International Exchange

The School of Art participates in undergraduate-level student exchanges exclusively with schools listed below. The exchange program is for a single semester only.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Barcelona, Spain
Universitat de Barcelona

Berlin, Germany
Berlin University of the Arts

Jerusalem, Israel
Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design

Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto Seika University

London, England
Slade School of Fine Art
Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design (in negotiation)

Malmö, Sweden
Malmö Art Academy, Lund University

Paris, France
Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts de Paris

Prague, The Czech Republic
Academy of Fine Arts

How to Apply to The Cooper Union School of Art Exchange Program

Cooper Union Students

Students in good academic standing at the Cooper Union may participate in exchange programs during their third (junior) year. Students interested in applying for an exchange semester with the above schools should meet with the Director of Off-Campus Programs to plan and prepare their applications.

Incoming International Exchange Students

Undergraduate students at the above schools who wish to study at The Cooper Union School of Art should review our fact sheet and consult with the exchange coordinator of their home institution.

Rules and Regulations
Students who are accepted to The Cooper Union for exchange must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by The Cooper Union. Class attendance is mandatory. Students must agree to finish the entire 15-week term and are not permitted to depart before the end of such term. Exchange is for one semester only. While at the Cooper Union on exchange, students cannot apply for regular admission.

Orientation
There is a mandatory orientation the week preceding the start of classes.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.