Fashion design and merchandising students will have the opportunity to travel abroad this summer to learn about global influences in the fashion industry.

Barb Chidsey, an instructor at the fashion school, has put together a study tour for students in Paris and Milan, Italy.

Chidsey said she wanted to give students who stay on campus during the semester the opportunity to study abroad.

“That way they have a global opportunity, but yet it’s only in a two-week time frame, not the whole semester,” she said.

The study tour will be from May 15 to May 24. About 22 students are attending the study tour. The cost, which covers housing, transportation, museum and breakfast, is about $2,700 for each student.

In Paris, the students will visit Madame Pico, a draper who worked for famous fashion designer Madame Gres. They will also have the opportunity to visit a hat maker and a vintage flea market.

Students will visit a silk factory and a lace-making museum in Italy, and they will be able to do some high-end designer shopping.

Chidsey said that although she has been a part of previous study tours, this is the first time that she has been in charge of one.

The biggest challenge has been filling up all the open time slots during the tour, she said.

There are currently no more spots available for fashion students.

Chidsey said that she hopes this tour will allow students to get used to traveling abroad and increase their global awareness of the industry. She also said she hopes students will make industry contacts on the trip that may open up opportunities for them in future.

Contact fashion reporter Kristen Kotz at [email protected].