Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

Artists looking at international degree programs should expect a significant focus on studio courses which will help them develop their craft and portfolio throughout the program. Many countries offering bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s degree programs have a strong emphasis on creating and showing your artwork, and less focus on theory, compared to programs in the United States. Depending on the country and program, students studying international art or fine arts can get more direct attention from professors as well as have the opportunity to train under renowned artists by studying art abroad.

Question 2

Best Locations

Accepted Answer

Most of the top places to earn an art or fine arts degree abroad are located in Western Europe.
Italy: Italy&rsquo;s history of art innovation and traditions surrounding craft and artisan training make it an obvious first location to consider for anyone thinking of pursuing an art degree abroad. Many of the institutions offering international programs for this type of degree in Italy are schools specifically focused on art and design. Top cities for finding art programs are Rome, Florence, and Milan.
France: With world-famous fine arts schools and museums, as well as a widespread cultural appreciation for art, France gives students another opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom. Paris is the central and most popular destination within France for international art degrees, and offers an interesting perspective because so much of its history and culture revolve around art.
England: Studying fine art in the UK offers students the opportunity to get an international degree in an English-speaking country. London offers the most art degree programs as well as the cultural influence of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Question 3

What Else You Need to Know

Accepted Answer

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&rsquo;s level art programs, students will usually need to submit their portfolio and artist&rsquo;s statement, as well as some goals. For bachelor&rsquo;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.

Question 4

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Artists who pursue an art degree abroad will make themselves more competitive candidates for fellowships and residencies, both internationally and back in the U.S. due to their experience abroad and focused training. When applying for group or solo shows, students who are able to show their international studies will be able to reference certain international galleries and spaces they have worked in or seen first hand which will help them stand out from the crowd. In addition, artists who choose to pursue a master&rsquo;s of fine arts degree abroad will be qualified for college and university teaching positions and have the potential to earn a higher salary in the future.

An international art degree offers the opportunity for students to gain insight into what it means to be a working artist as well as take their artistic practice and skills to the next level. By setting aside time to focus on their work, becoming immersed in a new culture or language, and surround themselves with serious young artists, international art students will reap the benefits of their degree both personally and professionally in the long run.