Studying Art Abroad Takes Your Creativity Across Continents

For art history students at NYU Florence, inspiration starts at home in the historic Villa La Pietra. This stunning Renaissance villa is where you’ll live and take courses that bring this location to life, such as Italy During the Renaissance or The Age of Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Villa La Pietra also houses the Acton Collection, a treasure trove of 6,000 works of art and historic objects.

Through the NYU Florence Professional Development Opportunity (PDO), your learning goes beyond the classroom as you support the operations of the Villa La Pietra House Museum and Garden. You gain real-world experience in museum management, helping preserve the collection through digitization and database management.

“These undergraduates aren’t just observing,” says Francesca Baldry, PDO program manager. “They’re actively supporting the preservation and public understanding of the Acton Collection. Their work cataloguing and conducting tours helps ensure Villa La Pietra remains a vital resource for future generations.”

Junior Art History major Petra Welchans loves participating in the PDO. “I’ve been able to incorporate lessons and ideas from my classes, which has solidified my learning into something tangible,” she says. For Petra, NYU Florence has proven to be the perfect site to study art history. “You discuss how artists create different styles and mediums of paintings, and then get to go see them in person. It’s a truly incredible experience.”

In addition to NYU Florence, NYU Buenos Aires, NYU Madrid, NYU London, NYU Paris, and NYU Prague also offer opportunities for art history students.

At NYU Berlin, art students are immersed in one of the world’s most vibrant contemporary art scenes. Classes include visits to local institutions, studios, and galleries, as well as on-site presentations by guest artists. You work on individual and group projects at St. Agnes, a decommissioned Brutalist church turned gallery in central Berlin. Internships are available in galleries, museums, artist studios, and more. Each semester culminates in an open studio exhibition showcasing students’ work.

Junior Studio Art major Maia Hannah-Drullard finds inspiration around every corner at NYU Berlin. One of her favorite classes, Interdisciplinary Projects: Guided Practice, combines studio work for the final exhibition with excursions to local museums and studios. “There is an abundance of diverse artworks and practices to guide our own projects, and we are encouraged to soak in as much as possible,” she shares.

When not in class, Maia is constantly exploring art across Berlin. “There is so much visual and cultural inspiration to be found around the city. It usually finds you before you even know it,” she says. “You learn to trust yourself and your ability to turn nothing into something. You’re forced to get out of your comfort zone, but art is fueled by the unknown.” 

In addition to NYU Berlin, NYU Paris also offers opportunities for studying art abroad.

For students fascinated by the intersection of art, technology, and media, NYU Shanghai is an ideal study away destination. You can choose from numerous Interactive Media Arts (IMA) courses that immerse you in digital expression.

Zihan Jiang, a junior Film and Television major, spent a full academic year at NYU Shanghai. She took IMA courses such as Interaction Lab, Moving Images, Communications Lab: Web, and VR/AR Fundamentals. These courses introduced her to new technologies while expanding her creativity through experiential projects.

“Interaction Lab was my first time combining programming, 3D work, and gameplay design,” shares Zihan, who created a video game for her midterm project. “Our professor provided tremendous support. We also had access to a variety of materials and tools in the lab, including 3D printing, laser cutting, and various paints and hardware.”

Beyond the classroom, Zihan describes Shanghai as a city with no shortage of discoveries for art lovers. “As an international city, Shanghai offers endless opportunities not only for exploring other art forms, but also for enriching my film major,” she explains. “The city’s exhibitions, art festivals, and theater performances have become essential sources of inspiration for me.”

In addition to NYU Shanghai, NYU Accra, NYU Berlin, NYU Los Angeles, NYU Prague, and NYU Tulsa also offer opportunities for IMA students.