In addition, learn about the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Make Study Abroad Part of Your George Mason University Experience
Combine your study of the arts with an international experience in your field. George Mason offers several study abroad options that are closely tied to majors in the arts.
Gain a global perspective that will set you apart from the crowd:
- Gain proficiency in a foreign language
- Adapt to new situations and apply them to "old" habits
- Deepen your understanding for different cultures
- Learn how to manage ambiguity
- Become more self-confident as you grow personally - and professionally
Computer Game Design, Music, and more at Mason Korea
Students at Mason Korea engage in the same curriculum and courses as George Mason’s U.S. campuses while immersing themselves in one of the world’s most intriguing and vibrant places. In addition to studying Computer Game Design there are many other subjects students can pursue:
Accounting, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Government and International Politics, Spanish, Economics, English, Environmental Policy, Anthropology, Global Affairs, History, Korean, Business, Chinese, Communication, Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
Freshman Matthew Parthenakis standing in front of the George Mason statue at the entrance to Mason Korea.
Past CVPA Programs
Italy, Summer 2024: Venice Biennale Art and Art History
This course examines twenty-first century contemporary art through the 60th Venice Biennale. It examines artists, art, strategies and approaches. We will analyze the historical, political, social and theoretical contexts surrounding contemporary art production. Each class meeting contains lecture, illustrated presentations, and class exercises. Each student will visit the Venice Biennale and examine the exhibition and its critical frameworks. They will select and study one featured artist/artwork and complete a case-study analysis of that artist’s work, using close visual analysis, some research, and writing.
Program Coursework:
- Readings, Lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and group exercises.
- Close analysis of assigned texts
- 3 short Response Papers
- 1 Research Paper
- Presentation
Summer 2023: Arts Management goes to Ireland
Ireland and International Arts Management: The Arts, Cultural Heritage & Community Engagement
May 30 – June 13, 2023
Led by Professor Karalee Dawn MacKay, Ph.D.
Join us for an info session on November 28, 2022.
Students interested in learning about traditional arts, international arts policy, marketing, fundraising, community outreach and engagement, tourism and cultural heritage management, and cross-disciplinary approaches to the arts will love this course!
For more information, please check out the Study Abroad Flyer or email Professor Karalee Dawn MacKay.
"Studying abroad didn't just enhance my overall education but it impacted my personal life. The people we met, the organizations we spoke with, and the overall culture provided me with an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget."
In February 2023, students from the George Mason Steelpan Ensemble performed in Trinidad and Tobago with Hadco Phase II Pan Groove, in the annual Panorama semifinals competition, the largest steelpan event in the world. These students had the privilege to perform under the musical direction of Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, one of the most highly regarded arrangers for steel orchestra of all time. The students also conducted a clinic with "The North Coast Pan Serenaders" where Ronald Lee arranged a tune by "rote" for the children and the George Mason students.
Ireland: Myths, Music, Stories and Dance - Summer 2020
Summer 2020 - July 31, 2020 to August 14, 2020 (rescheduled from June)
Embrace the life of an Irish musician, dancer, storyteller and writer as we explore the performing, visual, and literary arts and cultural heritage of Ireland!
Immersive learning experiences will put students in the field with service learning, interactive projects, behind-the-scenes access, and meetings with top arts leaders.
Topic areas:
Preservation and Promotion of heritage arts, national identity, economic drivers in the arts, marketing policy, fundraising, and cultural heritage management.
Program fee: $4,602
3 credits/3 weeks: Grad/Undergrad
Arts Management going to NYC for Winter 2020!
AMGT 599 New York City: From Broadway to the Museum Mile was led by Dr. Karalee Dawn MacKay!
The London Theatre Tour - Winter 2019
Winter 2019
January 2 - January 16, 2019
This Winter Break, make the world your stage by studying abroad for two weeks in London! Led by Kristin Johnsen-Neshati, Associate Professor of Theater at George Mason University, this study abroad program has been one of Mason Study Abroad's most popular for over nine years running! Participants will see a number of shows, ranging from fringe productions to West End productions. A distinguishing component of this program are the workshops and backstage tours that students will attend. Backstage tours and interactive workshops are two of the highlights of this program, especially those conducted by the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
Previous plays have included:
- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
- Golem
- Treasure Island
- Knight of the Burning Pestle
- Love’s Labours Won
- Behind the Beautiful Forever’s
- Scottsboro Boys
- Henry IV Part 1
- Assassin’s
International Arts & Cultural Relations Management in Paris & London, Winter 2019
Winter Break 2019
Application Deadline: 10/21/2018 **
Decision Date: Rolling Admission
Program dates: January 2-18, 2019
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Dewberry School of Music's University Chorale go to Kenya in 2019
In 2019, twenty members of the Dewberry School of Music's University Chorale spent their spring break traveling East Africa. The trip was coordinated by Dr. Lisa Billingham, Professor and Director of Choral Activities. Their itinerary included touring State House Girls’ High School, Kenyatta University, and participating in a full day workshop with five local choirs from Nairobi.
The students were fortunate to experience a two-day safari at the Maasai Mara based at the Sentinel Mara Camp. The safari provided an education in animal and resource conservation. Lions, elephants, hippos, a leopard, and a wide variety of wild birds were some of the highlights of the safari. Students were able to learn about the conservation efforts of the rare Rothschild giraffe at The Giraffe Center in Lang'ata.
Study Game Design in Scotland, at the first university in the world to offer a Computer Games degree
Study Abroad at Abertay University
The Computer Game Design program is partnered with Abertay University in Scotland in an international Bilateral Exchange Program. Students are enrolled as regular students at Abertay, pay George Mason tuition to George Mason, and pay room and board abroad. While all George Mason students are eligible for this program, Bilateral Exchange Programs are the most economical option for in-state tuition payers to go abroad.
Abertay University
Abertay was the first university in the world to offer a computer games degree, and the first in the United Kingdom to be recognized as a Center for Excellence in Computer Games Education. Located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland's fourth largest city, Abertay benefits greatly from its central location, the proximity to all transport links, shopping malls, and civic amenities. This allows students to have a vibrant cultural scene within walking distance.
Abertay’s approach to game education incorporates workplace simulation and development environments. The learning spaces, therefore, are a combination of dedicated development studios and project spaces. These spaces include:
- A green screen and motion capture studio
- A 3D modelling and animation suite
- A professional grade sound and audio recording studio
- A Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality lab
- A life drawing studio
Please follow these links for more information on studying abroad at Abertay and the Abertay's Computer Game Program.
How to Apply
More information about the program and how to apply can be found on the George Mason Study Abroad website.
Arts Management in Scotland and Ireland, Summer 2018
Summer Session: AMGT 599 (3 Credits – Graduate, 6 Credits – Undergraduate)
This trip has already taken place, but the information below will give an outline of what to expect for future trips.
Classes in Arlington, VA: May 21st – 24th & June 28th – 30th, 2018
Classes in Scotland: May 30th – June 6th, 2018
Classes in Ireland: June 6th – June 17th, 2018
Led by Academic Director, Dr. Karalee Dawn MacKay
During this course students immersed themselves in international arts management strategies in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Ness) and Ireland (Dublin, Galway and the Aran Islands). Students gained a historical and cultural understanding of the diverse organizational styles found in various arts management organizations in both regions and their continuing impact on the performing, visual, and literary arts throughout the world. Our time abroad included meetings with top arts managers and executives, policy experts, marketing and outreach directors, heritage and tourism officials, entrepreneurs, designers and artists; on-site observations and exclusive guided tours.
Topics that were explored included:
- economic drivers in the arts
- marketing and community outreach
- policy and fundraising strategies
- national identity and cultural heritage and the arts, and
- day-to-day arts management challenges in both regions.
We examined how European Union initiatives such as the Capitals and Cities of Culture programs have impacted the arts in Glasgow and Galway and how popular culture tourism drivers such as the Outlander, Braveheart, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises celebrate and popularize the culture, arts and heritage of both countries.
Class activities may include (but are not limited to): meetings, performances, and tours with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Creative Scotland, VisitScotland, National Theatre of Scotland, Traverse Theatre, Abbey Theatre, Druid Theatre Company, National Museum of Scotland, National Bagpiping Centre, The National Leprechaun Museum, Scottish Writers’ Museum, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Irish Writers Centre, The James Joyce Centre, Irish Arts Council, Project Art Centre, National Museum of Ireland, Claddagh Arts Centre & Katie’s Cottage Museum; traditional music, dance and storytelling tours, visits to castles, cliffs, lochs, and the historic Highlands and islands regions, and taking part in the world famous Bloomsday events in Dublin, among other adventures.
Our itinerary was structured to allow students to explore additional arts venues and events according to their individual areas of interest and the surrounding regions during scheduled open time.
People interested in learning more about international marketing, fundraising, arts policy, community outreach, tourism and cultural heritage management, and cross-disciplinary approaches to the arts will love this course!
Included in the Program Fee:
- Tuition for 3 credits (Graduate and Undergraduate)
- Housing (Shared occupancy with free full breakfast included)
- Tours, guest lectures, workshops, meetings, networking opportunities
- Day Trips to Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands, and the Aran Islands
- Theatre Performances at the Traverse, Abbey ad Druid Theatre Companies
Not included:
- International airfare and daily personal expenses
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Daily Lunch & Dinner (Two dinners are provided: Welcome and Departure dinners)
- Optional performance events and tours
The International Arts Management summer study abroad class explored Scotland before heading to Ireland this summer. While there, they had an amazing chance to meet with some of the staff of the National Theatre of Scotland. While abroad students gain historical and cultural understanding of the diverse organizational styles found in various arts management organizations in both regions and their continuing impact on the performing, visual, and literary arts throughout the world. Students met with arts leaders and visited organizations such as Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Creative Scotland, Druid Theatre Company, National Museum of Scotland, The National Leprechaun Museum, Irish Writers Centre, The James Joyce Centre, Irish Arts Council, Project Art Centre, National Museum of Ireland, and the Claddagh Arts Centre.
My overall experience in the Netherlands was amazing! I could connect with my classmates and my professors, and to be able to visit the number of art organizations that we did was truly mind-blowing. I appreciated the number of different organizations we met with since it was interesting to realize that the issues and concerns we have in the United States are the same in Europe....It truly felt like an exchange of ideas.
Photography in Laos. Summer 2018
June 1-30, 2018
Credits 6
This trip has already taken place, but the information below will give an outline of what to expect for future trips.
Location: Luang Prabang, Laos; Vientiane, Laos
Anticipated Course Options*:
Art and Visual Technology- AVT 356: Fundamental Lighting
Art and Visual Technology- AVT 457: Advanced Lighting
*Subject to change
This 4 week course introduces students to location photography and the special techniques needed to create compelling narratives. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, along with production processes and contemporary media output methods. Students will explore concepts of both fiction and non-fiction narrative through a variety of lighting and shooting techniques. The class is devoted to subject research and creative photography, as well as the planning and logistics needed when shooting on location.
Program Highlights
Students learn how to work with location lighting in photography and develop a narrative story telling through picture. Furthermore students learn the culture of the country.
Visit the historic Luang Prabang. Located in the valley near the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it is known for its beauty and many Buddhist temples.
Dance and Culture in Cuba
Experience Afro-Caribbean music and dance in Cuba, its cultural epicenter
This trip has already taken place, but the information below will give an outline of what to expect for future trips.
Coursework includes studio study of the vital West-African traditions of eastern Cuba and daily on-site emergence in the exciting social milieu (Salsa, Rumba, Santeria) that is uniquely Cuban. This intensive field class will take place in Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa and Guantanamo City. The director of this program, Jim Lepore, Professor of Dance at George Mason University, has long-standing professional relationships with the Cuban artists who will act as our mentors.
Minimum GPA (Undergraduate): 2.0
Language of Instruction: English
Housing: Hotel
Number of Credits Offered: 3
Eligible Population: 01 Freshman, 02 Sophomore, 03 Junior, 04 Senior, Graduate
Type of Program: Faculty-led
Mason dancers experience Afro-Caribbean music and dance in Cuba.
Study Abroad with George Mason Vocal Studies and Opera Program
Each summer, students and faculty from the George Mason Vocal Studies and Opera program have the opportunity to travel and study abroad, enjoying trips to vocal competitions and festivals. This is an invite-only type of opportunity and does not count towards college credit. Enjoy the video below from the Vocal Program's trip to Italy.
The School of Music and Mason Community Arts Academy partner with Costa Rica
Study Abroad Partnership with Costa Rica
The Dewberry School of Music and Mason Community Arts Academy have established a study abroad partnership with Costa Rica to deliver musical instruments to music schools in need. In May 2017, a group of international teaching scholars (George Mason students) will travel to Costa Rica with faculty members to deliver the instruments.
History
In spring 2016, a small group of musicians, educators and philanthropists – including Mason Community Arts Academy staff and board members–traveled to Costa Rica on a mission. They had been invited by SINEM Academic Director Ernesto Brenes to visit their arts-based outreach programs and explore ways that Mason and SINEM might collaborate to bring hope through music to challenged communities in the region.
Out of this trip and the ensuing meetings, on-site program visits, discussions and brainstorming, the new “International Teachings Scholars” program was born: a multi-faceted partnership between George Mason’s Dewberry School of Music, Mason Community Arts Academy, the Instituto Nacional de la Musica in San Jose, El Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical (SINEM), Leon 13 and Conservatorio de Castella.
Please find more information and photos in the articles below:
