Dalal Family Global Field Study Program

Step outside the classroom and into the global home industry

Through participation in the Dalal Family Global Field Study Program, students will gain a global perspective on how home products move from concept to consumer, as well as: 

• A clearer understanding of career pathways in the home industry
• Firsthand knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
• Professional exposure that strengthens portfolios, interviews, and networking

About the Program

The Dalal Family Global Field Study Program is a travel-based experiential learning opportunity that immerses undergraduate students in the home products and related industries. The annual travel experience immerses a select cohort of students in the full life cycle of home products, from concept and development to sourcing and manufacturing for both domestic and international markets. The program is designed to enhance career readiness, deepen industry knowledge, and strengthen connections between academic learning and professional practice.

Through guided participation in leading industry trade shows, visits to brand studios and showrooms, and access to manufacturing environments, students will gain real-world insight into how products are designed, produced, merchandised, and sold. They will see how cross-functional teams collaborate to bring trend-forward products to market under time constraints, how production meets ever-evolving standards of sustainability and ethics, and how rigorous testing ensures product quality. Daily field journals, facilitated group discussions, and a final synthesis project will cement understanding.

By the conclusion of the program, students will understand the roles and functions of major home industry trade shows; product development workflows in the home furnishings and goods sectors; domestic and international manufacturing practices; regional differences in materials, production, and market positioning; and standards of professional conduct and communication in industry environments.

Student Participation Criteria

• Undergraduate students (recommended for sophomores to seniors)
• Recommended majors:
• Home Products Development
• Textile Development and Marketing
• Textile/Surface Design
• Interior Design
• Fashion Business Management (Home focus)
• Production Management
• Advertising and Marketing Communications (Home/Lifestyle focus)
• Related design or business programs

Timeline

Inaugural Travel Experience: January 2027

Applications will launch soon. Details to be announced in late April. 

About The Dalal Family Foundation

The Dalal Family Foundation, founded in 1997 by Mr. Nayan Dalal, is dedicated to making a meaningful difference through philanthropy, with a focus on supporting education and other initiatives that create opportunity and strengthen communities. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Nayan moved to the United States more than 35 years ago to pursue his MBA. In 1992, he established TLI Home, a home textile import company in New Jersey. Today, TLI Home is a leader in the home textiles industry with offices in New York, Mumbai, and Shanghai.