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    • USC THORNTON INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

    Maymester

    USC Thornton students may apply to travel abroad at the end of their spring semester. These brief, immersive sessions known as ‘Maymesters’ allow students to foster cultural appreciation and professional knowledge of our global society.

    Program Requirements

    Academic Details

    Maymesters are 2-unit spring semester courses that travel for 2-3 weeks after graduation. No foreign language component is required.

    Student Eligibility

    Currently enrolled USC Thornton undergraduate students are eligible to apply for participation in the Maymester program.

    Application Timeframe

    Application Opens: September 9, 2024

    Application Closes: September 23, 2024

    Placements Announced: October 14, 2024

    Deadline to Commit: October 25, 2024

    Last Day to Withdraw: March 4, 2025

    Programs Offered

    Two courses will be offered in May of 2025, focused on Paris and London. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUSC 470 | KOBZA & SMITH | 5.18 – 6.3

    The Contemporary Musician: London

    U.S. Departure 5.18.25 | London Arrival 5.19.25 | Program Ends 6.3.25

    Learn on the road and in collaboration with students from a variety of colleges, institutes and universities in Europe’s leading arts, fashion and entertainment center of London, England.

    Students will explore London popular culture as they gain knowledge of songwriting; performance and production; fashion; event and stage management; team building; music direction; leadership and problem solving.

    DETAILS & APPLICATION

    Programs Offered

    Two courses will be offered in May of 2025, focused on Paris and London. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    ARTL 310 | GILBERT & KOPCSAK | 5.19-6.9

    Music and Dance in Paris Salon Culture

    U.S. Departure 5.19.25 | Paris Arrival 5.20.25 | Program Ends 6.9.25

    This three-week, experiential Maymester will examine historical and cultural legacies of the City of Light. Students will be in dialogue with the evolution of art, music and dance through interactive encounters with Parisian spaces.

    Activities include visits to sites of historical, architectural & artistic importance; attending performances; and walking tours. Students will create, rehearse, and perform original, collaborative works inspired by their experiences in Paris.

    DETAILS & APPLICATION

    Program Faculty

    The following USC Thornton faculty are involved in the 2025 Maymester programs.

    Headshot of Tim Kobza smiling at the camera.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    Headshot of Richard Smith holding an electric guitar.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    PARIS | ARTL 310
    Headshot of Jackie Kopcsak
    PARIS | ARTL 310

    Maymester Costs

    Tuition is part of the 12-18-unit block rate. Add $2354 per unit above 18. Need-based scholarships available. Financial factors associated with Maymesters are listed below.

    Included Costs:

    Lodging with kitchenette

    Welcome & Farewell Meals

    Subway Pass

    Official Program Excursions

    Additional Costs:

    Airfare & Airport Transfers

    Additional Meals

    USC Health Insurance

    Personal spending money

    Additional costs are estimated; personal situations may vary.

    Financial Aid:

    Students receiving need-based financial aid are eligible for consideration from the Thornton School to support the cost of international programming, like a Maymester course. The application for need-based funding is included with the program application.

    Additionally, students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their aid package are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship. Please visit Gilman’s site for application and details.

    Stay Connected

    Join our mailing list to be notified of general deadlines and travel announcements. Questions regarding Thornton International Exchange Programs can be directed to music.intl@usc.edu.