Since 2010, the UC Davis Design in Europe study abroad program has created a memorable educational and international travel experience for over 300 students. Traversing the length of Britain with week-long stops in the Netherlands and, more recently, Iceland, students tackle design projects with local organizations that are socially and community-engaged.
During the four-week program, students keep a visual journal that responds to the prompt “What is European Design and Culture?” Visual journals are like traditional travel journals, but instead of written entries, they contain sketches, hand lettering, photographs, magazine cutouts, and printed ephemera. A successful journal shows experimentation and steady progress throughout the program and is filled and bursting at the seams by the last day of instruction.
This exhibition is a partnership between UC Davis Global Affairs and the Department of Design. It is on view in the UC Davis Design Museum in Cruess Hall and at the International Center.
EXHIBITION CREDITS
Guest Curators and Exhibition Designers: Emma O’Connor, BA Design and Communications 2025; Jadzia Pho, BA Design 2026
UC Davis Global Affairs, Marketing and Exhibition Director: Ali Loge
UC Davis Design Museum, Marketing and Publicity: Michael French, Exhibition Design and Construction: Trevor Lance, Director/Chief Curator: Tim McNeil
Thank you to all the students, past and present, who generously contributed their journals, photos and objects to this exhibit.
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