Textile Design Undergrad Studies Abroad at Central Saint Martins

Textile Design undergraduate student Emily Pappa spent the Spring semester studying at Central Saint Martins in London.  Here Emily shares her thoughts and some images from her time abroad:

A Different Experience: Studying Abroad in London
Although Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and Massey University in New Zealand are excellent options, when I made the decision to study abroad, I wanted to attend somewhere different. I had heard a lot about Central Saint Martins, an art school in London, and it seemed like a really fun and challenging place. Even though PhilaU had only sent one student to CSM before me, the Study Abroad office was enthusiastic and helped me through the entire process.



Central Saint Martins

Studying and living in London was a crazy awesome experience. Being in the middle of a city, especially one as dynamic as London, adds so much to the work that you produce, as well as your living experience. Exploring the markets, gardens, shops and museums of London, and being exposed to the art, architecture, and vivacity of the city changed me as a textile designer, and as a person. CSM is an art school, and very different from PhilaU. Working in the same building as sculptors, painters, actors and musicians was exciting. Classes were not held as they are at PhilaU; most work for projects was done individually (it took some getting used to!) or with other students, with supervision from technicians. This gave a taste of the type of time-management textile designers work with, but you still got the freedom to create and explore. Students participate in different projects, each with a focus, such as Print, Weave or Knit.



Bath Abbey



London Bridge

Living in London made it easy to experience all types of cultures without leaving the city, as well as travel (pretty cheaply!) around England and Europe. I was able to visit some awesome places during my stay.



Howth, Ireland

CSM was also a great place to experience culture too. Unlike some programs where American students seem to be segregated from the local students, I was fully integrated into the program, working with British students, and other students from around the world. I had an unbelievable time. If you’re looking for a different Study Abroad Experience, I would highly recommend CSM, or encourage you to find the perfect school, no matter where it might be.