Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
University of Southern California (USC)
Tulane University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Temple University
University of Oregon
Cranbrook Academy of Art
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Kansas State University
M.ARCH/// where to from here?
Hi
I am South African and finished my Architectural Bachelor's degree (2007) and Architectural Honours degree (2009) successfully at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Now, the norm here is to continue directly into the Masters program for one final year. I decided to do a practical/working year instead and now find myself really confused by wheter I want to do my Masters in South Africa. Why not broaden my field of reference and finish somewhere overseas?
+ please note that I have nothing against UCT (i just need a fresh experience!)
In fact, I am almost fully committet to the idea and I am busy looking online for schools that interest me.
I am taking a couple of things into concideration:
I want to study in a place/location that has always excited/intrigued me. I have travelled extensively.
I cannot be overhauled financially (I earn in Rands!) It needs to be financially feasible for me. I realise that being an "International Student" has some implications.
I need a school with correct accreditation
Maybe I need to earn money at while studying? Is this possible?
Or maybe I need financial aid/scholarship.
(I understand that the Masters is presented in English almost everywhere?)
I want to start ASAP.
I realise that what I'm asking might not be realistic!
My research so far:
I always felt more drawn towards europe, especially Belgium/Netherlands (My first language is Afrikaans - very close to Dutch/Flemish) /France/SPAIN! (i would love to go to Spain!)
I am quite intrigued by Boston, USA.
South America is unexplored territory for me, hence I am also very interested in that side of the world.
THESE ARE ONLY GUIDELINES, FEEL FREE TO ADVISE ME OTHERWISE!
I browsed through the Boston Architectural College website and they seem to offer quite a good program, except I know nothing about how they function/accreditation... etc etc.
Also, in Barcelona: IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catelonia) whom I know even less about.
I am a strong individual, looking for a design based program, more up to date than what South Africa can currently offer.
Please help me make an informative decision. I want to go and finish this off! I want a rich and new experience... one that will differentiate me from my fellow UCT students and open new possibilities.
Regards
LDWG///
nobody?
maybe its because im from AFRICA?
hmmm. I dont like to make a fuss.
BUT...
Archinect is such a valuable resource for all architects around the world... why is it then that some CONTINENTS! don't feature at all?
All im asking is a word of advice from other students around the world as to where I might find myself doing my masters!
please advise me... it would be greatly appreciated.
Hey there, just ran across your post randomly... It actually sounds like you have a fairly good idea of what you are looking for, at least location wise. The recurring advice here on Archinect is... look through the school websites you find interesting and see if the program will be a good fit. If you're not sure, contact the school directly! (although it might take some time for them to respond).
Also a very recurring response is... search the threads! There are tons of existing threads on different schools that might help with your decisions.. just search "IAAC" or "Delft" for instance..
As for Spain, I would have recommended IAAC.. I have a few connections to there, but don't know really anything about other arch schools here..
In the Netherlands check out TU Delft, they teach in Dutch I believe, so if you could pick the language up that might be for you.. its a tech school, but I have heard great things about their arch program.
Depending on whether you're looking for a program focused on computer and 'paramentric design' (e.g. Rhino, 3dsMax, etc.) the programs you are interested in might differ. IAAC is very focused on the parametric side, as are a lot of schools nowadays.. Harvard/MIT are of course good schools in Boston. BAC that you checked out would be good if you need to work through school.. also check out Wentworth Institute.
Check out Columbia and Cornell, in NYC and Ithica NY
Yale has a good program esp. if you are looking at design build.
In London, check out Bartlett and the AA
I think alot of people here (including myself) just have a very basic idea of what is going on in other countries than one's own.
Be careful about accreditation, as it is somewhat of a difficult process to become accredited somewhere if you want to practice in a country other than where you went to school. Check with each school or find info about accreditation that is country specific.
Africa is not typically known in my knowledge for any type of schooling of choice, if for no other reason than of ignorance. Would be nice to have more representation from those like yourself!
Hope this helped.
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