My Beyond the Classroom Experience took me to Cork, Ireland. I chose Cork largely based on the fact that I could take upper-division film courses that transfer to my BFA in Digital Filmmaking. The film program at the University College Cork is extremely different from the program at the University of Montana. The UCC program is a theory-based learning program while UMT is much more practical. Not only was I thrown into a different style of learning, but it almost felt like a different subject. At UMT, the program has us constantly producing artwork for our portfolios and engaging in hands-on learning. UCC on the other hand has us look deeper into the history and philosophy of film. While the programs are different in engagement in film, I found that learning from both schools benefited me and how I examined the subject

The classes at UCC had us dive into many experimental and bizarre styles of filmmaking. I was exposed to types of films that I would have never seen if I stayed in the States. I benefited from the fact that I stayed for a whole year so I could explore more thought-provoking films and theory articles. Irish Cinema does not often see a lot of global engagement because many of the filmmakers lean away from Hollywood’s crisp style and focus on avant-garde styles. Being exposed to such deep levels of thought and understanding of film as well as the shock of never seeing films of this nature completely rearranged my thought process. I tackle cinema completely differently and as my final semester in school begins, I can’t wait to combine both of my skillsets from UMT and UCC to propel me forward into new projects.