Travel and Study Away

At Michigan Technological University, we believe that true creativity knows no boundaries. 

Our students study theatre in the Czech Republic, make music in New Orleans, compete in the Tech Olympics in St. Louis, and sing in South Africa. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn, create, and dream—around the country and the world.

Whether you're building a sculpture in the Swedish countryside, engineering sound in New York City, or immersing yourself in the Edinburgh Fringe, study away opens doors to unparalleled inspiration and growth. 

Explore new cultures, collaborate with diverse artists, and enrich your creative practice. Build an international network, and return with a portfolio and experiences that set you apart. 

"“New Orleans was a chance for my students to learn more deeply about southern culture rooted in the Black American experience, something they are passionate about. They built confidence in themselves on tour, proved their reliability throughout the tour week by balancing the fun of a tour with taking care of business, and expressed themselves more freely with each concert they played."Adam Meckler, Associate Professor, Director of Jazz Studies, Visual and Performing Arts

Study Abroad

Embrace a world of artistic inspiration by studying abroad with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. 

Imagine perfecting your craft in the vibrant studios of Vienna, exploring the mechanics of the world’s oldest Baroque theatre, or capturing breathtaking landscapes in Sweden. Our programs bring you to the heart of new places, where you’ll create a portfolio that stands out and memories for a lifetime. Transform your education into a global journey.

Prague city view

Vienna, Prague, and Dresden

Study theatre, art, and architecture in some of the world’s most beautiful cities—Vienna, Prague, and Dresden. The center of this program is the Prague Quadrennial (PQ), one of the largest international festivals for theatre, architecture, and design. Set within Prague’s vibrant, multi-cultural city, PQ calls on artists to re-envision a new creativity for a changing world. Courses take place in museums, castles, galleries, performance spaces and world heritage sites.

Contact: Mary Cyr | mkcyr@mtu.edu


Forest in Sweden

Sustainability in Sweden

A collaboration between the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences. Sustainability in Sweden is an immersive, interdisciplinary program that takes place within the Swedish forest. Courses focus on forest health, climate change, community engagement, and the arts. Environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary field experience are the core of this program.

Contact: Lisa Gordillo | gordillo@mtu.edu


Travel

We believe the greatest inspiration comes from new experiences. Traveling for your education isn't just an adventure—it's an opportunity to gain valuable insights and infuse your work with fresh perspectives. Travel and discover with us. Enrich your art and make your mark. 

Jazz students in Chicago

January Jazz Tour

Students in Jazz Lab Band and Workshop Brass Band tour venues across the country—performing challenging repertoire at schools and music venues. The bands have travelled to Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans, and completed several Upper Peninsula tours.Students describe their experience in New Orleans as one of the highlights of their education.

In New Orleans, students immerse themselves in the city's rich culture - from its vibrant music and distinctive architecture to its renowned cuisine. They collaborate with local street bands, perform in public spaces, and participate in workshops led by Grammy-winning musicians who are well-known in the New Orleans music scene.

Contact: Adam Meckler | abmeckle@mtu.edu


Students singing in choir

International Choir Concerts

The Michigan Tech Concert Choir travels internationally every 3-4 years. Highlights include South Africa, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, China, Mexico, Russia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe. Performing in different countries is a unique blend of cultural immersion, musical discovery, and personal development that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Beyond performances, students learn about the history, traditions, and the role of music in the daily lives of the countries we visit. 

Contact: Jared Anderson | jaredand@mtu.edu

 


Students running a sound board.

New York City International Audio Engineering Society

An immersive, week-long experience designed for students eager to dive into the world of studio recording, music production, video game design, theatre, and acoustics consulting. You’ll connect with Grammy-winning professionals, take backstage tours, and shadow industry experts. The trip includes renowned destinations such as Jungle City Studios, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Shed, Little Island, CharcoalBlue, and Masque Sound. Students on our 2023 trip completed in the International Student Recording Competition sponsored by companies such as Sennheiser, Avid, Fab Filter, Telefunken, Empirical Labs, Leapwing Audio, and Sonarworks.

Contact: Jeff Sherwood | sherwood@mtu.edu


Participants listening to a presentation

United States Institute for Theatre Technology And The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival 

Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment technology at United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and the Kennedy Center for American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). These conferences bring professionals together at every stage of their careers, offering you invaluable networking opportunities and insights from industry leaders. Past conference sites include Baltimore, St. Louis, Long Beach, Louisville, and Seattle.

All of our Theatre and Entertainment Technology students attend both conferences. You’ll participate in lectures, workshops, roundtable discussions, and hands-on activities, all designed to broaden your horizons in this dynamic industry. 

Contact: Kent Cyr | kacyr@mtu.edu