602

Architecture in Europe
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 692

Architecture in London and Paris
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 692

Architecture in Southern Europe and Morocco
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502
Sample courses: ARCH 690, ARCH 692

DIS: Study Abroad in Scandinavia- Architecture
Term: after completion of ARCH 208 or ARCH 502