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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 2026

    Application Closes: October 2026

    Placements Announced: November 2026

    Deadline to Commit: November 2026

    Last Day to Withdraw: January 2027

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered during May of 2027 in London, Mexico City and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUSC 470 | KOBZA & SMITH | 5.16 – 6.01

    The Contemporary Musician: London

    U.S. Departure 5.16.27  | London Arrival 5.17.27 | Program Ends 6.01.27

    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.

    SEPT. APPLICATION TBA

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered during May of 2027 in London, Mexico City and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUIN 499 | BLACKMAN | 5.15 – 5.30

    Music Capitals of the World

    U.S. Departure 5.15.27 | Stockholm Arrival 5.16.27 | Program Ends 5.30.27

    This program offers USC Music Industry students an in-depth exploration of Stockholm’s globally influential music business ecosystem.

    Stockholm is widely recognized as one of the most innovative music capitals in the world and home to groundbreaking artists, producers, songwriters, tech startups, and major industry players.

    SEPT. APPLICATION TBA

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered during May of 2027 in London, Mexico City and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUHL 499 |GARCIA CORONA | 5.16 – 5.30

    Music Across Borders

    U.S. Departure 5.16.27 | Mexico City Arrival 5.16.27 | Program Ends 5.30.27

    This program examines and connects Mexico City and Los Angeles as two major centers of Latin American cultural production. 

    Students will explore the Indigenous, African, and European roots of Mexican music traditions and trace how migration, trade, colonization, and globalization shaped musical expression across the Americas and into Mexican American and Chicano culture.

    SEPT. APPLICATION TBA

    Program Faculty

    The following USC Thornton faculty are involved in the 2027 Maymester programs.

    Headshot of Tim Kobza smiling at the camera.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    Headshot of Richard Smith holding an electric guitar.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    Amy Blackman backstage.
    STOCKHOLM | MUIN 499
    León F. García Corona
    MEXICO CITY | MUHL 499

    Maymester Costs

    Tuition is part of the 12-18-unit block rate. Add $2,467 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.