Erasmus+

Erasmus+ offers Product Design students the opportunity to study abroad, experience new approaches to design, and develop both personally and professionally in an international setting.

Through our network of European partner institutions, students can immerse themselves in a different design culture, build new connections, and gain fresh perspectives that they can bring back into their studies and future careers.

SETU Erasmus Office

Coming to SETU Product Design through Erasmus+

Our studios provide access to a range of design and prototyping facilities, including workshops, 3D printing and digital fabrication, alongside dedicated studio spaces for project development.

Studying at SETU also gives Erasmus+ students the opportunity to experience life in Carlow, meet students from across Ireland and Europe, and become part of a friendly and collaborative design community.

Students interested in joining Product Design at SETU through Erasmus+ should contact their home institution’s Erasmus or International Office to explore available study opportunities and partnerships.

Netherlands: Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Germany: Augsburg University of Applied Sciences

Germany: Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd

France: University of Caen Normandy

Czech Republic: Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Spain: Universitat Politècnica de València

I arrived at SETU Carlow expecting Product Design to feel quite similar to the engineering and design programme I knew in Valencia. Instead, I discovered a much more creative side of the discipline, and that became one of the most valuable parts of my Erasmus experience. The scale of the course also made a real difference. I was used to classes of more than 100 students, so the smaller groups at SETU meant more interaction, feedback and independence. I improved my SolidWorks skills, learned about product replication in the workshop and particularly enjoyed being able to use the 3D printing facilities myself. The Sturdy Products project became one of the strongest pieces in my portfolio. Beyond college, I settled into Carlow quickly, joined the Hiking Club and explored Ireland. I especially remember the landscape and the kindness of the people I met. Erasmus gave me both a stronger design perspective and a very positive personal experience.

Jorge Bustos Parra

Universitat Politècnica de València

For me, Erasmus at SETU Carlow was about stepping into an English-speaking environment and experiencing a very different way of learning design. Coming from the Universitat Politècnica de València, I found the teaching at SETU much freer and more closely connected to the projects we were developing, with lecturers regularly involved and giving feedback. The biggest change was becoming much more hands-on. I spent time building prototypes and sketch models, learning painting and model-making techniques, and understanding how to take a project through a structured design process. Having independent access to the 3D printers was particularly valuable because, at my home university, printing was normally handled by technicians. Carlow also gave me something I had not expected: a very social Erasmus experience with both Irish and international students. I made close friends, joined the Hiking Club and improved my English along the way.

Alain Ferrer Carrasco

Universitat Politècnica de València

Coming from HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany, I chose SETU Carlow because I wanted to see how product design was taught in Ireland and experience a different culture. What surprised me most was how the different modules connected with each other, and how much guidance was built into the design process. During my Erasmus, I explored areas that were new to me, particularly research ethics, empathy tools and using these to inform design decisions. I also developed my Blender animation skills and enjoyed the practical side of the programme. The cast mould project was great fun, while the Universal Design for Ageing Societies project was one of the most detailed and challenging projects I had undertaken. Carlow itself was easy to settle into. I joined both the Hillwalking and Dance Clubs, met people outside my course and improved my English. My advice to future Erasmus students is simple: join things, meet people and try everything you can.

Frieda Reiners

Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd