Increasingly, architects are called upon to operate in settings which require an understanding of different cultures and languages. The school has a strong tradition of providing students with a variety of study abroad options. following their third year of study students may attend one of two summer programs in Italy or Spain. these programs are seven to eight weeks in length and typically consist of a studio and elective course. in addition to the studio-based programs, the school has offered summer elective courses in the Netherlands, France, and England.

The school also offers an opportunity for students to study abroad during the regular academic year. UNC Charlotte has a long standing student exchange program with Kingston University in London, England. Typically, this program allows two or three fourth year architecture students to study in London for the spring semester, with extensive possibilities for personal travel and research throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. Each student takes a design studio and two electives at Kingston which, together with an independent study, is equivalent to 14 credit hours of the school curriculum. The program gives students access to new experiences and allows them to immerse themselves in the architectural experience of London and its extension into other arts and aspects of European culture. Several other semester or year exchange opportunities exist in Mexico, Belgium, Finland, Germany, and the Netherlands.