There are many reasons why international students should elect to study the fine arts in the United States. In the style of talk-show host David Letterman, I'll give you at least ten good reasons:

10.
American universities are truly multiversities. They are filled with diverse populations - even among the American-born. Institutions of higher learning in the United States provide an opportunity to study and experience a variety of cultures because of the rich ethnic makeup of most campuses. African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans constitute the majority of the minority ethnic populations; however, Native Americans, North Americans, South Americans, and a variety of immigrants and refugees make for one of the most interesting cultural environments in which to learn and to create. Despite such differences, American students are, for the most part, open and receptive to new friends. American institutions are places where international students can be comfortable, because cultural differences are not just tolerated but prized.

9.
Respectable artists are in residence in colleges and universities across the United States. The reputations of institutions are judged on the quality of their faculty. Even small, private liberal arts schools retain high quality artists, professional and active designers, and scholars who perpetually engage in research within the teaching ranks. Additionally, visiting artists frequently refresh students through short-term residencies, extending the educational experience beyond the studio or classroom. Faculty maintain professional records of exhibitions or publication - a requirement for retention in American institutions. Class sizes in the fine arts are small, so students can expect to have intense and professional studies throughout their programs.

8.
Faculty in American institutions dedicate themselves to teaching and use a variety of teaching strategies. Students will find that faculty enjoy training apprentices, and congeniality prevails between faculty and students. Faculty employ a wide range of teaching techniques to bring about learning: demonstrations, critiques, lecturing, technology-assisted presentations, student presentations, field trips, museum visits, interdisciplinary projects, and research projects. Similarly, Master of Fine Arts students may be awarded a graduate assistantship which entails teaching or studio-support activities. They will be expected to engage in a wide variety of teaching methods too. Generally, assistantship duties involve about twenty hours of work with various levels of supervision. Some institutions expect graduate assistants to teach undergraduate courses; others serve in a guided-apprenticeship program. Graduate assistantships often provide tuition waivers and modest stipends.

7.
The sub and allied disciplines of the fine arts (design, history, pedagogy, theory and studio work) are housed in either one department or a single collegiate unit. The undergraduate curriculum is charted in such a fashion that course experiences are sequences for graduated skill, maximum transfer and connectivity to subsequent studies. For example, at the bachelors degree level, students begin with a year of foundation studies (drawing, 2 and 3 dimension design, art history). Then they may concentrate on a major studio area during the second year. A variety of elective courses (history and studio) enrich the major area throughout the remaining years. Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees contain anywhere from 75% to 100% art courses. It is common for students to spend five years completing the BFA, two years for the MFA. Additional required undergraduate courses may include liberal arts courses (communications, natural and social sciences, math, foreign languages). Both programs culminate with a solo exhibition. Advisors in American colleges and universities give students practical counsel assisting them in course selection, meeting degree requirements, interpreting university policies, and preparing for the job market.

6.
Students can expect their studies to include electronic arts alongside the time-honored traditions. Painting classes may involve preparation of rough illustrations using 'Photoshop' at the computer. Three-dimensional design projects will necessitate facility with a variety of technology to realize concepts. While digital photography and myriad peripherals bring the art form to the 21st century, century-old techniques probably prevail in printmaking studios. American universities are typically equipped with cutting-edge equipment to facilitate the best practices in art-making. Some universities require students to purchase a high-end computer for their use throughout the degree program. Select institutions have university museums on their campuses, permitting students to have daily access to bodies of fine art - a luxury many students relish.

5.
America is still 'the land of the free and the home of the brave.' Artistic expression reflects that spirit, and so do the curricula. American art might be described as relatively young and fresh. Certainly the United States is a young country, with cultural conventions of its own. Yet students will find that the fine arts course policies are rather prescribed. Daily learning experiences are variable, and allow students some flexibility. However, American teachers require students to attend classes and studios every day. This should not be confused with rigidity of teaching philosophy - faculty encourage their students to develop individually, blaze trails artistically, and take risks. This may take the form of independent study projects, but the goal of most programs is to train students to be thoroughly professional and independent upon graduation. Faculty discourage students from falling into 'derivative' traps. Consequently, students are critiqued honestly, openly and frequently. Many institutions have portfolio reviews at certain intervals - such as the admission to the program, interim program reviews for continuance, and senior or master's student exhibitions and/or exit portfolio reviews.

4.
Since most American students are quite mobile, international students should plan to discover America during their study in the United States. In addition to the diversity of cultures, the dramatic differences in terrain, architecture, politics, socio-economic levels, and educational levels offer many opportunities to widen one's artistic and cultural horizons. America is not homogeneous, and a single campus experience cannot be extrapolated. Some institutions regularly schedule field trips for students to visit museums and galleries of import. It is incumbent upon international students to take on the 'frontier' mind-set when they arrive in the States.

3.
Wellness and health-conscious behaviors are integrated into the fine arts programs throughout America. Safe equipment, chemicals, workshops and studios are federally required. The departments of art pay close attention to safety factors, and students should be given training for their protection. Another aspect of wellness is an emphasis on exercise, nutritious diet, and smoke-free classrooms which are common on many campuses.

2.
International students will have plenty of chances to refine their English-speaking skills! Regrettably, most American faculty and students do not know foreign languages. Consequently, international students will find that Americans are interested in and patient with people speaking English as their second language.

1.
Selfishly, the best reason students should come to America to study is that they will give American students an international education. Indeed, Americans acknowledge the reality of the global village. Students coming to the United States will be able to exchange cultures - to be invited into the homes and hearts of American students, to share different perspectives, and to grow in understanding. Clearly, the presence of international students enhances the education of all.

Author
Margaret Merrion
President, International Council of Fine Arts Deans