Studying abroad offers Film Studies majors the opportunity to expand their artistic, cultural, and academic horizons by immersing themselves in new cinematic traditions and production environments. An abroad experience allows students to deepen their coursework through hands-on learning at international institutions with strong film and media programs.
A semester abroad is highly recommended during the junior year, preferably in the spring semester, though some flexibility is possible. Because many partner institutions offer robust film production curricula, students who study abroad often return with an expanded portfolio, new technical skills, and a broader understanding of global media practices.
All interested students should meet with the Film Studies Abroad Advisor, Prof. Daniel Pope ([email protected]), as early as possible—ideally a full year in advance—to ensure the best academic, financial, and course-mapping options
Why Study Film Abroad?
Studying abroad allows Film Studies majors to:
Experience filmmaking in global contexts
Students encounter different production methods, aesthetic traditions, and cultural approaches to filmmaking that enrich their creative and critical practice.
Build international portfolios
Many partner programs emphasize hands-on production, enabling students to return with short films, screenplays, or collaborative projects created in an international setting.
Strengthen intercultural competence
Working and studying with classmates from around the world cultivates adaptability, communication skills, and global awareness—qualities highly valued in the film and media industries.
Discover new histories, audiences, and industries
Students gain firsthand exposure to film cultures outside the U.S., deepening their understanding of national cinemas, festival networks, and transnational media flows.
Enhance career and graduate school applications
Global experience signals independence, initiative, and cultural fluency—attributes that strengthen applications to M.A., MFA, and PhD programs, as well as careers in production, curation, criticism, and media arts.
Recommended Semester-Long Film Programs
These programs have been identified as offering strong film production and media coursework suitable for Film Studies majors:
- London, England — University of Roehampton
Offers courses in Film Forms and Styles, Digital Storytelling, Digital Project Management, Focus on Charater, Focus on Narrative, POV Film Project, Producing, real Life Stories, Understanding Film Language, and Visual Storytelling. And of course you would gain access to London’s thriving film culture. - Florence, Italy - Florence University of the Arts
Known for Creative Videomaking Experiential Learning courses within a vibrant artistic community. - Rome, Italy - American University of Rome
Provides Advanced Post-Production, Adapting Literature to the Screen, and Acting courses rooted in Italy’s rich cinematic history. - Cyprus — European University Cyprus / University of Nicosia
Features film production and media courses with a strong international student community. - Thailand - Mahidol University
Offers production, digital media, global communication, and creative industries coursework in a dynamic Southeast Asian context. - Scotland — Edinburgh Napier University
Renowned for film and television production, screenwriting, and media practice; located in a major European festival city.
Please note that this is just a tentative list that we are expanding. Other options are available —please consult with Daniel Pope, if you prefer to study film in another region
Planning and Advising
Studying abroad requires advance planning, particularly for students pursuing production tracks or specializations. Before applying to any program, students should:
- Meet with Prof. Daniel Pope, Film Studies Abroad Advisor
- Review how courses will count toward the major
- Plan a timeline for prerequisites and remaining requirements
- Discuss financial aid, scholarships, and housing options
- Explore cultural, linguistic, and academic expectations for each site
Students are encouraged to begin this process at least one year before their intended semester abroad.