Sustainable Interior Design : International Affairs : Texas State University

Interior Design
Location: Chicago, IL
Course: Livable Cities - a Study of Urban Architecture and Interior Design (ID 4302H)
Program Director: Ethan Ramirez - ear218@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer I, June 1 - July 2, 2027
Travel: June 10 - 17, 2027
Program Fee: $2,478.25
Course Tuition: 3-hours $1,068.24
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

This Study in America program focuses on individual student’s exploration of interior design through global, sustainable, wellness and diverse lenses. The program provides students with the opportunity to attend the interior design conference NEOCON in Chicago, and to select contemporary issues or problems identified during the conference to develop a design solution.

DATE	ACTIVITIES
Thursday, June 10	Travel to Chicago, IL
Friday, June 11	Morning meeting, sketching seminar, Frank Lloyd Wright Robbie House Tour, University of Chicago Architectural Walking Tour
Saturday, June 12	The Public City - Walking Tour of Millennium Park , Chicago Cultural Center
Sunday, June 13	Art Institute Museum Tour , Architectural Boat Tour
Monday, June 14	Design Days/ NeoCon Conference and Badge Pick-Up
Tuesday, June 15	NeoCon Conference, The Mart
Wednesday, June 16	Breakfast Panel , Founder Room at Merchandise Mart at Mashalls Landing, Farewell Dinner
Thursday, June 17	Travel home to TXST

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is February 1, 2027.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 15, 2027.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  The program is open to Interior Design majors who have successfully passed both the portfolio review and Basic. To be eligible for the SIA program, students must also maintain a minimum Texas State GPA of 2.7.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  No, you do not need to be in San Marcos to participate in the program. Instruction before and after the program trip will be online.
- What supplies will I need to participate?
  
  Sketchbooks, PC, pens and pencils.
- Do students have to enroll in both courses?
  
  Students can choose to enroll in one or both of the courses associated with the SIA program.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging at a hotel in Chicago.
  - Breakfast throughout the duration of the trip.
  - 2 group dinners.
  - Admission to all program activities.
  - NeoCon conference.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Chicago.
  - Lunch throughout the duration of the trip, 5 dinners.
  - Metro Pass and rideshares.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per SIA policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Chicago, a Metro Pass upon arrival, and possible taxi/rideshares.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Business casual for NeoCon and casual for other activities.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have downtime in the evenings.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.