Programs

Australia

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

Denmark

ROYAL DANISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Copenhagen
General Information

Finland

SIBELIUS ACADEMY, Helsinki
General Information

France

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

Germany

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

United Kingdom

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC, London
General Information

ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND, Glasgow
General Information

Austin Wegener, Bassoon (BM)

Year Abroad: Fall Semester (Fall 2023)

Exchange Institution: Sibelius Academy / Helsinki, Finland

Why did you choose to study abroad?
To get a different perspective both musically and more broadly as well.

Why did you choose the institution you chose?
I had heard many great things from a friend who went previously and I kept seeing Finland and the Sibelius Academy making appearances in the City.

What is a unique learning experience you encountered abroad that you wouldn’t have had at MSM?
Participation in the Historical Performance program, Global music department, and folk music department, the ability to easily take courses in different department such as jazz, access to free student tickets for most concerts of the Helsinki Radio Symphony and Helsinki Philharmonic.

How was it to have a different private teacher?
It was very helpful, good to get some new perspectives and different ideas. It also helped me start to form my own opinions on things like reeds and even musical decisions since I was able to draw on more information from different sources and cross examine them.

What were some unexpected challenges while abroad?
Dealing with getting a Finnish tax card so I could be paid for working there. Occasional strikes that would disable public transport which was otherwise very reliable. Weather!

What external/cultural opportunities were you able to take advantage of while abroad? I got some gig opportunities in Finland outside of SibA. Beyond that, the experience of jumping in a cold lake after sitting in a wood heated sauna and the experience of trying to learn Finnish.

How was finding housing? Obtaining a work visa?
Quite easy, there are student housing agencies and if these don’t work out (which is unlikely as long as you are proactive) there are other opportunities available.

How has your time abroad affected your life/career path?
Very much so. It gave me the chance to try historical performance, which is something I may do for a masters now, and to get the opportunity to see what classical, and other, music is like in Europe. Also, rather specific to me, I know have a much better understanding of my body while playing, and generally, due to courses I was able to take there, and this has helped me tremendously.

What would you tell/advise MSM students interested in the Foreign Exchange Program?
I would say to definitely take advantage of it. It will be worth it 10 fold. If you are afraid of missing out on things here, you have no idea how many more things you are missing out on in this other place that you don’t even know you will love yet.

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 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.

• There is no extra cost in tuition/fees. You pay MSM and receive financial aid as in a normal year.
• Housing, travel, and insurance are not included.
• Please note: These limitations are in place for scheduling and graduation purposes.

Application Timeline

January 31, 2025: MSM Foreign Exchange Application Due
February 12, 2025: MSM Foreign Exchange Results Released
March 1 to March 31, 2025: Partner School Materials Due (Recording)*
End of the Semester: Final Results Released

**Each Partner School has their own deadline

Students can submit an application online at the following link: Foreign Exchange Application. This application is due January 31, 2025 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 process for your Partner School. This will consist of:

• Program-specific Application Forms*
• Submitted Recording

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

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 valid 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, Director of International Student Services 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 helpful.

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.

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@gregorybgallagher.com to set up an appointment to confirm eligibility.