2024 Los Angeles Winter Program
Gain an appreciation and understanding for the architecture of Southern California
This program is an introduction to the architecture and urban landscape of Los Angeles. Through a four-day field study trip, students will learn about the built environment of Southern California. This trip offers firsthand, direct experience of a select number of significant architectures, landscape, and urban projects. Following their time in Los Angeles, students will continue to develop their understanding of a specific project through a case study assignment.
This course is offered through a series of project tours and site visits in and around Los Angeles. The history, context, and significance of each project is introduced by the instructor and discussed by the class. Students are expected to analyze each project through sketching and photography. Each student is required to choose one of the visited projects to document and analyze in further depth.
Key information
Application information
Student Experience
Have questions?
For program information, please contact Dr. John Brown at brownj@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
- Travel Advisory for the United States
Other SAPL Group Study Programs
Explore other Group Study Programs offered for students from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL).
2024 Barcelona Spring/Summer Program
2024 Zurich Spring/Summer Program
2024 Tokyo Spring/Summer Program
Program details
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
-
Courses offered
Students on this program are required to enrol one of in the following courses:
ARCH 680 (3 units)
*See cost and funding section below as tuition will be different for each course
-
Prerequisites
Enrolment in this program
-
Pre-departure
Students will be required to attend the Pre-Departure Session with the Global Learning Office on November 15, 11 AM -12 PM, on Zoom.
-
In-field
January 3
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tour of buildings and projects in Santa Monica, Venice and West Hollywood
January 4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tour of buildings and projects in Downtown Los Angeles
January 5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tour of buildings and projects in La Jolla and Newport Beach
January 6
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tour of buildings and projects in West Hollywood, Culver City, and Beverly Hills.
Students will leave LA on January 7.
-
Post-field
TBA
-
Costs
The estimated cost of this Group Study Program will include tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
Please note: Flight and accommodation costs are estimates. You are responsible for booking your own flights and accommodations and so the prices may vary based on your selections.
-
Funding
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked here, for more information.
Student loans: If you qualify for student loans, your program should qualify. We are able to provide you with a letter confirming your participation in the program for funding purposes. Please email group.study@ucalgary.ca to request a letter.
Please note that eligibility for student loans is determined by your loans provider.
Waterman Study Abroad Funding will be available for MArch students (no equivalent funding for MPlan or MLA students) participating in these programs. More details will be provided at a later date.
All accommodations booked by Study Abroad will be safe, clean and appropriate for student groups.
We plan to arrange for accommodations at The HI Santa Monica.
This program is only open to students enrolled in a graduate program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape who are in good academic standing.
Applications will be considered by your professor and faculty administrator after the application deadline.
-
Statement of Purpose
- You can start your application and statement of purpose through the RAISA portal.
- Please tell us why you want to study abroad, why you have selected this particular program (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how this program will meet your academic objectives and/or complement your degree, how you plan to finance your program and why you should be selected (max 500 words).
- Note: Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you compose your statement of purpose in advance in Word to check for spelling, grammar, and word count and then paste it into the online application.
Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.
Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.
Frank Lloyd Wright
American architect, designer, writer, and educator
Getting started
Program-Specific Info Sessions
Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.
We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.
Global Learning Advising
If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.
1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.
Academic Advising
Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.
After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.