This exchange program gives students the opportunity to take their studies global, gain hands-on industry experience, and build international connections in the fashion and lifestyle industries.
For the very first time, Fashion & Sustainability students have been given the opportunity to go on this exchange. Charlotte, one of our Fashion & Sustainability students, has been selected to represent Collarts in Paris.
When asked how she hopes to bring her learnings back home, Charlotte shared:
“I am aiming to return with enhanced skills in garment construction and design development. Being in a city rich in fashion history will support the advancement of my design research abilities and deepen my understanding of the language of fashion. I enjoy expressing stories through garments, and I hope to return with a collection of stories to share.”
Reflecting on the experience ahead, Charlotte admitted she is both excited and nervous:
“I am feeling both excited and a bit scared about my upcoming exchange trip. I am eager for the experience to enhance my design and garment construction skills. At the same time, I look forward to learning more about myself and challenging my limits.”
“This opportunity means a great deal to me—something I never thought I would pursue. Attending Collarts and developing my passion has significantly boosted my confidence, and I am grateful for the wonderful people I have met along the way. I will certainly miss them while I am away.”
Charlotte won’t be alone in Paris - Fashion Marketing students Izzy and Eliya will also be heading abroad for a trimester in just two weeks. Both students shared how excited they are for this long-awaited moment.
Eliya said, “I can’t believe it’s finally happening!”.
The two are looking forward to studying at another institute, learning from a new perspective, and immersing themselves fully in the experience.
Fashion & Sustainability Program Leader Meg Parry explained why ESMOD was chosen as a partner:
“By expanding our existing relationship with ESMOD, we are offering students diverse global opportunities, but also reinforcing our commitment to global engagement as an essential part to equipping our emerging designers in the industry in their sustainable fashion practices.”
On the importance of global exchange, Meg continued:
“We encourage our students to be globally aware and free-thinking in their applications of sustainability within fashion context. Enriching our students' experiences through international exchange programs broadens and enriches their perspectives in their approaches to fashion design and sustainability.”
And looking to the future, she added:
“These partnerships strengthen the foundation for future exchange programs, I would love to see more joint projects, cross-cultural learning, all of which enrich our student experience at Collarts."
“There is opportunity also in this space to create new pathways for collaborative research, look into the possibility for co-designed curriculum, ultimately these aspects foster a dynamic global network that supports innovation and diversity in creative arts education.”
We’re so excited for Charlotte, Izzy and Eliya's adventure abroad and can’t wait to see what they learn and create! Bon voyage!
Want to take your fashion studies global? Explore our Fashion Marketing and Fashion & Sustainability degrees at Collarts to discover opportunities like the ESMOD exchange and more.