Off-Campus Study

Taylor University partners with a number of domestic and international programs, some run by Taylor and others sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. These are one-semester experiences that add to your degree. Some of the programs that our students often attend include the following:

• Learn MoreWashington Journalism Program. For aspiring journalists or magazine writers. Learn to report, write and publish in Washington D.C., while interning for a major news organization. This program prefers sophomores and juniors.
• Los Angeles Film Studies Program. Figure out whether you have what it takes to make it as a Christian in the entertainment industry by spending a semester in Hollywood. Film & Media Production students attend in their junior or senior year.
• Contemporary Music Center in Nashville. Learn audio engineering, how to manage and market musicians or become proficient at songwriting/performance. Students attend in their junior or senior year.
• Australia Studies Program. An arts-immersion semester in Sydney. Communication students focus on graphic design or theatre. Students attend in their junior or senior year.
• Many more off-campus study opportunities are available, including Taylor's Irish Studies semester as well as study-abroad opportunities from Lithuania to South America to Hong Kong. Taylor has a very strong commitment to studying abroad.

Two Students' Experiences with Filmmaking in L.A.

“I had the opportunity to attend the Los Angeles Film Studies program, which was really a dream come true for me. Ever since high school when I decided to pursue being a film director, I've wanted to attend this program. Being part of a small community that is dedicated to creating quality cinema was inspiring.

“Besides film classes and projects, I had an internship to get me better acquainted with the film industry. I had the good fortune of working with the Robert Evans Company, producers of The Godfather and Chinatown. While my job was in an office and not on set, it still had its rewards. Interns at production companies actually have a significant influence over what scripts and story ideas get passed up the chain.

“Whether at work, church or school I met a lot of great people and began building a useful network for the future. Just from this limited experience I am already looking forward to returning to L.A. after I graduate to start working in the industry.”

—Randy Kizer

P.S. Randy did move to Los Angeles after graduation! Right now he's working for the American Film Institute as a stage manager for the many short films that are shot on their sound stages.

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“From the moment I started as a student at Taylor I knew that I was going to attend the Los Angeles Film Studies Center.  In my younger years I was consistently recruited by Vincent Manganello (Taylor class of 2001), founder of Taylor's film festival, to be in his short films. Vinnie instilled in me the passion that led me to my road trip to Los Angeles.

“The classes at LAFSC were nothing short of wonderful and only made better by the great faculty they have.  I was also fortunate enough to secure an internship involving my other great love: music.  I worked in the music department at FuelTV and was in close contact with music industry personnel as well as many of my favorite of bands.  Between the classes and the internship there was never a dull moment.

“Overall, my semester in Los Angeles surpassed all of my expectations and had me crying like a baby when it was time to leave.  But the greatest things that came out of that semester were the friendships and connections I established. I will always have a home in Los Angeles if I choose to return... well, at least a couch to crash on.”

— Stephen Dorman

Two off-campus experiences at the Contemporary Music Center

“I have always been passionate about music. By the time I was ten years old, I had a complete collection of Beatles vinyl records. However, it was not until college that I began thinking about pursuing a career in the music industry. A career in music never seemed realistic.

“So, when I first heard about the Contemporary Music Center, I knew it would be the perfect fit for me. The CMC informed me of all the possible career paths in music and the industry's structure. I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience producing concerts, writing contracts, and executing music marketing campaigns.

“While at the CMC, I also had the opportunity to manage four up-and-coming musicians, assist recording artist Will Gray, and participate in grassroots marketing campaigns for Columbia records. Our road trip to New York City was one of my favorite parts of the semester; we had the opportunity to visit the BMI, Sony, and MTV headquarters. The entire semester provided opportunities for networking with music industry professionals and hearing their advice on ways to succeed.

“The CMC served as an excellent introduction to the music industry and laid a firm foundation for my career in the music industry. Additionally, the campus on Martha's Vineyard created a unique environment where I formed close friendships with peers who share my passion for music.”

— Eliza Dhonau

P.S. Eliza now works in the music business in Austin, Texas at Marsha Milam Music. Previously she worked for Direct Events.

“Studying at the Contemporary Music Center (CMC) was one of my favorite experiences in college thus far.  I learned so much; not only about the music industry but about myself and the goals and aspirations that I had for my future. Here you do nothing but four months of music business, recording and songwriting. You are immersed in real world situations.  As a music executive, I managed two artists, scheduled rehearsals, scheduled recording sessions and photo shoots, and anything else the music business demands.

“Attending CMC laid the foundation of the core music business knowledge that I needed to start a career in the music industry. One of the best parts about my semester at CMC was our road trip to Nashville where we got to meet and talk with studio musicians and engineers, lighting professionals, and tons of others who are currently working in the industry.  It was great to meet with them and hear about their day to day routine and how they made music a full time job (something that I dream of doing).  I would recommend CMC to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in the music industry. CMC isn't for those who just like listening to music.  It's for those who love to play, create, record, and promote it.”

— Brian Hansen

One student's study abroad experience

“One of my reasons for attending Taylor was its study abroad program. I would have never guessed that I would end up in Lithuania for a semester, but it was one of the most challenging and exciting experiences for me during college. Besides exploring the city and exploring the rest of Europe, I took a variety of classes and also completed the practicum (internship) required for my major.

“My practicum was in the Marketing and Communications office at the university I attended, and as the only native English speaker in the office I was given the task of writing short articles for their website and monthly newsletter. I also helped edit other articles that had been translated into English. My lack of Russian and Lithuanian speaking skills never impeded my education, only my ability to order what I wanted in a restaurant. (Though I learned quickly after being surprised a few times!)

“Those few months in Lithuania helped me gain a deeper understanding of how God works in cultures different from my own. Learning how to build relationships with other students despite our cultural and language differences was difficult at first, but well worth it in the end. During my semester abroad I developed communication and cross-cultural skills that shaped the rest of my time at Taylor, and that I look forward to using in the future.”