International Collaborations

Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in Hangzhou, China

FIT's partnership with Zhejian Sci-Tech University is one of our longest and strongest international collaborations. The program began in 2001, giving FIT new teaching opportunities in Hangzhou.

FIT faculty are sent to ZSTU three times each year, teaching courses in Fashion Design, Fashion Business Management, Advertising and Marketing Communications, Technical Design, Textile Development and Marketing, and Production Management. The partnership also gives select ZSTU students the opportunity to study at FIT and brings ZSTU faculty to FIT for curriculum and instructional methodology research. 

In 2009, ZSTU became first international college partnering with FIT to offer a one-year international visiting student AAS program. Students who complete the program are awarded an AAS from FIT as they receive a Bachelor's degree from ZSTU. ZSTU students complete Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management majors at FIT.

2019 FIT Faculty at ZSTU

These FIT Faculty members above taught at ZSTU in Summer 2019: Rita Lant (Fashion Design), Albert Romano (Advertising and Marketing Communications), Deborah Beard (Technical Design), Ted Tamanaha (Technical Design), Patrick Boylan (Fashion Design), Marie Capozzi (Fashion Design), Lester Rodriguez (Fashion Design), Briggette Donatien (Technical Design), Joseph Antee (Fashion Business Management), Bernadette Grinley (Fashion Design), and Christine Stragazzi (Fashion Business Management).

Learn more about Zhejiang Sci-Tech University

Donghua University in Shanghai, China

FIT collaborates with Donghua University through two programs:

FIT offers a one-year international visiting student AAS program to Donghua students. Students who complete the program are awarded an AAS from FIT as they receive a Bachelor's degree from Donghua. Donghua students primarily take courses in Accessories Design, Advertising and Marketing Communications, Communication Design, Fashion Business Management, Textile Development and Marketing, and Textile/Surface Design.

FIT students study abroad for one semester at Donghua in a unique program that provides an opportunity to:

  • gain insight into global business dynamics by visiting both U.S. companies’ operations (sourcing, design and product development, sales and marketing, and production) in China and Chinese local businesses;
  • gain an understanding of Chinese culture to facilitate comprehension of Chinese consumer behavior and business practices; and
  • network with both U.S. and Chinese textile and apparel companies in China for future internship and employment opportunities.

The program is a collaboration between three educational institutions: FIT, Donghua University, and North Carolina State University. 

Coursework includes Global Merchandising (3 credits), International Product Development (3 credits), Global Marketing (3 credits), Cross Cultural Studies (3 credits), and Business Chinese (3 credits).

Students who choose to study at Donghua are also able to explore Shanghai and surrounding cities, and attend cultural events.

Learn more about Study Abroad at Donghua University

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi, India

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was organized in 1986 under the Indian government's Ministry of Textiles. Early instructors included leading progressive scholars from FIT. Our collaboration and linkages continue.

FIT offers a one-year international visiting student AAS program. Students who complete the program are awarded an AAS from FIT as they receive a Bachelor's degree from NIFT. NIFT students primarily take courses in Fashion Design, Textile and Surface Design, Accessories Design, and Communication Design.

Learn more about National Institute of Fashion Technology 

Dr. Sarvani, a visiting professor from NIFT Dr. Vaddi Sarvani , M.Sc., PhD, Assistant Professor in NIFT's Department of Fashion Design, in Hyderabad, visited FIT in   December, 2018. For a wonderful description of her visit, and the fabric and embroidery workshop she led, read more on the School of Art and Design blog