When Şükriye Yüksel Filiz arrived at NC State through the European Union’s Erasmus+ staff mobility program, she came with a clear goal: exchange ideas, build new connections and explore new approaches to design education.

A faculty member in the Department of Textile Technologies and Design at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Filiz visited NC State July 20-24 to meet with faculty and staff, tour the Wilson College of Textiles and explore opportunities for future collaboration between the two universities. Throughout the week, she shared insights from ITU while learning how NC State prepares students through interdisciplinary education, hands-on learning and industry partnerships.

The Erasmus+ staff mobility program supports international exchanges that allow faculty and staff to share expertise, strengthen institutional partnerships and bring new ideas back to their home campuses.

“I always wanted to come and visit,” Filiz said. “This was a great chance for me, and I’m very grateful to the Global Office at NC State for giving me that opportunity.”

For nearly 20 years, Filiz has taught fashion design, draping, costume history, textile history and intercultural communication at ITU, where she prepares students for careers in the global fashion industry. Her work spans fashion education, textile innovation and interdisciplinary research, including projects focused on adaptive apparel, sustainable denim design and universal textile design.

Learning From One Another

During her visit, Filiz met with faculty including faculty members Jeff Joines and Kristin Barletta, connected with staff across the university and explored NC State’s interdisciplinary approach to textiles, engineering and design.

Among the highlights was touring the Wilson College of Textiles.

“I was very impressed with the textile complex,” Filiz said. “I am excited to see how many different disciplines come together in one place. Seeing the laboratories and the opportunities students have to learn design and textile techniques was amazing.”

She was equally impressed by the university’s broader creative community, including its art, design and theater programs, which complemented her own background in costume design.

One stop left a particularly lasting impression: the Textile Library. Filiz described the library as “very futuristic” and thoughtfully designed for students, saying the space inspired her to imagine what it would be like to be a student again.

“I became a big admirer of the library,” she said. “Everything is smartly organized and designed for students’ comfort. It gives you the energy and motivation to study.”

Preparing Students for a Global Industry

Throughout her career, Filiz has encouraged students to look beyond technical skills by embracing art, culture and international experiences.

“Creativity doesn’t come from education only,” she said. “Students need to be open to different cultures and different forms of art.”

She believes experiences like her visit to NC State help faculty bring fresh perspectives back to the classroom.

“I’ll be able to share my cultural experience, show my students what I saw here and talk about how design, technology and campus life come together,” Filiz said. “It’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m sure my students will be excited to learn about it.”

Looking Ahead

Throughout the week, conversations focused on how the two institutions might build upon the relationships established during the visit.

“I would love to have that opportunity,” Filiz said. “I believe it would be mutually beneficial for both institutions.”

Looking ahead, Filiz hopes her visit serves as the beginning of a lasting partnership between NC State and Istanbul Technical University, creating opportunities for faculty and students to learn from one another through future exchanges.

“I hope this starts a partnership,” she said. “I would like my students and colleagues to have opportunities to come here, and for NC State students and academics to visit Turkey as well.”