Why Music Majors Should Study Abroad
By Jerry Daniels, Ph.D.
Interim Chair, Music
 |
"The best way to learn about and truly appreciate another culture and its people is to experience them firsthand. Herein lies the true value of Study Abroad: in connecting with others across the globe, we learn about ourselves and can grow immensely as human beings. Music and the arts are the perfect vehicle for such an experience, as they express who we are far beyond spoken language. Just ask someone who has studied abroad about the experience to get an idea of the enormous impact it has had on their life. I therefore urge all musicians to consider studying abroad, as the experience will add a unique and invaluable dimension to their musical and personal lives!" |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Music Majors
Germany
Universität Lüneburg
Lüneburg
Semester or Year
The majority of courses taught at Lüneburg are taught in German, but you will be able to choose from some courses taught in English as well. Lüneburg not only has a rich history but a lively present. With numerous museums, theaters, cinemas, pubs, bistros, cafes, and discos, you will find plenty to do and see. Stop by the city markets on Wednesdays or Saturdays to experience the mixing of old and new in modern Lüneburg. MUS 3550G, among others, is a course offered at Universität Lüneburg.
Greece
American College of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Summer, Semester or Year
Greece -- home of the Olympian gods, sun-filled, passionate -- has been a destination popular with visitors for centuries."Undiscovered" Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, true crossroads of East and West, and gateway to the Balkans. Founded in 315 B.C, Thessaloniki is now a modern seaport city of 1.5 million inhabitants renowned for its wide avenues, neighborhood squares and tree-lined streets. Music majors can take a class on Greek music as well as general education courses while at ACT.
Italy
Lorenzo de Medici
Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscania, or multiple cities in Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Lorenzo de Medici (LDM) is one of the largest and leading international schools of Italy, with centers in Florence, Rome, Tuscania, and Venice. You can choose to spend a summer or a semester in one of these cities, or you can choose three different cities for an unforgettable semester-long study abroad experience. Students at LdM have many opportunities to experience these Italian cities "beyond the postcard." Music and Film is a course offered through the Music, Cinema and Theater Studies Department at LdM.
Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence, Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. While at Palazzi Music majors can take core and elective courses and complete general education requirements.
North Cyprus
Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta
Summer, Semester or Year
Eastern Mediterranean University is located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of three continents, which makes it easy and economical to travel to Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Egypt. EMU is a comprehensive university with strong programs in many subject areas, including business. All EIU students receive a free room at EMU. An example of a course Music majors can take at Eastern Mediterranean University is Lute Literature.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester or Year
Due to Cape Town's extensive history as a port city, Cape Town's 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountain and the water. Music majors, regardless of concentration, can find core and core option classes at UCT.
United Kingdom
University of Glamorgan
Treforest, Wales
Semester or Year
Glamorgan is located in the small town of Treforest. Treforest is only minutes from the larger Pontypridd and just north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. World class theatres, museums, galleries, and great football (soccer) matches are all within easy reach of Treforest. Glamorgan's location offers the best of both worlds: a small town feel with big city opportunities available at your doorstep. While at the University of Glamorgan, Music majors can take core, core option and elective courses.
Harlaxton College
Grantham
Semester or Year
Harlaxton Manor is a 100-room Victorian manor house located in the English midlands. Students live and study at the manor along with their faculty members and other Harlaxton staff members. Harlaxton offers lower- and upper-division courses in music.
Harlaxton is a unique experience because you live, dine and study with your professors. This gives it a great community feeling because you interact with your faculty outside of the classroom. --Kayla Blue, Fall 2009
University of Westminster
London
Summer, Semester or Year
Located in the center of London, Westminster students have easy access to London's world class theatres, libraries, museums, shops, and other entertainment venues. London is a city of 8 million people with enough museums, social and cultural events, gardens, shopping, and sight-seeing to keep you busy for months, if not years! You will never be bored as a student studying in London. Elective courses are offered at the University of Westminster for Music majors.
Find more programs in our program finder!
