Learning Abroad Center
A red double decker bus drives the busy streets of London at sundown

Sustainable Fashion in London

Europe
LAC Program

Engage with the sustainable fashion industry and changemakers in one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Program Details

Location
Location
London, United Kingdom
Term
Term
Spring Break
Housing
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
GPA
2.5

About

This course is an experiential study of sustainable fashion in London. Apply visual and reflective textual tools to understand current issues around sustainable fashion, then visit leading designers, retailers, and manufacturers in the sustainable fashion industry. Aim to understand the context of London as a fashion city and the changes that are occurring through excursions and cultural visits. As part of the program, you will undertake a short research project to understand both the opportunities and challenges when it comes to sustainable fashion, as well as reflect on how the teachings from London can be applied in other settings moving forward.

Program Model

Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

Live in shared housing for the duration of the program. Some meals will be provided.

Excursions

Excursions in London may include:

  • Retail walking tour with Prudence and Vivienne Westwood
  • Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Day trip to Brighton
  • Sustainable workshop with Sophie Darling
  • Fashion Enter Ltd factory tour
  • Visit to Alexander McQueen

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
  • Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches

Faculty & Staff

This program is co-led by Missy Bye, a professor of apparel design in the College of Design, and Jaye Thompson, a lecturer in retail merchandising in the College of Design.

Program Structure

Program Level
3000-level course
Courseload

One 2-credit course

Coursework

The work for this program is out of 100 points. Reflective activities, such as journaling and photo documenting, are worth 50 points. The research project is worth 30 points, and attendance and class participation are worth 20 points.

Receive credit for: Approved for ADES/RM 3196 Field Study: National or International

Sustainability

The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being—Access to clean and quality clothing is an essential part of well-being. Explore how clothing and communication impact identity and mental well-being.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities—Through the lens of the fashion industry, examine sustainability in a large city and how sustainable fashion fits into the overall sustainability movement.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production—This is the main focus of this course. Engage with many sub-topics related to sustainable apparel and retail systems and understand how changemakers are working to make the fashion industry less wasteful.

Academic Registration

If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.

If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

TermProgram DatesApplication Deadline
Spring Break 2025March 7–March 16, 2025 (Tentative)December 1, 2024

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.

DateTimeLocation
TBDTBDTBD

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.

You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).

Priority Deadline

If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.

Fees

Spring break 2025 cost of participation forthcoming

The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, most meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Generally, program fees range between $5,000–$6,000. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included (most are included), spending money, and miscellaneous activities.

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Lindsey Lahr at [email protected], or call at 612.625.9370