I am a U.S. Citizen with a non-professional 4-year B.S. ARCH from an American university. I'm working at a U.S. firm and considering where to go for my Master's.
I'm drawn to European universities for several personal and academic reasons. There is a very real chance that if I got a European degree I would stay and work in Europe permanently, but of course I can't know for sure that far in the future. So I'm trying to learn more about what it would take to advance professionally with a Master's from a good European school (ETH, Delft, Bartlett etc.). I know my path to a license will be more difficult, but I'm having a difficult time learning exactly how much more difficult. I would love to hear any of your thoughts and perspectives.
It's a challenge to receive International status, especially coming from any specific Nationality; the connectivity of Euro-based like BMW and Mercedes Benz USA are examples by business as much as humanity from Euro-based perspectives to American settlements such as European communities [German Town] or immigrating dominant cities like New York City. England based towns do exist in some communities which can benefit Euro- Master's degree of any architectural levels.
If you got a EU degree you still need permission to stay in Europe - this is harder than just getting an MArch. If you go to Delft for example you can stay for 1 year after your studies to work. It takes 2 years of full time work to get your license after graduation. And you need sponsorship from an office to be able to stay.
May 28, 18 9:31 am ·
·
Matthew Johnson
Thanks, this is a great point. I guess that means it's important to be seeking work during studies so that you have a plan set up when you graduate.
Do you know if firms are often reluctant to sponsor a foreigner vs just hiring a native?
May 29, 18 8:40 am ·
·
justavisual
You would do best studying at an Academie (https://www.bouwkunst.ahk.nl/en/the-academy/organisation/) instead of a technical university. This means you can stay longer (4 years) and work the entire time you study already - thus integrating more. There are some offices that will sponsor you after graduation, especially if they have already organized the "right to sponsor" - which costs them a couple 1000 euros to set up. Then per person a few thousand more for the paperwork (you can offer to pay this yourself - hint hint)... No one can say for sure how the industry will look in a few years - could be a mess, for now there are not enough bodies to do the work. Large office working internationally might be your best bet: OMA, MVRDV, etc but there are smaller ones who will do it.
*you should check with the Academy if your visa would allow you to work here as an American...I'm not 100% sure on this point. I only know the issues of an American in a 2 year technical university (its almost impossible to work on the side as its a really busy 2 years)
May 29, 18 9:06 am ·
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Matthew Johnson
Thanks a lot for your reply and the link
, I didn't know about the distinction between the two kinds of school.
Hmm, its on their website: 20 hrs a week max for non EU citizens - no office will hire for only 20 hrs a week :/ Harsh
So, thats left you back at Delft 2 yrs studying 1 year working and hoping for sponsorship.
IMPORTANT: Work in practice for Non-EEA Students Contrary to guest - and exchange students, Master’s students are obliged to gain practice experience which yields up to 50% of the study credits. In general: Dutch law does not allow students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to work in the Netherlands in a regular employment. The Academy of Architecture is an exception to this rule. A limited number of non-EEA students is permitted to have a regular employment in the Netherlands for a maximum of 20 hours per week under a number of strict conditions. But only if the students are enrolled as four-year Master students, and have the approval of the Academy of Architecture.
May 29, 18 3:33 pm ·
·
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European Master's degrees in the US
Hello all,
I am a U.S. Citizen with a non-professional 4-year B.S. ARCH from an American university. I'm working at a U.S. firm and considering where to go for my Master's.
I'm drawn to European universities for several personal and academic reasons. There is a very real chance that if I got a European degree I would stay and work in Europe permanently, but of course I can't know for sure that far in the future. So I'm trying to learn more about what it would take to advance professionally with a Master's from a good European school (ETH, Delft, Bartlett etc.). I know my path to a license will be more difficult, but I'm having a difficult time learning exactly how much more difficult. I would love to hear any of your thoughts and perspectives.
It's a challenge to receive International status, especially coming from any specific Nationality; the connectivity of Euro-based like BMW and Mercedes Benz USA are examples by business as much as humanity from Euro-based perspectives to American settlements such as European communities [German Town] or immigrating dominant cities like New York City. England based towns do exist in some communities which can benefit Euro- Master's degree of any architectural levels.
Good Luck.
What are you smoking?
makes as much sens as his work examples.
wut
lost*
If you got a EU degree you still need permission to stay in Europe - this is harder than just getting an MArch. If you go to Delft for example you can stay for 1 year after your studies to work. It takes 2 years of full time work to get your license after graduation. And you need sponsorship from an office to be able to stay.
Thanks, this is a great point. I guess that means it's important to be seeking work during studies so that you have a plan set up when you graduate.
Do you know if firms are often reluctant to sponsor a foreigner vs just hiring a native?
You would do best studying at an Academie (https://www.bouwkunst.ahk.nl/en/the-academy/organisation/) instead of a technical university. This means you can stay longer (4 years) and work the entire time you study already - thus integrating more. There are some offices that will sponsor you after graduation, especially if they have already organized the "right to sponsor" - which costs them a couple 1000 euros to set up. Then per person a few thousand more for the paperwork (you can offer to pay this yourself - hint hint)... No one can say for sure how the industry will look in a few years - could be a mess, for now there are not enough bodies to do the work. Large office working internationally might be your best bet: OMA, MVRDV, etc but there are smaller ones who will do it.
*you should check with the Academy if your visa would allow you to work here as an American...I'm not 100% sure on this point. I only know the issues of an American in a 2 year technical university (its almost impossible to work on the side as its a really busy 2 years)
Thanks a lot for your reply and the link , I didn't know about the distinction between the two kinds of school.
Hmm, its on their website: 20 hrs a week max for non EU citizens - no office will hire for only 20 hrs a week :/ Harsh
So, thats left you back at Delft 2 yrs studying 1 year working and hoping for sponsorship.
IMPORTANT: Work in practice for Non-EEA Students
Contrary to guest - and exchange students, Master’s students are obliged to gain practice experience which yields up to 50% of the study credits. In general: Dutch law does not allow students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to work in the Netherlands in a regular employment. The Academy of Architecture is an exception to this rule. A limited number of non-EEA students is permitted to have a regular employment in the Netherlands for a maximum of 20 hours per week under a number of strict conditions. But only if the students are enrolled as four-year Master students, and have the approval of the Academy of Architecture.
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