SCAD provides a unique opportunity to its students — a the chance to explore the world. Its options range from Georgia locations Atlanta and Savannah, Lacoste, France and Hong Kong. From either location in Georgia or Hong Kong you can transfer or study abroad. The campus in Lacoste only has specific majors on rotation each quarter.
To study abroad from SCAD Atlanta, you can look up the specific programs available to your major for future quarters on the study abroad website here.
Deciding on where to take up this unique opportunity depends a lot on your preferences and what actually is available to you.
Both Hong Kong and Lacoste have limited course availability compared to Atlanta and Savannah. The process of applying begins a couple of quarters in advance. For Hong Kong, you can look up the available courses that are being offered when registering for classes.
For Lacoste, you have to go to the study abroad website and look up the program. A list of the courses will be released during or right before applications for the program open up. The location rotates majors ever quarter. For example, the fall 2018 quarter only offers animation, architecture, motion media design, and painting courses along with foundation studies and general education courses. Lacoste is also different from all the other campuses because of its unique schedule. The program begins a week after the typical academic schedule and students have a week break for a trip to Paris. In total, there are only eight weeks of classes. The length of each class is longer to accommodate for this. It’s also recommended to only take two courses to lessen the workload. However, keep in mind that not all majors are offered in Hong Kong or Lacoste — but you can take your foundation courses there.
In Hong Kong, you have the option to live at Gold Coast. The residence halls are apartment style with three private bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and living room. Most appliances are provided, including laundry. Housekeepers come and clean twice a week. Honestly, living in Gold Coast spoils you. A walk away is the Piazza where a couple of restaurants and markets are located. Almost all of your groceries can be purchased there so you don’t have to worry about talking a bus or taxi to the grocery store. Though Gold Coast is a bit far from the SCAD building, it’s on the water and has incredible views. It’s a nice breather to get out of the city and go home to somewhere so peaceful and serine.
Lacoste has limited residence halls, which is why they have a limited availability for students. There are multiple residence halls in the village. Some rooms are shared and others are private, but housing assignments are made on a first-come-first-serve basis or random selection. Everything you need is in the village, from supplies to markets for food. Keep in mind that living in the residence halls is almost expected for both locations.
If you love the city, Hong Kong is definitely for you. The school is closer to the center of the city, which makes it easy to explore or source materials for your next project. Public transportation is very efficient, cheap and very clean. There is a commute from Gold Coast to the school but SCAD has shuttles that run back and forth multiple times throughout the day and on the weekend.
If you love the countryside and wandering through ancient ruins, Lacoste might be a better option. Lacoste is more remote and far from any of the big French cities. You would need to get on a long-distance bus to be taken outside the city. Both locations are relatively close to incredible places for an escape during a longer break before classes commence or after they’ve wrapped up.
Both locations have unique opportunities that are specific to that campus. If you can, I would recommend going to both. However, if you can only go to one, now you’ll have a better idea on which would suit you better.
Third-year fashion marketing and management student Stefun Darts shared his experience studying abroad in Lacoste, saying, “Lacoste is a great place to grow. Living in a different country was uncomfortable at first, but everything that was uncomfortable helped me pay attention to the areas I needed to grow the most. Everyone knows their strength, but Lacoste gave me the opportunity to make strengths out of my weaknesses.”
Third-year fashion marketing and management student Marisa Deninno, who studied abroad in Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong helped me learn a new kind of independence. It helped me become more confident to go out, explore, get lost and immerse myself in a new culture. I feel less afraid to do things on my own moving forward in my life and career.”
Regardless of location, studying abroad itself provides students with an opportunity for growth and independence in a new place while still in a learning environment.
