Isabel’s Study Abroad Architecture in Stockholm

Hi! My name is Isabel Thomas, and I am a first year Architecture student at Marywood University. 

This May during Summer Semester 2020 I have the opportunity to Study Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden for two weeks, studying socially responsible Architecture. Ever since I was very young I have dreamed of visiting Sweden, and as I have grown older, Sweden has become one of my greatest inspirations for not only socially responsible design, but sustainability. These architectural focuses are what drive my love and passion for architecture and are the fields that I plan on basing my career around. Being able to study in this trip would not only inspire me, but help me shape myself into the architect that I want to become, and help me learn about the problems in the world that I want to help solve. The opportunity to not only see examples of amazing architecture but to see how an entire culture lives these ideals will be a transformative experience. 

Although my university will have more study abroad opportunities, this is the only time they will be doing this trip with these specific courses. The courses will cover topics such as Recycling or Reusing buildings, sustainable architecture, the conservation movement, environmental issues, architectural history, government policy, social change, and contemporary urbanism. It will be a group of just 16 people going, and will be led by two of my amazing architecture professors. Being led through Sweden and seeing it through their eyes will give me more insight as a designer than I could ever absorb on my own, and because one of them has lived in Stockholm, the trip has been planned in the most frugal way possible. We will be traveling by train, boat, and foot to Gotland, Uppsala, and Sandham as well as Stockholm. This trip is an amazing opportunity for me to make connections, network, and develop my portfolio, specifically in socially responsible and sustainable architecture. 

I am a very good student and work hard, managing this past semester to balance working three work-study jobs and still making the Dean's List. Although I pay for college with a large amount covered through merit scholarships and grants, there is no financial aid available for this short semester, so without your help this trip will not be a possibility for me. 

Thank you for reading this proposal, I could not have gotten to where I am today without the help of such an amazing community of family, friends, and mentors.  Your interest and support of me as I plunge into this new journey of life means the world to me. I would be so grateful for any donation you might be able to give. Please help me reach my goal so I can be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity!

What will the funding be used for?

Every penny from this fundraiser will be spent on three undergraduate credits, public transportation passes, lodging, food, Museum passes, and my plane ticket there and back.

When are the deadlines?

I need to get the majority of the trip funded by February 23rd because there is a large initial payment.