Student Spotlight: Textile Design Graduate Student Soumya Mohanty and her Study Abroad Experience in China

Textile Design Graduate Student Soumya at Yu Yaan Gardens,  in Shanghai.

1. Why did you choose textile design?

I am a fashion designer from India, but I still I wanted to study more and build a base for my knowledge in the field of design. Textile being the mother of fashion, I thought adding textile knowledge was vital. Also my extensive travels within India and checking out the rich culture and textiles tempted me more to take up this course.

2. What aspect of Philadelphia university drew you in?

I applied to a couple of universities in the States, but most of them were more fine art driven. PhilaU on the other hand, had given me a detailed course which was a good blend between art/design and technology.

3. Where did you study abroad and how was your experience?

I went to Donghua University in Shanghai, China for a month. I found the experience very refreshing. It actually pushed me to move out of my comfort zone and explore a different city and a different university. The coursework was similar to what I am studying right now, but much different in delivery and approach.

4. How did you find out about the study abroad program?

I came to know about this course when I received a mail from Marcia, from the Philau textile design department, which tempted me to go further and research more about the possibilities related to this program.

5. What were some of the differences between your textile design experience at Philau and Donghua?

The textile design program at Donghua University, which is one of the best universities in Shanghai, was very elementary. It was majorly a sort of introduction to their culture and textiles. I can only add that the culture and art is very ancient in China compared to what I have learned about the history of American art. Hence one can say that their style of textile is so different due to heavy influence of art and history. However I find Philau's textile design so strong with the technology, and the program is a good blend of art, science, and textile.

6. What were some of the challenges that faced while your study is China?

Well I would say that the language barrier was definitely a good challenge. We were also taught Chinese, and it was a good learning experience for us to force ourselves to learn the language since otherwise a months stay would have been impossible due to all of our interactions with the locals. My second challenge was traveling and figuring out everything by myself. When I travelled previously to the States I knew a couple of people here, but when I went to China, I travelled alone and had to figure things out myself until I made friends in the second week.

7. What was the best part of the experience while studying abroad?

I think I felt the best part was being able to explore everything by myself. I was not only introduced to Chinese culture but also so many different people from different nationalities united by a single language of design. Knowing everyone's culture and design perspective was the most interesting part. Last, but not the least, exploring the city and the rich art and culture and the textile was so refreshing and inspiring.

8. What are your future goals after graduating from PhilaU?

I am graduating in December, and first I would really want to stay here for a couple of years to understand the design culture before I return back to my country to start my own label.

9. What would you wish to share with potential students coming into the program?

I think the program 's biggest strength is that it's flexible between inter stream and inter course. If one knows what they really want out this, one can definitely weave their own course structure to get the best out of this program.

10. If you had one word to describe the Textile design program at Philau what would that be?

Intense.

11. What were your expectations for the study abroad program?

This was my first experience where I had no clue what to expect. From how much I had researched about the program , I knew I would be visiting two new cities and studying textiles / fashion and a new language. The idea to participate in such a program was to make myself more aware about the world and its culture. China being very important part of the World culture and art, I feel privileged to go there and learn about so many different things.

Soumya's print designs from Donghua University