How to plan to study film

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been looking at film schools in Europe. I already completed a master's degree in direction in Spain, so I learnt a lot about what to do when it comes to choosing a film school, especially if it's abroad. 

For me, the main takeaway from that experience is that doing things fast and taking rapid decisions sometimes is the only way to do a 180° change, but also it's very likely that you'll make mistakes, as I did. One of those those mistakes was not doing enough research on the school I chose to go to. I read a couple of reviews online and took that as good, factual information. This was a massive mistake, because I ended up doing a master's in a school that did not provide an education equivalent to the price. This is even more important because I paid for my education, I didn't get a scholarship. 

This is another important point, as a Latin American, there are not many scholarships for art programmes that you can apply to. Some countries, like Mexico, have special scholarships or economic support programmes for their citizens, but as I'm from Guatemala, I basically have zero support from the government. If your situation is similar, research is key before making any decisions!

What should you take into account in your research? Here's a quick list to keep in mind.

• The price of your chosen programme: is it a master's or a bachelor's? Any master that is priced above 6000 Euro needs extra research! I paid 10000 Euro and it was too expensive! Look for more options in other schools, or schools in other cities. Make public or city schools your priority, and private schools second. Keep in mind, that being a citizen from a country outside of the EU or Schengen spaces will increase prices for you across the board. 
• If you're not from the EU or a Schengen country: you need to start your visa process at least 3 months before your start date, but check with the embassy or consulate from the country you're going to, because these time requirements can change, but 3 months is a good ball-park figure. For Spain, for example, the processing of a student visa permit takes 1 month, 3 weeks if you're lucky. 
• Where are you going to stay? Private university residences are usually more expensive than looking around in local rental marketplaces. If you can, get in touch with people from the city you're going to and inquire about local room prices, what is a fair price? Only the locals can tell you, and don't trust the school on this.
• You need to eat and get around, so that'd be around 200-300 Euro for food and transport a month. In some cities it may be cheaper, or more expensive, but that's a good starting figure. If you've got in contact with locals, you can get a better or more specific figure. 
• Are you willing to learn a new language? If that's the case, look for film schools in countries where that language is spoken. You will often find publicly funded film schools that teach in that country's language exclusively, and knowing it is a requirement of admission. For example, film schools in France or Portugal can be priced lower than in other countries, but you have to speak portuguese or french.
• How is the school experience and quality? The best way to find out is to ask current or recently-graduated students about their experience. You can ask questions about that, and also about if they think the programme they did was worth it, if the cost/value relationship is balanced, how many students per class are allowed, how is the material situation, etc. Also be sure to ask about COVID adaptations, as some classes may have moved to an online format, and you may or may not like that. I personally am not a fan on most classes that have to do with film. 

The last item in the list is arguably the most important, because if the experience is bad, or the cost/value relationship of the programme is low, then you're wasting your money and your time, no matter if the programme was expensive or not. 

But how can I get in touch with students of x university or film school? I have found that instagram is the best way. Film schools will usually tag their students when promoting their films or when they announce that a film directed by one of their students has been nominated or won an award. You can then follow and get in touch. You can introduce yourself and say why you're messaging them, then ask specific questions they can answer easily, because if you ask something too vague, the answer will be vague as well. Be specific!

And with that I finish this post. I may update it with more information, or add more info in new posts, not sure yet, but maybe come back some time!