Program Filled! Eye On Berlin SU26

Summer 2026 term - Faculty-Led program

Applications for this program have CLOSED.

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ACADEMICS ELIGIBILITY COST NEXT STEPS

ACADEMICS

MAJORS OPEN TO

All majors

HOST DEPARTMENT

Illustration

Jason Holley

FACULTY LEAD

Christine Fraguela

Jason Holley

CREDIT

3 Units of ArtCenter Studio Credit

Tentative Dates Abroad: August 24 - September 10, 2026

SCHEDULE

Terms: Summer 2026

Tentative Dates Abroad: August 24 - September 10, 2026

Students will be enrolled in this course throughout the Summer 2026 term with travel between summer and fall terms. Both the course and travel components are mandatory.

ELIGIBILITY

1) Must have completed at least three terms of undergraduate study or two terms of graduate study prior to the Summer 2026 term

2) Must have at least one term remaining upon return to ArtCenter

3) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75

4) Must not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of the application

If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements you are still encouraged to apply.

COST

ARTCENTER TUITION

Students will be responsible for paying ArtCenter tuition for the required 3-credit summer course.

In addition to Art Center tuition for the course, you will be responsible for a Program Fee. The final total is pending but we estimate it will be in the $3900-4200 range. The Program Fee covers your housing for the trip, a transportation pass, several group meals, scheduled museum entries, exclusive studio visits, private lectures, travel / medical insurance, and 24 / 7 emergency support.

PROGRAM FEE

In addition to Art Center tuition for the course, you will be responsible for a Program Fee. The final total is pending but we estimate it will be in the $3900-4200 range. The Program Fee covers your housing for the trip, a transportation pass, several group meals, scheduled museum entries, exclusive studio visits, private lectures, travel / medical insurance, and 24 / 7 emergency support.

250 is due within one week of your acceptance notification to secure your place in the program and serves as a downpayment towards the total Program Fee. The remaining balance of the Program Fee will be applied to your student account along with tuition in Summer 2026.

A Program Deposit of

250 is due within one week of your acceptance notification to secure your place in the program and serves as a downpayment towards the total Program Fee. The remaining balance of the Program Fee will be applied to your student account along with tuition in Summer 2026.

Please note: Once you have indicated your commitment to the program and paid your Program Deposit, the remaining Program Fee will become due at that time. The full amount of the Program Fee will be owed even if you were to cancel your participation or withdraw from the program and/or course for any reason.

Costs that you will be responsible for that are NOT included in the program fee include: Passport ($135), Visa fees (if required), Round-trip airfare (estimated $1,000 for LAX-Berlin), Daily personal expenses, including food, toiletries, supplies, souvenirs, cell phone charges, etc. (anticipate $40-$50 / day. Varies with personal needs, spending and budget).

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

Costs that you will be responsible for that are NOT included in the program fee include: Passport ($135), Visa fees (if required), Round-trip airfare (estimated $1,000 for LAX-Berlin), Daily personal expenses, including food, toiletries, supplies, souvenirs, cell phone charges, etc. (anticipate $40-$50 / day. Varies with personal needs, spending and budget).

PAYING FOR STUDY AWAY

If you receive state/federal financial aid, you can contact the Financial Aid office to determine if participating in this program may qualify you for additional aid/loans.

Information on applying to scholarships available here:

https://www.artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away

NEXT STEPS

To start your application, click the Apply Now button below. For more details on the application process, visit this page.

Come meet the faculty and learn about the program!

INTEREST MEETINGS

Come meet the faculty and learn about the program!

Location: https: / / artcenter.zoom.us / j / 91963117511

Thursday, February 19 (Week 5) at 1pm

Location: https: / / artcenter.zoom.us / j / 91963117511

Location: 1111 6th floor gallery

Thursday, March 5 (Week 7) at 1pm

Location: 1111 6th floor gallery

Check our Inside Page for zoom info

Can’t make it to an info session?

Sign up for a 1-on-1 advising meeting with the Global Programs office to learn more about the program.

Interviews: Monday March 16 (Week 9) - Thursday, March 26 (Week 10)

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION TIMELINE

Applications Due: Friday, march 13 (Week 8)

Interviews: Monday March 16 (Week 9) - Thursday, March 26 (Week 10)

Decisions Announced: Friday, March 27 (Week 10)

Program Commitment + Deposit Due: Friday, April 3 (Week 11)

EYE ON BERLIN

Berlin is a place that reverberates with the echoes of the past. The city has witnessed eras of incredible innovation and creativity. It has also been torn apart by war, and even divided in two. It’s buildings and neighborhoods bear the scars of these upheavals, yet new growth and prosperity have once again made the city a mecca for all of Europe and beyond.

Students will mine Berlin’s past through research, and create sight specific artistic interventions that seek to remind viewers of aspects Berlin’s concealed past.

Throughout the Summer term in Pasadena students will produce original artwork as well as prints, and products. These items will be brought with to Berlin and presented in a student curated exhibition and retail store in the heart of Berlin’s gallery district. During the rest of the 2.5 week stay in Berlin, the students will experience the life-changing resources of the city through guided visit to artist’s studios, educational institutions and museums and historical sights.

SUMMER 2026 THEME - Coming soon!

Check out details on past projects on Instagram and follow @neweyeberlin!
Check out the February 19 Info Session recording here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We want all students to know study abroad is accessible to them. Eligible students should apply for the ArtCenter Berlin Scholarship. See our Pay for Study Away page for more details on study away affordability.

SUMMER 2026 COURSE DESCRIPTION

• ILL-801D EYE on Berlin (3 credits Studio Elective)

  Eye on Berlin seeks to inspire students from Art Center to begin a purposeful, meaningful dialogue with the citizens of Berlin. Students will be encouraged to design and produce inclusive, positive image-based materials intended to bridge the widening cultural gaps between marginalized groups in both cities.

  Course Learning Outcomes

  Students in the Eye on Berlin: Echoes Berlin course will be able to

  • Identify cultural reference points,
  • Create Art/Printed Matter for public display,
  • Apply a verity of professional studio practices,
  • Apply advanced design principles, and
  • Gain an understanding of image-based letterpress applications.

  NOTE: The Illustration Department supports students doing study away and will work to approve a substitution whenever possible. Chat with your department advisor to find out how this course fits into your degree audit.

ABOUT THE FACULTY

Christine Fraguela is a Puerto Rican Illustrator and ArtCenter Alumna (BFA 14). In her career she has worked extensively with Independent labels within the music industry. Clients include ATO Records and Suicide Squeeze. Retail clients for home and fashion include Merchant Modern and Echo77 Bali. Christine’s work a been recognized by the Society of Illustrators of New York. She has participated in exhibitions at Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Hey there Gallery, Joshua Tree and El Local. Christine has served the ArtCenter Illustration Department since 2017 in capacities as Coordinator, Advisor, Assistant Chair, and Faculty.

Jason Holley is a Texas-born illustrator and a graduate of ArtCenter College of Design. Holley's illustration career spans 30 years and he is widely recognized for his influence and contribution to the field. His clients include Sony, RollingStone, New York Times, MIT, Harvard, Warner Brothers, RCA, The New Yorker, U.S. Department of State, Pentagram, and Random House. He has received awards from SPD, AIGA, American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, BMG, D&AD, Communication Arts, and others. He has served on the Board of Directors for ICON8 and ICON9. Since 1996, he has been a faculty member at ArtCenter.

ABOUT BERLIN, GERMANY

Berlin is a vibrant and dynamic city that has long been a haven for designers and artists. Known for its rich history, eclectic architecture, and thriving creative scene, Berlin offers an inspiring environment for artistic expression and innovation. The city's diverse neighborhoods, such as Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Mitte, are renowned for their galleries, studios, and creative hubs.

Berlin’s low cost of living compared to other major European cities attracts a global community of creatives, fostering a spirit of experimentation and collaboration. The city's history of reinvention and its current status as a cultural melting pot make it a unique place where traditional and contemporary art forms blend seamlessly. With numerous art festivals, design exhibitions, and a strong network of creative professionals, Berlin is a vibrant canvas for those looking to push artistic boundaries and explore new ideas.

In essence, Berlin is not just a city of historical significance but also a fertile ground for creative exploration and innovation. Whether you’re interested in architecture, graphic design, fashion, or digital media, Berlin’s dynamic environment promises to inspire and challenge design students seeking to push the boundaries of their craft.