Overview
The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism (ASAU) has a rich reputation for design excellence, unrestrained experimentation, and strong studio culture. The Directed Studies Abroad (DSA) program has been an essential component of a student’s education at the ASAU for decades and is among the strongest memories alumni have of their time at the School.
With your support, we want to eliminate barriers for students in financial need who otherwise might not have the opportunity to take part in this incredible program.
The Background
On Tuesday, November 29: Giving Tuesday, all gifts made to the Directed Studies Abroad Endowment Fund will be matched dollar for dollar on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the ASAU is providing another $5,000 in matching funds for gifts made on Giving Tuesday.
During the winter term, faculty members and students travel to places around the world. The 2-6 week itineraries span multiple cities, where students observe and engage in urban situations outside of Canada, engage with local communities, visit the offices of internationally renowned architects, and document specific sites that serve as the context for their design project during the semester. Recent DSA trips have included Europe (Amsterdam, Belgium, Berlin, Italy, Lisbon, Spain, Paris, and Rome), Chile, China, India Israel, Istanbul, Japan, Mexico, Palestine, Peru, and the US.
DSA travel is resuming in the Winter of 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic suspension of travel, and plans are already underway to visit Chile, Belgium, Italy, Israel, Japan, Peru, Portugal, and Spain, with the Bachelor of Architecture Studies and the March program during the Winter term of 2022.
The Rollout
The Directed Studies Abroad Award was originally endowed in 2006 by the class of 1986 in honor of their 20th reunion.
Gifts toward the Directed Studies Abroad Endowment Fund will help build the endowment and allow more students to participate in this unique experiential learning opportunity.