Programs

Australia

SYDNEY CONSERVATIUM, Sydney – Virtual Only except for Australian Citizens/students currently residing in Australia
General Information
Guide to Foreign Exchange

Denmark

ROYAL DANISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Copenhagen
General Information

Finland

SIBELIUS ACADEMY, Helsinki
General Information
Campus Tour
Info on Helsinki

France

CONSERVATOIRE NATIONAL SUPÉRIEUR DE MUSIQUE ET DE DANSE DE PARIS, Paris
Language Requirement: Working Knowledge of French

Information TBD

Germany

MUSIKHOCHSCHULE STUTTGART, Stuttgart
Language Requirement: Must know some German
General Information

Exchange Program Information

The Netherlands

AMSTERDAM CONSERVATORY, Amsterdam
Jazz students interested in this program should contact MSM’s Jazz Office prior to submitting an application.
General Information

Norway

NORWEGIAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Oslo
General Information
Exchange Program Information

Departmental Information

United Kingdom

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC, London
General Information
Teachers

Foreign Exchange Information

ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND, Glasgow
General Information
Foreign Exchange Program Information

Mariya Polishchuk, Violin

Year Abroad: MM 2 Fall Semester (Fall 2015)

Exchange Institution: DKDM (Copenhagen)

Why did you choose to study abroad?
I knew it would be my last opportunity to experience life in a drastically different environment with relatively minimal effect on my personal and professional life in New York, so I took it.

Why did you choose the institution you chose?
I had heard really great things about Elisabeth Zeuthen, a violin professor at DKDM, and two of my friends had recommended the institution and city.

What is a unique learning experience you encountered abroad that you wouldn’t have had at MSM?
I loved the baroque ensemble I had the opportunity to be in, it was incredible! We also had a performance of Mahler 3 (possibly my favorite!) with members of the Copenhagen Philharmonic as our stand partners, which was really beautiful.

How was it to have a different private teacher?
I got really lucky, it was amazing. Her style was quite different from that of my teacher at MSM but we formed a strong bond immediately – we still keep in touch!

What were some unexpected challenges while abroad?
It’s hard to be so far away from the people who know you best. I found myself most missing the kind of good friend you feel comfortable sitting in silence with.

What external/cultural opportunities were you able to take advantage of while abroad? Copenhagen is central in Europe, so it was really easy (and inexpensive!) to take short trips all over. I visited a friend of mine doing an exchange at Sibelius in Finland, my family in Moscow, and took trips to Berlin and Paris. Not to mention the friends from all over that came to visit me there.

How was finding housing? Obtaining a work visa?
Again, I got really lucky with housing. The student who came from DKDM to MSM let me sublet his room and my roommate became a really good friend to me. Obtaining a work visa was really easy, it came with the paperwork I was directed to fill out upon arrival in Denmark.

How has your time abroad affected your life/career path?
It taught me that anything can happen, good or bad, so you might as well enjoy life while working for your goals. Really! I don’t mean to be cheesy. 

What would you tell/advise MSM students interested in the Foreign Exchange Program?
I highly recommend it. There’s no better time to pick up and go on an adventure than now. 

 

With proper planning, going on exchange will not slow down your progress towards graduation.

• Open to current sophomores applying to study abroad for the first semester or both semesters of their junior year.
• Must be in good standing with all MSM Offices – No registration, business office, International Student or other administrative holds 
• Must be in good academic standing – This includes a jury score of A– or higher and GPA of 3.0 or higher  

Please note: These limitations are in place for scheduling and graduation purposes; however, exchanges are granted on a case-by-case basis and exceptions may be made. If you feel that you do not meet any of the above qualifications but are still interested in applying, please email studyabroad@msmnyc.edu.

• There is no extra cost in tuition/fees. You pay MSM and receive financial aid as in a normal year.  
• Housing, travel, and insurance expenses are not included. 
• Please note: These eligibility are in place for scheduling and graduation purposes; however, exchanges are granted on a case-by-case basis and exceptions may be made. If you feel that you do not meet any of the above qualifications but are still interested in applying, please be in touch. 

Application Timeline

February 2023 TBA via Zoom: Foreign Exchange Information Session
February 14, 2023: MSM Foreign Exchange Application Due
February 25, 2023: MSM Foreign Exchange Results Released
March 1 to March 31, 2023: Partner School Application Materials Due (Recording)*
End of the Semester: Final Results Released

**Each Partner School has their own deadline; please see info page here for specific details: MSM Exchange Partners

Students can submit an application online at the following link: Foreign Exchange Application. This application is due February 12, 2023 and consists of: 

• Application Form
• Short Essay of Intent
• Studio Teacher Letter of Recommendation

Once this MSM application is accepted, you will be guided through an additional application process for your specific partner school(s). This will consist of:

• Program-specific Application Forms*
• Submitted Recording

*See above for links to information from specific institution and their application requirements.

TBA February via Zoom

Links will be sent via email. If you have not received a link, please contact ISS@msmnyc.edu.

 

Will I need to renew my TOEFL if I study abroad and then return to MSM?
No, your TOEFL is submitted to MSM when you applied, and it is good throughout your degree,

Will I get actual grades from my exchange school? Will the grades be factored into my MSM GPA?
You will be evaluated in all of your courses abroad, and each course/school is different in terms of grading with numbers, letters, pass/fail, etc.
NO, your grades received abroad will not be factored into your MSM GPA. On your transcript, the semester(s) you spend abroad will show up with grades of “T” for “transfer”.

Are there any visa limitations or general limitations for international students to go on exchange?
Yes, you can always go on exchange, but be sure to speak with Michael Lockhart to be sure all of your paperwork is in order.

Are there opportunities to apply for scholarships abroad to help pay for housing and other expenses abroad?
Typically not through MSM or through our partner schools, except in Stuttgart.

If the student at the partner school that I am exchanging with ends up dropping out at the last minute, will my acceptance to study at that partner school be rescinded?
No.

Is there an official test to prove my proficiency in German for Stuttgart?
No, but some German is good.

Am I allowed to study at a partner school for just the Spring semester?
Yes if we can work that out with the partner school.

Are students in the graduate OP and CPP programs allowed to go on exchange considering the abundance of specific requirements for their programs?
If this is your case, please be in contact by emailing studyabroad@msmnyc.edu to set up an appointment to discuss with the Provost.

If I am selected as an exchange student, will I be required to attend?
It is expected that you be fully committed to attend upon submission of your Partner School specific application. However, you will not be obligated to go if you are selected.

Is it too late for me to go on exchange for the coming spring or fall semesters?
It is not likely, but if you are unsure please be in contact by emailing studyabroad@msmnyc.edu to set up an appointment to confirm eligibility.