Office of International Education and Development

Program Dates: May 18, 2024 - June 15, 2024

The Prague Visual Retail Focus Program is a four-week intensive program in Prague, Czech Republic that cohesively blends the Visual Merchandising and Merchandising Management courses. The many fashion designers, boutiques, and international fashion houses in Prague, Czech Republic provide many creative opportunities to develop skills through individual and group promotional activities and projects, including real-time display design for boutiques. Walking tours around Prague, from the ‘high-end” fashion boulevard on Paris Street in the center of Prague to shops focusing on Czech-made design, antique shops with vintage fashion and other items, and specialty design shops provide a visual variety. The program will include simulated management activities and role-playing from case studies in Prague and Cesky Krumlov. Interviews with a variety of entrepreneur designers, managers, and buyers provide insight into varied management methods including small one-person boutiques to large international brand stores. Additionally, students will travel to historic sites significant to Prague’s national identity and visit museums, prominent fashion boutiques, designer workrooms, exhibitions, and cultural events to enhance the cultural experience.

Locations

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic located in Central Europe, is a magical city of castles, cathedrals and cafes. Since the Velvet Revolution of 1989, Prague has once again become the vibrant Heart of Europe. Thirteen centuries of Architecture–from Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau to Cubist and Contemporary–adorn the city. Its rich cultural history in fashion, art, artisnal handcrafts, literature and cinema, inspired Dvorak, Mucha, Kafka, Capek,and Forman and many more to this day, as evidenced by the abundant boutiques, theaters, galleries, museums, concerts, films, and festivals in the city. Its efficient transportation system of trams, metro and buses makes getting anywhere in the city easy. The Vaclav Havel International Airport is serviced by major airlines and budget airlines for more local destinations and is located 30 minutes from the center. Train routes connect Prague to all of Europe. Czech restaurants serve hearty meat and fish dishes as well as vegetarian/vegan options, and the many bakeries will satisfy anyone’s sweet-tooth. 

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO-designated village in Southern Bohemia has a fairytale center replete with a castle embedded into a cliff overlooking the Vltava River, winding medieval streets with many small boutiques and shops selling local handicrafts. The castle gardens offer a quiet place to read and enjoy the serene environment. Leisurely rafting or kayaking on the river that wraps around the town center or horseback riding are also available.

Academics

Faculty Leader

Dr. Nimet Degirmencioglu

Assistant Professor, Apparel, Design, and Merchandising

Department of Applied Design

degirm@appstate.edu

Dr. Nimet Degirmencioglu has over 20 years of experience in the Apparel and Retail industry. She received a Ph.D. in Textile Technology and Management from North Carolina State University and a Master's Degree in Global Fashion Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Nimet is passionate about Fair Trade, and researches and develops strategies to help fair trade companies expand their supply chain into developing countries and support their local economies. She successfully started an artisan-made fashion brand that was made in India. As an avid traveler, she visited China, India, England, France, Brazil, and more, appreciating and learning about their local cultures and communities.

Program Cost: $4,641

Program cost includes most meals, and lodging.  All fees associated with tourist site visits and activities.

Please note - Students are responsible for the total program cost upon submitting the application and deposit. Refunds are contingent upon meeting the minimum enrollment of the program. If a student decides to withdraw before departure, that student may be eligible for a refund if the program has met minimum enrollment and is therefore viable. 

Non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.  Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. 

Appalachian reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the university's control.  Further details about Appalachian's withdrawal/cancellation policy can be found at this link.

Application Process

1. In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact one of the program leaders and provide your Banner ID and email address. Program leaders may request additional information or a meeting to discuss the details of the program and your interest.
2. When permission to apply for the program is granted, you will receive an email from your program leader with instructions to apply.
3. Apply to the program following the instructions from the program leader
4. Print, sign and drop off your application at the Office of International Education and Development at Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Suite 321 ( 3rd floor), 263 Locust Street Boone, NC 28608. Your application will be considered complete when you have submitted your digital application, paid the $300 deposit, and dropped off your printed and signed application. The fee cannot be paid until it appears on your student account. Please note that it may take 2–3 business days for it to post to your account. You will receive an email with Instructions for paying the deposit fee. Instructions can also be found in the application.