For many young artists the courses and professors of the program can be more important than that actual location, so it is a good idea to lay out expectations and priorities before making a decision.

Course levels. In order to be eligible for master’s level art programs, students will usually need to submit their portfolio and artist’s statement, as well as some goals. For bachelor’s degree programs students may need to submit a portfolio of previous work or in some cases could be admitted without previous experience, depending on the program and school.

What makes your studies abroad more (or equally) as valuable as in your home country. Advanced art degree programs place a high value on independence and self-motivation, with professors serving more of a guiding or training role rather than giving assignments. International art students should be prepared to grow artistically as well as personally.

Your future is bright. For fine art degree programs that are rooted in tradition and history, students may have more emphasis on creating work and learning traditional methods rather than more abstract discussions on art theory. This is especially true for more artisan disciplines, such as jewelry making, book making, or leatherworking, in which artists should expect to gain significant training on practical methods.