|
What is a Practicum?
A
three-week field trip to observe, learn, and understand a country's
fashion markets, trade, people, and history. Under the supervision of a FIT
professor, students work individually or on small groups on a research
project related to their majors or career plans. Each person or team makes a
presentation at the end of the field trip summarizing research findings. Participants learn to source international contacts,
conduct international field research, develop safe travel skills,
and handle travel emergencies, Several
pre-trip planning sessions in New York City are required. Applications
are due a semester prior to the trip.
When does the Practicum take place?
The
ITM Practicum takes place every year at the same time: January 2nd.
through the
22nd (same as Winterim classes). When the currency exchange rate is unfavorable to U.S. travelers, the ending date
might be shortened to keep the travel fee as advertised, however, an
announcement will be made to this respect by then end of November.
What project can I do in this Practicum?
Students participating in the Practicum select their topics
in the fall semester prior to the field trip and they have a choice of doing
their projects individually or in teams. Starting early in September they
develop a project outline, use library and Internet to obtain secondary
data, contact and visit local companies and agencies in New York to conduct
preliminary interviews. They also contact companies in the target country to
schedule interviews and visits. After arriving to the target country,
students learn about its economy, markets, business practices, and people
and complete their research projects. Their findings are presented to the
group, and graded by the professor, in a formal session the day before
coming back to the United States. See
previous projects
Can other majors participate in the ITM
Practicum?
Yes, ITM welcomes students from all majors to
participate in the Practicum. In the past, we have had students from FMM,
Fashion Design, AMC and other majors and they have made this field trip more
exciting with their different professional perspectives. They should enquire
in advance with their academic advisors in their departments about whether
they can use these three credits as an elective course.
How can I secure a seat in the next Practicum?
Register as early as possible and meet all deadlines. Visit Prof. Yanez
during his office hours to discuss your proposed research topic. As long as you apply before
we reach maximum enrollment, your research topic is approved, and you meet
all deadlines, you can count on participating on the next Practicum.
What are the visa requirements?
Each country has its own visa requirements. Participants must
have a valid passport that will not expire within a year of the Practicum's
date, and obtain a tourist visa at the consulate in New York
City. Be aware that some countries take more than a month in granting a
visa. To be on the safe side, apply for a visa no later than early October.
Visit the consulate's web site for visa requirements.
Do I need vaccines when I travel abroad?
It is always recommended, before an international trip, to
research the health environment of your destination. A good place to start
is the website of the
Center for Disease Control which maintains heath alerts for all
countries. Print the information and bring it to your personal physician at
least three months in advance of your trip in case she recommends vaccines
or other precautions. Note that a three month lead-time is needed because some
vaccines are not stocked by physicians offices or pharmacies and they have
be ordered from the manufacturer; also, most vaccines need to be injected at
least 2-3 weeks in advance in order to activate their defense in the human
body. In general, each person's medical conditions are unique and only your
personal physician can best determine how to prepare for a safe trip
abroad.
Whom should I see for more
information?
If you would like to learn more about joining
the next Practicum, see Professor Patrick Yanez during
on his office door in room B-429
|
