Material to Monument: Great Smokies to Southern Coastal Charm Interior Design 

Program Details

Destinations: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. 

Program Dates: May 5 - 13, 2027

Requirements:

Travel & Physical Demands

Physical Fitness: This experience has a moderate to demanding physical fitness level. The itinerary involves daily activities where the total time spent walking or standing will often exceed 3 hours.

Walking Pace: Participants should be prepared for an average of 10 miles per day covered at a continuous, brisk pace.

Transportation: Travel between major destinations is primarily by train. The longest continuous seating period will be approximately 2 hours. 

Itinerary

Items may vary and are subject to change.

Day 1 (May 5) | Landing & Arrival: Fly into Nashville, followed by transit to Chattanooga. Free time exploring downtown.

Day 2 (May 6) | Manufacturing & Sightseeing: Morning Manufacturing Tour and Executive Q&A in Dalton, GA. Afternoon transit to Pigeon Forge for museum activity and an evening dinner show.

Day 3 (May 7) | Mountains & Manufacturing: Morning Manufacturing Tour and Showroom Visit in Crossville, TN. Scenic drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Asheville. Evening free time.

Day 4 (May 8) | Historic Estates: Morning tour of the Biltmore Estate. Late afternoon exploration of local arts and crafts centers.

Day 5 (May 9) | Industrial & Art Deco Asheville: Morning urban study of local arts district. Afternoon tour of local historic restoration buildings. Evening free time.

Day 6 (May 10) | Transit to Coastal Savannah: Drive south to Savannah, GA. Afternoon architectural walking tour of historic cemetery & squares. Evening free time.

Day 7 (May 11) | Academic Restoration: Private tour at SCAD. Afternoon interior tours of historic homes. Evening free time.

Day 8 (May 12) | Historic Interiors & Transit: Morning tours of historic buildings. Coastal drive to Charleston, SC. Historic building tour. Evening free time.

Day 9 (May 13) | Charming Charleston & Departure: Walking tour of historic Charleston. Afternoon transfer to the airport for evening flights home.

Cost

Cost: $2,950 (airfare not included)

Deposit: $500

Full Payment Deadline: May 10th, 2027

Included:
Hotel accommodations:  Relax and recharge each night in thoughtfully selected, conveniently located hotels. The program fee covers all overnight stays and includes complimentary daily breakfast at the accommodations.


Inter-City & Local Transportation: All necessary group transportation required by the official itinerary is covered. 


Academic Program & Excursions: The fee covers enrollment for the associated credit hours of academic credit and access to all required tours and sites integral to the course curriculum. This includes admission fees for all museums, architectural landmarks, specialized tours, and cultural experiences listed in the official itinerary.

 

Safety & Preparation: Included are comprehensive international insurance for the program duration, mandatory pre-departure meetings in March and April, and all necessary safety protocols and emergency planning communicated by the University and trip leaders. 


Comprehensive Support & Resources Participants receive access to detailed pre-trip resources, including destination guides, packing tips, and opportunities to connect with faculty and fellow students before departure.


Networking, Packing Tips, Group Dynamic, Pre-Trip Destination Knowledge: Even before the trip begins you will have the opportunity to learn about the other participants, the amazing places you are headed, and what you will need to take you there.

 

Not Included:

  • Round-Trip Airfare (from your home city to Nashville, and from Charleston back to your home city).
  • Meals: Daily Lunch and Dinner are not included, allowing participants flexibility in dining choices and budget.
  • Personal Expenses: Passport, souvenirs, shopping, optional activities, snacks, unscheduled travel, and personal incidentals are the responsibility of the participant.

 

Academic Courses

Students may enroll in up to 2 credit hours: 

  • ID 4830 (2)

Program Directors

Ashley Badali, Kristen Arnold & Sarah Lopez

Our study abroad and in-country trips offer participants unforgettable, hands-on experiences. Earn college credit while exploring design and culture in real-world settings. With scholarships and complete trip planning, all you need to bring is your curiosity.

"The Best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask." - Jeff Johnson

ashleybadali@weber.edu

kristenarnold@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.