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  • Locations: Isle of Skye, United Kingdom
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Restrictions: Drexel applicants only
  • This program is currently not accepting applications.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Eligibility: Graduate Type of Program: Intensive Course Abroad
Program Description:
Program Overview | Academics | Program Calendar | Program Fee | More Information

Summer Intensive in Scotland:
Exploring Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed

Program Overview

Using the Harris Tweed Industry located on the Isles of Harris and Lewis, Scotland, this course will examine aspects of Retail Merchandising including brand communication, product development, product manufacture, retail models, product promotion, and examine the interrelationship of the creative economy with the overall economy in terms of ethical and financial impacts on the isles and global fashion.  Harris Tweed is a traditional industry of the isles. Under the direction of the Harris Tweed Authority, this cottage industry continues to provide the world with the only official Harris Tweed. The industry from raw material through to the final fabric and some product is completed on the island. As such the industry is and has been an integral part of and intertwined with the social, cultural, historical and geographical characteristics of the region.  Scotland Castle

Exploring Harris Tweed offers a deep dive into the Heritage Harris Tweed Industry. Since 1840, this small-batch, cottage industry based on the Ilses of Lewis & Harris continues to provide the world with the only official Harris Tweed. The geography and land are integral to the fabric. The walking tour includes meetings with industry leaders and producers, exhilarating walks, history and culture, that offer an inspiring insight into the local industry and the island people. Along the way you will experience rugged mountains, the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, stunning cliff-side paths and fascinating archaeological and historic sites. The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles are a group of wonderfully diverse Scottish islands in the most north-westerly part of the UK. This 8-day Lewis & Harris Walking Adventure also includes a walk-in amongst the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye on our last day, culminating with an overnight stay in the picturesque coastal village of Plockton back on the mainland. 
 

Academics

Credit/Registration: Graduate students will be registered for RMER 575 Globalization in Retail & Merchandising for 3 credits during summer term and will be billed for 3 credits at their normal tuition rate.

Class Structure: This course meets for the duration of summer term in asynchronous online with a combination of readings, lectures, topical discussions, speakers, and one-on-one project consultation with the Professor. Travel to Scotland is embedded in summer term:

Asynchronous Online:      6/24/2024 – 7/18/2024 & 7/27/2024 – 8/31/2024
Intensive Course Abroad: 7/19/2024 – 7/26/2024

Instructor: Anne Cecil, instructor of Design & Merchandising, has over 30 years teaching experience including leading her previous Intensive Course Abroad to Iceland for many years.


2024 Program Calendar

Arrival:        Friday, July 19th
Departure:  Friday, July 26th
*Students must arrange travel on their own and meet at the designated place and time. Prof. Cecil will provide specific guidelines for arranging travel to / from the program site.

Itinerary HighlightsScotland Blue Waters

  • 6 guided walks on Harris & Lewis
  • Tour Harris Distillery (https://harrisdistillery.com/)
  • Callanish Stones (http://callanishvisitorcentre.co.uk/)
  • Seallam visitor center (https://www.hebridespeople.com/visitor-centre/)
  • Harris Tweed weaving demonstration (https://www.harristweedisleofharris.co.uk/index.php/history)
  • Lews Castle (https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/
  • Blackhouse Village (http://www.gearrannan.com/)
  • Additional activities such as Factory visits, Tailors, independent weavers, Harris Tweed Association
Sample Itinerary

Day 1
• Pick up at Inverness Airport or Inverness Train Station
• Drive to Ullapool for Ferry to Stornoway
• Visit Harris Tweed authority (Chat & Demonstration Castle Museum to understand more about the heritage of the Western Isles
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 2
• Visit first Harris Tweed Factory (Mill) on Lewis
• Walk along the west coast of Lewis towards Black House Villages (Visit the museum,learn more about Harris Tweed in the older days and how life was in the 18/19th century
• Visit Callanish Stones (5000 years old) and Dun Carloway Broch (2000 years old)
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 3
• Visit an independent weaver on Lewis (The Weaving Shed)
• Visit Boathouse in Crosbost
• Walk along Postman`s Path from Rhenigidale to Urgha
• Visit Harris Tweed Shop & Factory in Tarbert
• Harris Distillery Tour in Tarbert
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 4Harris Tweed Production
• Visit an independent weaver on Harris
• Luskentyre Beach walk
• Visit of Seallam Museum in Norton
• Visit of Harris Tweed Mill on Harris
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 5
• Drive along Golden Road with visits to various Harris Tweed shops
• Visit Rodel Church
• Visit an independent weaver on Harris
• Afternoon, another walk or free time
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 6
• Day to fill with ideas we have in the following days
• Longer walk
Overnight: Tarbert (Harris)

Day 7
• Ferry to Skye from Tarbert
• Sightseeing around Trotternish Peninsula (Quirang, Old Man of Storr)
• Dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach
• Possible walk if time allows
• Visit Portree
• Drive to Plockton with en-route photo breaks
Overnight: Plockton

Day 8
• Drive to Inverness for departure drop-off (various photo breaks)

 

2024 Program Fee: $3,275

Due March 1st: $800 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due May 1st:  $2,475 Final PaymentScotland Stones
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.

Included in Program Fee:

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 Dinners
  • All ferries and program transport
  • Entry fees and tours
  • 2 qualified walking guides/drivers for program visits
  • On Call health and emergency insurance

Not Included in Program Fee (approx $1,995):

  • Round trip flight to United Kingdom $1,280
  • Spending money $500
  • Passport $165
  • Local transport $50
  • Visa (if applicable)

More Information

  • Given the remote and rural location of the program site, students should be prepared for extensive walking on flat ground to/from various visits. The routes are considered easy level of walking difficulty.  
  • Visa: United States citizens are not required to obtain a visa for this program. Students of other nationalities should confirm visa requirements on the United Kingdom Embassy website.


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 03/01/2024
03/15/2024 07/19/2024 07/26/2024
NOTE: Students will be provided specific guidelines for booking their travel to/from Scotland.

Indicates that deadline has passed

This program is currently not accepting applications.