I. INTRODUCTION
With the growing technologies in information, communication and transportation, the world is getting smaller. Cultures have become closer and more interactive. Understanding other cultures has become a must in life. As we live through this transition of the global setting, providing our students, an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and thought process of people from other lands would more adequately prepare them for their future career. It is even more critical for design students since design has become more and more cross-cultural.
Exposure to new cultures, experiences and communication challenges can be accomplished by providing opportunities for students to travel and live in other countries, learning design with students of that country.
II. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
Since students will spend time in the host school and actually deal with people daily in and outside the classroom, interaction will happen naturally. The ability to communicate is essential for design students. The exchange program will provide an environment for students to communicate with other students within their discipline but also with people from a different culture.
The program also provides a learning environment for students to understand design from a different perspective.
Because of the interactions among students of the visiting and the host school, both schools will gain mutual benefit from the program. Besides cultural exchange, students would stimulate one another in a constructive way. Positive competition between schools would help students be more serious about their profession.
III. CONTENTS OF THE
PROGRAM
· This is a joint program with Shu-Te University’s Department of Product Design for approximate eight to nine weeks. Classes are conducted at Shu-Te’s campus. Shu-Te University will provide around 40 to 50 Taiwan students to work with our group on design projects. Each Auburn student will be assigned into a group of three to four Taiwan students so that students can learn from one another.
· Besides the design studio, students are required to take four craft classes, namely, glass, pottery, metal craft (jewelry), and Chinese painting.
· Outside class activities include a design workshop with other universities, visits universities, design firms, and industries.
· Within the program, there will be a visit of Hong Kong for three to five days for a design show and a design department of a consumer product manufacturer.