Artists And Designers As Global Citizens At OCAD University

Travel opportunities with our 50 partner institutions!

When pursuing a creative education, a global perspective can be a valuable asset to your career toolkit. Opportunities for international engagement are important to the OCAD University experience, and happen when learning from international faculty and artists in residence or through one of our study abroad opportunities.

OCAD U's Florence Program allows students spend an entire academic year realizing their creative interests through a studio based and art history focused learning environment at our Florence campus. Associate Chair Contemporary Painting & Print Media, Jennie Suddick expresses that the program is meant to “allow students to really develop a self-directed practice”, developing informed, engaged contemporary works. Students are encouraged to experiment with new mediums and ideas in an inspiring setting.

While some take advantage of this yearlong adventure, others choose to participate in an exchange for one semester with one of OCAD U's 50 partner institutions. This might mean exploring Copenhagen while at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Design, or engaging in cultural experiences at the Nanjing University of the Arts in China.

Another opportunity for these global conversations is with the Design Abroad: India course offered in conjunction with India Study Abroad Centre, where students spend 3-weeks in rural India. This course engages students in exploration as they co-design solutions that have a meaningful impact. Students gain a first hand look into community development and the stages of design, and are enriched through this unique participatory cultural experience.

As Toronto has been dubbed as the most multicultural city in the world, OCAD University is able to engage with global perspectives in their own backyard, but recognizes the importance for students to step out of their comfort zones and into the world. This only helps in the well-rounded education of artists and designers as global citizens.