Why Family and Consumer Sciences Majors Should Study Abroad

By Jim Painter, Ph.D., R.D.
Chair, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

James Painter

"To be successful in the fashion and textile industries it is apparent that one must have a world perspective. When we think of fashion, such places as Paris, Milan and Tokyo come to mind. Yet no matter what area of study in Family and Consumer Sciences a student pursues, a world perspective is important. Those in the hospitality industry working in hotels or restaurants will be interacting with customers from around the world. Without a global perspective it will not be possible to provide the kind of quality service that will be required to be
successful. Dietetic students must understand that the epidemic of obesity is world wide and an international perspective will be required to formulate a remedy. The U.S. in becoming increasingly multi-cultural and day care facilities for our children reflect this trend. FCS students must become global citizens. I encourage all FCS students to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities at EIU and see the world."    

Recommended Study Abroad Programs for FCS Majors

Australia

Griffith University
Brisbane
Semester or Year
Brisbane, with a population of 1.6 million people, is Australia's third largest city and is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live. The population is very young and culturally diverse. The Griffith Study Abroad Office coordinates overnight and day trips for study abroad students. Some examples include a visit to Byron Bay, hiking in a rainforest, or feeding dolphins on Southeast Queensland's islands. Griffith University offers elective courses for Family and Consumer Sciences majors.

Italy

Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence, Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience hands-on cooking, hospitality, and tourism courses with the professional staff.  Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia.

Food, Wine, and Fashion of Italy (faculty-led)
Florence, Italy
Summer or Spring Break
This program provides opportunities for students to explore the culture of Italy including art, fashion, textiles, cuisine, wine, photography, and history. Students visit and tour museums (including the Uffizi), factories (including Roberto Cavalli), and wineries while also learning how to cook authentic Italian cuisine and photograph a fashion collection.

Italian Cuisine and Culture (faculty-led)
Florence, Italy
Winter Break
Italy is a nation that is famous for striking a beautiful balance between its delicious, rich cuisine and a healthy lifestyle. While taking the course Italian Cuisine and Culturet, students learn about Italian gastronomy, visit fresh markets, cook with Italian chefs, and taste Italian wine and food. In addition, students are able to enjoy the museums of Florence and visit a gorgeous Renaissance town in the heart of Tuscany.

New Zealand

Massey University
Auckland, Palmerston North, or Wellington, New Zealand
Semester or Year
About 41,000 students study at one of Massey University's three campuses, making it the largest institution in the country. The University is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment and an intellectual climate in which students are encouraged to excel. Programs are designed to be relevant, reflect current research and meet the needs of the International Student community.

Northern Cyprus

Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta
Summer, Semester or Year
EMU invites you to spend a semester or an academic year in one of the most dynamic, culturally diverse societies in the world. Explore exciting new customs, social values, trends and world-renowned technology, as you bask in the energy and warmth of the country. The Turkish Cypriot people are famous for their hospitality, and it is quite normal for a shopkeeper to offer you a coffee or a cold drink. Nutritional Problems and Epidemiology is an example of a course offered at Eastern Mediterranean University.

South Africa

Faculty-led Semester in South Africa
Cape Town
Fall Semester 2013
Experience international education in a format that allows you to complete a full semester (up to 15 hrs.) of required and elective coursework that fits seamlessly in your human services or early childhood program of study at the undergraduate or graduate level. Complete your internship. Experience international human services programs firsthand; observe social and family structures in urban and rural settings. This course is taught by Dr. Frances Murphy and offered in Fall 2013.

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester or Year
Due to Cape Town's extensive history as a port city, Cape Town's 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountain and the water. Core classes for Family Consumer Sciences majors with concentrations in apparel/textiles/consumer sciences/hospitality/merchandizing and dietetics are offered at the UCT.

Find more programs in our program finder!