In an increasingly global marketplace, the skills and experience students have when they graduate are sought after worldwide. The
College of Design
helps students understand how to take advantage of that global market, and at the same time, promote the virtues of products and services designed in Iowa.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis,
the U.S. exports more arts, cultural goods, and services than it imports, resulting in a national trade surplus of $25 billion as of 2012. Trade surpluses, driven by exports, generate income and jobs for the U.S. economy.
Trade in arts, cultural goods, and services largely reflects the U.S. economy's comparative advantage in producing ideas-based commodities, and students at Iowa State are central to the success of these industries.
Key to students' success is the development of "cultural agility" that enables them to work with people of diverse backgrounds both within Iowa and around the world.
This means providing students with the skills and perspectives to thrive in multicultural environments and to seize all the opportunities presented, from academic enrichment and professional development, to leadership growth and lifelong learning.
The College of Design's global footprint has significantly expanded with programs in Australia, China, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, and Spain. The college also hosts hundreds of students from other universities and Iowa State colleges that recognize the high quality and value of the academic services at its flagship facility in Rome -- the first fully licensed study abroad program in the Iowa Regents university system.
International study prepares students to become global citizens. It helps students develop problem-solving and leadership skills to take with them into their careers. Studying abroad enables students to become more independent and adaptable, creative and confident. And it's a necessity in today's economy.
Did you know?
Nearly half of all design students - and 65% of architecture students - graduate with international experience through internships or study abroad.
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Design students make compressed mudbricks at an affordable housing experimentation site in Rwinkwavu in rural eastern Rwanda.
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