College of Textiles Students Study Abroad Program: Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Esther Chang, Undergraduate Student

The College of Textiles students are encouraged to study abroad especially to broaden their experience in cultural and global textile markets beyond the United States Hong Kong is one of the busiest international port cities in the world where the opportunities and exposure to fashion design and development are immense. Esther Chang, a TATM major at NCSU’s College of Textiles, studied at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2005. The exchange program is a significant opportunity for students to take advantage of a city that is considered the epicenter of the latest fashion trends. She took courses in the Fashion and Textiles department including design, apparel pattern development, and color and fashion trends. Access to guest lecturers from Hong Kong based companies such as Pecler’s Paris, a top trend forecasting company, and others brought professional insights to the courses. Esther also attended the Diane Von Furstenburg fashion show where she got a chance to meet the designer herself. “You are constantly surrounded by amazing talents that not only help give direction, but inspire you,” commented Esther Chang. “After being exposed to all the different fields within the industry, I am now confident about the career path I want to follow.” Ester’s goal is to become a trend forecaster.

Diane Von Furstenburg, Esther Chang and Sophie You

NCSU faculty works closely with Hong Kong Polytechnic, and many College of Textiles’ staff members from both schools collaborate and interact through research and other professional activities. In May 2004, six NCSU College of Textiles’ faculty members visited Hong Kong and Shanghai, China to learn more about these global business dynamics. (See Vol. 4, Issue 2 JTATM)

A Hong Kong Polytechnic students, Patrick Chan and Sau Wai "Sophie" You studied at the College of Textiles’ Centennial Campus in 2004. Both schools encourage students to study through the exchange and NCSU assists by allowing payment of the normal NCSU tuition. “The courses are taught in English and most of the students speak English” according to Chang. The student dorms are considered the best in Hong Kong because they were just built three years ago. Everyone stays in the same dorm where there are always organized, fun activities.