Study Abroad
The Music Department recognizes the significant benefits a study abroad program holds for an enhanced development of a W&M education and encourages students to participate in these opportunities. W&M Music students have enjoyed the opportunity to take music courses in Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. Some have studied and performed music in The Sultanate of Oman. Others have experienced the folk music of Scotland, and some others have studied Gamelan in Java. There are many ways of exploring the worlds’ musics as a W&M Music major through a variety of study abroad programs across the globe.
Students who choose to study abroad gain maturity, self-knowledge, and a significant appreciation of cultural differences among people around the world. Study abroad also fulfills the COLL 300 requirement required of every student at W&M. All Music majors interested in studying abroad should start discussions with their advisors once they declare their major in order to successfully complete specific music courses and college-wide requirements. There are numerous ways for students to participate in study abroad programs: semester, full-year, summer, or winter-term.
The Global Education Office (GEO) at the Reves Center manages all aspects of study abroad programs for W&M. Advisors will guide you from pre- to post-program with research, advising, financial aid opportunities, procedures, academic credit, and more. Please note: the Music Department requires pre-approval for ALL coursework taken abroad. You will not be guaranteed credit if you apply for credit after you return.
Semester Abroad Scheduling for Music Majors
Music is often considered the Universal Language and many semester abroad programs offer both academic and performance courses which can be widely used as part of the elective credits needed for a music major or a minor. It is very rare that a study abroad course can be used as a substitute for a required core music course (e.g. MUSC 201, 213, 241, 345). Students are encouraged to discuss options with their academic advisor prior to their study abroad. Pre-approval is required for all courses.
Summer Abroad Scheduling for Music Majors
The summer months of your undergraduate years are key times for academic and professional development activities such as study abroad, internships, and research. Study abroad in the summer is an ideal way to complete all college requirements without interrupting the flow of required music courses and ensemble participation. Students planning on pursuing an Honors Thesis are advised to identify and advisor and prepare preliminary research during the summer months prior to their senior year.
What Degree Requirements Have Music Majors Satisfied with Study Abroad
All Music Majors are required to have 16 credits of elective music courses: two of them at the 3xx level. Minors are required to have 8 elective credits. It is most common for students to use their study abroad credits toward these required elective credits. It is also possible to earn credit toward other minors, other majors, or elective credit towards the 120 credits needed to graduate. All study abroad experiences arranged through the Global Education Office satisfy COLL 300, including third-party programs.
