Subject Area: Product Design (Ind. Eng)

Donggkuk University, Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1906, Dongguk University is one of South Korea’s established private universities. Located in Jung-gu at the foot of Namsan, it sits in central Seoul with easy access to many of the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.


The university offers a variety of programmes across humanities, social sciences, technology, arts, film and media, and traditional Korean medicine, giving students plenty of options while abroad. Its Buddhist foundations inform an emphasis on balanced education and social responsibility.


Dongguk’s central location provides convenient access to Seoul’s culture, history and daily life, making it a practical and engaging base for study abroad.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Donggkuk University.


We recommend that students take as many modules as possible within their primary subject area, complemented by culture and language courses to provide a balanced blend of academic focus and cultural enrichment.

Please visit the Donggkuk University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – The nearest major airports to Donggkuk University are Gimpo Airport or Incheon Airport. From the airports, you can reach campus by subway or bus.
  • Accommodation – Students can choose to live in on-campus housing or arrange accommodation off-campus independently. If you apply for on-campus housing and are approved, you will be allocated to one of three dormitories: Namsan Residence Hall, Chungmu Residence Hall, or Pildong Residence Hall (female students only). It is not possible to choose your dormitory, as allocations are made automatically based on availability, and not all applicants may receive a room due to limited availability. If allocated a room, it will be available for one semester only, so you will need to arrange accommodation for the second semester.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet South Korean entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in South Korea, and students are required to purchase health insurance, and must also enroll in the National Health Insurance Service NHIS.

Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan

Hosei University is one of Japan’s leading private universities, located in the heart of Tokyo, a global city that blends cutting-edge modernity with deep cultural heritage. Founded in 1880, Hosei combines a long academic tradition with an international outlook, welcoming students from around the world. Exchange students benefit from studying at a well-connected urban campus, with access to extensive academic resources, student support, and opportunities to experience life in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities.


Tokyo itself offers endless opportunities for exploration — from museums, temples, and traditional districts to modern cafés, shopping, and nightlife. An exchange at Hosei University offers both academic growth and an immersive experience of Japanese culture, innovation, and city life.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Hosei University.

  • The Exchange Students from Overseas Program (ESOP) is open to all disciplines and is designed for students particularly interested in Japanese cultural studies.
  • Specific modules of study are available to Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, and Finance students through the Global Business Programme (GBP).
  • Students in International Business, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Fine Art, Media and Communication, Journalism, Film Studies, Politics and International Relations, English Language and Literature, History, Education Studies, and Psychology can explore the Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) programme.

Please visit the Hosei University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – Hosei University’s campuses are located in central Tokyo, with the Ichigaya campus in Chiyoda-ku and the Koganei campus in western Tokyo. The city is well-connected by trains and buses, making commuting to campus easy. The nearest international airports are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). From either airport, students can reach central Tokyo by train or bus.
  • Accommodation – Exchange students are eligible to apply for university managed dormitories. Additional information about housing options and application procedures is available here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Japan. It is mandatory for exchange students to purchase National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) after arrival, according to the Japanese Government Policy for foreigners who will stay over 90 days. Further information about insurance can be found here.

ISEP – Study on Exchange in the USA

De Montfort University is a member institution of the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) – a not for profit organisation that brings together a consortium of universities around the world, to make studying abroad more accessible to students.

Interested in studying abroad in the USA through ISEP?

Join one of our briefing sessions to find out how the programme works. Upcoming sessions:
Wednesday 5 November, 12pm-12:45pm, The Yard 1.05
Thursday 20 November, 12:15pm-12:45pm, The Yard 1.02

Is ISEP right for me?

ISEP provides an alternative route to studying in the USA, alongside DMU’s direct partner universities. While all students are welcome to apply, ISEP may be particularly appealing if:

  • You are especially keen to study in the United States and would like access to a wide range of universities through a single application.
  • You would value the additional support provided by ISEP, including arranged accommodation, meal plans, and visa sponsorship.
  • You are interested in studying at a wide range of US institutions, offering a broad range of locations and courses.

This makes ISEP a good option for students who want reassurance around accommodation and visa processes, and who are motivated to explore study opportunities across the United States.

Where can I study in the US via ISEP?

Being a member of ISEP allows DMU students to study at over 100 universities in the US.
A diverse range of destinations and types of institutions is available, and the full list of exchange destinations can be accessed via the button below.

Search for institutions

Finding programmes/modules

To explore what you can study at each institution:

  • Use the ISEP Program Finder (link via the button above) to search by Field of Study.
  • Check the institution’s module directory or course catalogue, focusing on options marked for visiting or exchange students.
  • Contact the ISEP Student Services Officer listed on each university’s page for more detailed advice about modules and course availability.
  • If unsure, seek guidance from your DMU faculty and the DMU Global team to make sure your choices fit with your degree requirements.

What does the application process look like?

Applying for an ISEP placement is a two stage process:

  1. Apply to DMU Global
    • Applications for the 2026–27 academic year open on Monday 27 October 2025 and close on Monday 12 January 2026.
    • Applications are submitted via DMU Global as advised here.
  2. Apply to ISEP
    • If your DMU Global application is successful, you will then submit an application directly to ISEP by Sunday 1 March 2026.
    • At this stage, you can select up to 10 preferred universities, and ISEP will attempt to place you at one of your top four choices.

DMU Global and ISEP will run information sessions to guide you through the process and provide tailored support at each stage.


Fees and support

ISEP operates on a model where you pay DMU housing and meal costs. In return, you are provided with pre-arranged accommodation and a meal plan at your host university, making it broadly comparable to continuing your studies at DMU.

There are a number of fixed fees that will be payable to DMU/ISEP as part of your year abroad. For the 2025-26 academic year, these fees included:

  • ISEP Exchange Application Fee: $100 (approx. £76)
  • ISEP Exchange Placement Fee: $450 (approx. £345)
  • Accommodation: £6,095
  • Meal plan: £2,808

Please note: Fees are subject to change and will be updated for the 2026–27 academic year.


All participants will be eligible to receive financial support from the Turing Scheme, to help make the year abroad more affordable. You can find further details of fees and funding that is available here.


If you have any questions regarding ISEP, please get in touch with us.

Carleton University – Ottawa, Canada

Carleton University is a public comprehensive university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The university is reputed for its strength in a variety of academic fields such as Humanities, International Business, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and many of the disciplines in its Faculty of Public Affairs. The university is also renowned for the strong performance of its men’s basketball team, which won seven consecutive Canadian national championships between 2006 and 2017.


Carleton University offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines and has 30,000 students and has produced more than 140,000 alumni.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Carleton University.

Please visit the Carlton University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Canadian immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Canada, and students are required to purchase medical insurance while attending Carleton University.

Francis Marion University – Florence, South Carolina, USA

Francis Marion University (FMU) is a public liberal arts university located six miles east of Florence, South Carolina. The campus includes 100 acres of mixed pine-hardwood and bottomland forests accessed by a series of trails, and is located just an hour’s drive from Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at FMU, and they welcome exchange students from 18 partner universities in 13 countries.


Programmes of study


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at FMU.

Please visit the FMU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – upon arrival at Florence (South Carolina) Regional Airport, a member of the International Programmes team will meet you and take you to your accommodation.
  • Accommodation – you will need to apply to live in the FMU halls of residence. For more information check out the FMU Housing Office webpage.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet US immigration requirements .
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in the US, and students are required to purchase medical insurance while attending Francis Marion University. FMU requires that all international students have health insurance up to at least $100,000 in medical coverage and coverage for medical evacuation.

Grand Valley State University – Allendale, Michigan, USA

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public liberal arts university in Allendale, Michigan which has a diverse student population of 24,000 representing over 70 different countries. It offers 94 undergraduate degree programmes over eight different colleges which are: Business, Community and Public Services, Education, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Computing, Health Professions, Nursing and Interdisciplinary Studies. 


Sustainability is a key principle for GVSU, and it has been ranked as 16th in the world for environment-friendly university management by GreenMetric World University Ranking.


Programmes of study


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Grand Valley State University.

Please visit the GVSU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


DMU student stories

Sophie’s exchange year in Michigan, USA

Sophie Bartrop is a final year student on the Design Crafts course and specialises in metalsmithing. She went to Grand Valley State University in Michigan and describes it as being one of the best years of her life. Why did you decide to study on exchange? I was desperate to discover and experience new things…


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – GVSU suggest that students fly to the Gerald R. Ford Grand Rapids International Airport (GRR) where pick-up is organised by the university on designated arrival dates. It is strongly suggested that you do not attempt to take a train or bus from the Chicago or Detroit airports.
  • Accommodation – you will need to apply to live in the Carleton University student halls of residence. For more information check out  the  GVSU Housing webpage. Although GVSU has various housing types available, on-campus apartments are what the university recommends for exchange students. Specifically, Laker Village is recommended as most international students live in this community and it is home to the International House. Meal plans are also available, more information regarding this can be found here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet US immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in the US, and students are required to purchase health insurance  while attending Grand Valley State University.

Kwansei Gakuin University – Nishinomiya, Japan

Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) is an independent institution for higher education, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in over 35 different disciplines to a student body of approximately 24,700. Founded in 1889, the university maintains academic standards that rank among the highest of all Japanese universities and colleges. KGU places a large emphasis on producing ‘global citizens’, and in 2014 was selected by the Japanese government as one of 37 out of a total of 800 universities nationwide to receive funding under the Top Global University Project.


Programmes of study


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Kwansei Gakuin University.


KGU offers ‘The Contemporary Japan Program’ which is specially designed for incoming exchange students to Kwansei Gakuin University.


Exchange students are offered a choice between two study tracks that will define the main focus of their time at KGU, the “Japanese Language Track” and the “Modern Japan Track”. Exchange students are also able to select elective courses to learn more about “Contemporary Japan” from a variety of aspects such as language, culture, society, economy, and politics.


Please note that eligible DMU students from all Faculties can choose to study at KGU (subject to Programme Leader approval).

Please visit the KGU website via the button below to view the Contemporary Japan Programme.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to KGU is Kansai International Airport.
  • Accommodation – Students can apply to live in the on-campus dorm which may be shared or private. Availability is not guaranteed for students applying in 22-23. There is also the option to apply for a homestay with a Japanese family. Dorm rooms cost between £270-380 per month (excluding meals and utilities).

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Canada, and students are required to purchase medical insurance while attending Kwansei Gakuin University.

Malmö University – Malmö, Sweden

Founded in 1998, Malmö University has had a keen focus on its social commitment to both the local community and student life. It has informed the university’s approach to education through close collaboration with the city and surrounding community; providing an excellent student exchange experience. The university is committed to being an internationally recognised institution, offering over 30 degrees in English with just over 24,000 students enrolled.


Ranked the 14th best university in Sweden and coming in the top 500 universities in Europe, the university offers exchange students a world class education in the heart of a city with a rich and diverse background. Sweden is also recognised as the 5th highest ranking country for education and research quality world-wide.


Programmes of study

DMU’s exchange agreement with Malmö University allows students enrolled on the following programmes to study abroad: 

  • Business and Law – Law (students will be required to pick some modules from other programmes)
  • Health and Life Sciences – Education Studies
  • Technology, Arts and Culture – Politics and International Relations, History, Politics and International Relations, Interior Design, Product Design, Computer Science

Modules will be available in English and further information about the study options can be found here (Exchange students may not be eligible for all courses listed. You will receive a full list upon your successful application).


You are also highly encouraged to participate in the following optional courses:

  • Introduction programme: Designed to help international students integrate with the student life at Malmö and explore what the city has to offer.
  • Swedish language course: An introduction to the Swedish language, culture and society.


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – While Malmö has its own airport, exchange students are advised to travel to Malmö University via Copenhagen Airport (CPH), a mere 20-minute train from Malmö.
  • Accommodation – There is a range of accommodation on offer for exchange students. You can see a full list here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Swedish immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – All students are recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of their time in Europe to cover personal possessions and healthcare. UK and EU nationals can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is time-limited to the length of the exchange period.

HFG Schwäbisch Gmünd – Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Hochschule Fuer Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd  is a university of design in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Schwä­bisch Gmünd is a relatively small city, but benefits from a really strong strong student commu­nity. The Finan­cial Times Germany attri­buted Schwä­bisch Gmünd as ​”Germany’s Secret Design Capital“ since there are nume­rous design agen­cies, adver­ti­sing and mul­ti­me­dia com­pa­nies, archi­tects and crea­tive service providers


Schwä­bisch Gmünd with its 60.000 inha­bi­tants is located close to Stutt­gart and is sur­roun­ded by forests, meadows, and farm­land. Street cafés, wine bars, markets, variety of shops, and rich and lively cul­tu­ral scene give the town its special flair.


Programmes of study

DMU’s exchange agreement with HFG Schwä­bisch Gmünd allows students enrolled on the following programmes to study abroad:

  • Technology, Arts and Culture – Graphic Design, Interior Design and Product Design

Spending a year on exchange will expose you to new design approa­ches, themes, dif­fe­rent tea­ching, and lear­ning methods by following modules related to the Commu­ni­ca­tion Design, Inter­ac­tion Design and Product Design. You are allowed to mix courses taught in English from those three programs and the new program, Internet of Things. You don’t have to be able to speak any German, and throughout the year you can enrol on a free, weekly German language course.


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year.


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport is Stuttgart Airport. It is recommended you take a train to Schwäbisch Gmünd which should take approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Accommodation – the University does not offer student accommodation. The inter­na­tio­nal coor­di­na­tor will send you flat offers two to three months before the start of your exchange, and your buddy will help you find a place to live. The average monthly rent amounts to around £250-300 per month. Some options being can be found on WG-gesucht.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet German immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – All students are recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of their time in Europe to cover personal possessions and healthcare. UK and EU nationals can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is time-limited to the length of the exchange period.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences – Helsinki, Finland

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is Finland’s largest university of applied sciences educating future professionals in fields such as Business, Culture and Technology. There are approximately 16,000 students enrolled on courses, with the institution’s mission being to create insight, expertise and well-being.


A globally minded institution, Metropolia University educates their students and prepare them for an international world and a global job sector. Each year, Metropolia welcomes about 320 exchange students from partner universities all over the world, supporting them in having an impactful experience while studying for an academic year in Helsinki!


Programmes of study

DMU’s exchange agreement with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences allows students enrolled on the following programmes to study abroad:

  • Technology, Arts and Culture – Textile Design, Fashion Textile Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, and Interior Design
  • Business & Law – all Business programmes

Modules will be available in English and further information about the study options can be found here. Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is Helsinki Airport. It is recommended to take a taxi or public transportation to your accommodation.
  • Accommodation – Metropolia University of Applied Sciences assists exchange students in finding accommodation in Helsinki. For more information check out Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Accommodation .

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet Finnish immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – All students are recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of their time in Europe to cover personal possessions and healthcare. UK and EU nationals can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is time-limited to the length of the exchange period.

Weber State University – Ogden, Utah, USA

Founded in 1889, Weber State University is an exceptional teaching university providing degrees in business, education, health professions, liberal arts, technology, and sciences to meet the needs of the region. The university offers more than 250 undergraduate certificate and degree programs, serving more than 26,000 students, drawn predominately from Utah but also including representatives from all 50 states and 47 foreign countries.


WSU takes pride in its student-centered environment, meeting the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. A multi-campus institution, WSU’s main Ogden campus is located 35 miles north of Salt Lake City.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at the Weber State University.

Please visit the Weber State University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


DMU student stories

Georgia’s unforgettable year studying in the USA

Georgia Fidler a third year Interior Design student, spent a year studying at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Below she shares her experience of living, studying and travelling in the United States. How did you find out about studying abroad and what made you want to do it?  Since my first open day at the university, DMU Global,…


Travel & accommodation

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet US immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in the United States, and students are required to purchase health insurance while attending Weber State University.

University of Deusto – Bilbao, Spain

The University of Deusto is a Spanish private university with campuses in Bilbao and San Sebastián. The University of Deusto is the oldest private university in Spain, with its establishment dating back to 1886. The main campus is situated in Bilbao, a metropolitan area with more than one million inhabitants which is the business and cultural hub of northern Spain, and the heart of the Basque country.


Approximately 13,000 students are enrolled on courses at the University of Deusto, 1,300 of which participate in international mobility programmes each year. More information about studying on exchange can be found here.


Programmes of study

DMU’s exchange agreement with the University of Deusto allows students enrolled on the following programmes to study abroad:

  • Technology, Arts and Culture – Product Design and International Relations, Computer Science, Engineering, Journalism, Media & Communication subjects

Modules will be available in English and further information about the study options can be found here. Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at the University of Deusto.


View University of Deusto’s exchange guide below…

view exchange GUIDE


Travel & accommodation

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Spanish immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – All students are recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of their time in Europe to cover personal possessions and healthcare. UK and EU nationals can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is time-limited to the length of the exchange period.