Study abroad experiences allow students to cultivate their unique artistic identities. In these programs, students travel, learn, and work together with their classmates in a supportive environment, helping aspiring storytellers better understand and appreciate different cultures while earning academic credit.
The Advantages of Short-Term Study Abroad Programs
Study abroad programs can last a month, a semester, or even a year. For students who don’t want to spend that much time away from home, there are plenty of options for short-term study abroad programs. While longer study abroad programs have benefits, there are several key advantages to opting for a shorter program, including:
A lesser time commitment and cost
Shorter study abroad programs are a great fit for students with additional obligations during the summer or school year. This flexibility allows students to experience studying abroad without committing to an entire semester or year away from home. Additionally, these programs come with lower overall costs for tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Short-term study abroad programs allow students on a budget to enjoy living in top cities for film, media, and entertainment. At NYFA, these include programs at our NYFA Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Florence campuses, as well as our satellite locations.
Ease of integration
Some students may find the idea of studying abroad for an entire semester or year daunting. A less overwhelming program allows students to dip their toes into the experience without committing to a longer period. This can be a great way for students to determine if it’s something they would like to pursue further in the future.
A shorter program, such as a 4 or 6-week program in Filmmaking or Acting for Film can be a good way to test out the experience. NYFA has short-term study abroad programs in Filmmaking and Acting for Film at our NYFA’s New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Florence, and Australia, as well as our satellite locations in Harvard, Paris, and Beijing.*
*Not all programs may be available at all campuses.
Flexibility
Short-term programs can offer more flexibility in timing and course selection. At NYFA, for example, students can choose from program lengths and start dates. This allows them to tailor their study abroad experience to fit their schedule and academic interests. NYFA’s course offerings include Acting for Film and Filmmaking programs in 1-week, 3-week, 4-week, 6-week, and 8-week durations. Degree-seeking students can earn credit in any of these programs.
Students who choose shorter study abroad programs can also participate in multiple programs during their academic careers. Summer programs, workshops during the school year, and classes held over winter break and spring break allow them to experience life abroad and stay on track with their academic goals.
The Advantages of Studying Abroad
In addition to short-term programs, NYFA also offers semester-long programs. In our experience, these programs offer the same benefits as our shorter study abroad programs, including:
Hands-on projects
NYFA’s project-centered programs allow students to build lasting creative and technical skills in visual and narrative storytelling. For instance, our 8-week filmmaking workshop program includes hands-on film projects such as Mise en Scène, Continuity, Montage, Subtext, and a final film. Throughout this process, students delve into the intricacies of scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, filming, editing, and production.
Personal growth
Living and studying in a foreign country can be a transformative experience that fosters personal growth, independence, cultural understanding, and creative expertise. For instance, NYFA’s collaborative initiative with the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) brought aspiring visual storytellers from China to study filmmaking at our Los Angeles campus.
These learning opportunities provide students the chance to develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as they navigate unfamiliar environments and overcome challenges.
Networking opportunities
Short-term study abroad programs provide students with opportunities to network and build relationships with peers, faculty, and professionals from around the world. These connections with faculty members and their classmates can be valuable for future academic and creative endeavors.
Resume/CV enhancement
Participation in a short-term study abroad program demonstrates to future employers or academic institutions that a student is adaptable, culturally aware, and capable of stepping outside their comfort zone. It can enhance a student’s resume/CV and set them apart from their peers.
Study Abroad at NYFA
Studying abroad, even for a short period, often leads to lifelong memories and experiences that students cherish for years to come. Exploring new places, trying new foods, and making friends from different backgrounds create lasting impressions and stories to share. NYFA offers study abroad programs available at our United States campuses, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, as well as NYFA Florence and NYFA Australia campuses, and satellite locations in Paris, Beijing, and Greater China.
Through our partnership with international and national colleges and universities, non-NYFA students who take an NYFA study abroad program may be eligible to transfer their credits for short-term or semester-length studies.
Ready to explore the study abroad opportunities at NYFA? Learn more and apply to short-term study abroad today! Please note eligibility and application requirements on our Study Abroad page.