Losing my mind searching for a school that fits my financial situation best.

[freesoup]

Hello, I'm new here. I'm from India and looking for a good, cost-effective MFA program in FIlm (/Film and TV) Production (Direction) in the US. I've looked at like 100 lists and am currently decision-paralyzed. I was hoping to get one good suggestion after what feels like years of searching. Because I'll be on an F-1 Visa and this is a non-stem course, I'll only get a year-long extension for Optional Practical Training that is if I get a job post-graduation or am able to get one of my films into a good festival (O-1 Visa option opens up). The main issue for me is the cost of some of these programs and the duration. Three years can incur insane amounts of cost and if the Uni doesn't allocate funds for student work, the production just adds on to the loan. Bottom line- please feel free to suggest some good Universities that have a good affordable MFA program (scholarship, assistantships, the whole deal) and good networking opportunities. Thanks!

 

[jayashree narayanan]

HI , I HOPE WHAT I WRITE WOULD BE USEFUL TO YOU. Hailing from india and given if from a middle class all what you proposed are our inevitable problems , especially being into non stem. I started the process of wanting do a masters in 2009 to rush to 2024 nothing much changed . In fact i have gained advanced experience in our Industry by now , hence finally i decided to do a certification in UCLA EXTENSION , which still costly worked bette for my pocket in terms of finance and the amount of time wanting to be spent & you will still get the same one year OPT . So i know it’s frustrating so either you take out all your money and pack ur bags or this worked the best . Whichever you choose good luck to u

 

[freesoup]

Hi Jayashree, thank you so much for the reply. Honestly, it feels like a big gamble with the uncertainty of it all and the lack of a financial and professional cushion to fall back on for me. I spent the past few months applying to whatever industry opportunity came my way, in vain, which is obviously discouraging. This is happening mostly because of my lack of effort to connect during my undergrad. Consequently, the prospect of professional opportunities after a master's in the US will be just as bleak. My point is, either way I'll have to work on networking, master's or not. Thanks for your reply!

 

[sagarpj9]

Hello, I'm new here. I'm from India and looking for a good, cost-effective MFA program in FIlm (/Film and TV) Production (Direction) in the US. I've looked at like 100 lists and am currently decision-paralyzed. I was hoping to get one good suggestion after what feels like years of searching. Because I'll be on an F-1 Visa and this is a non-stem course, I'll only get a year-long extension for Optional Practical Training that is if I get a job post-graduation or am able to get one of my films into a good festival (O-1 Visa option opens up). The main issue for me is the cost of some of these programs and the duration. Three years can incur insane amounts of cost and if the Uni doesn't allocate funds for student work, the production just adds on to the loan. Bottom line- please feel free to suggest some good Universities that have a good affordable MFA program (scholarship, assistantships, the whole deal) and good networking opportunities. Thanks!

Hi bro.. I'm also from India.. did u find any good solution? Can we connect n talk in detail? I'm trying to come do it in 2025
. Please help