Is it a good idea to go study in the US?
After I got a remote full time job(where I get my work done in about 20/30 hrs a week, but paid for 40) I was looking to go study in the US. Starting at Santa Monica college and then if needed transfer to UCLA, I want to work as an actor and writer in Hollywood but still have a good degree to fall back upon. So my plan was to double major in acting and a STEM career(like some engineering, since I am pretty good at math and physics having studied them at an Italian high school where I came from) Will this be a good idea? Will I be able to actually get hired in the US? will it be possible for me to start a acting career in LA this way(note I also already have a American accent and good proficiency in English), my biggest fear is not being able to find any jobs in the US and maybe if I stay here in Italy and get a degree here I will be able to get a secure job in Italy(even tho they ain’t paid good aka 40k year pretax as a ceiling, meaning that is the highest earning potential after years of experience).
Tell me what you think
9 answers
![Robert Rossi’s Avatar](https://res.cloudinary.com/careervillage/image/upload/w_120,h_120,c_scale/v1580162320/84524.webp)
Robert Rossi
Robert’s Answer
1) You have the confidence needed to make it in showbiz. But in STEM fields many will find it abrasive and overbearing. Try to stay humble when working with STEM folks. Bring out your swagger for the Hollywood scene.
2) You can write freelance (from anywhere, for anywhere), but if you want to be an employee in the US that will require work authorization, which studying only gives you to a limited extent. Not sure if you would even be able to work as a paid extra. If you want a job in the US, working for a US employer, definitely do your homework about what you will be eligible for based on the visa you plan to apply for. Hopefully you follow the elections and know that we've also just re-elected a demagogue of super-Berlusconi proportions. Being a foreigner in the US was never easy, but for the next four years it will be even harder (as will being a US citizen). Getting a US company to file a request for you to work for them is hard. They have a lot of other options that they don't have to do that extra work for. They have to really really want you.
3) Getting noticed enough to land an acting gig is hard. It will be easier in Italy, but there are fewer opportunities. Everywhere there are far more many people who want that job than there are job opportunities. Your best chance in the US might be to work with an independent filmmaker, but you might be able to arrange that as easily from Italy as from the US.
4) US colleges value different things than do Italian ones, or at least in my era they did. Memorization will not get you nearly as far. Being able to problem-solve will be key in obtaining a STEM degree in the US. Even if you have the entire textbook memorized, that alone will be unlikely to suffice to pass the course.
5) See also my answer to https://www.careervillage.org/questions/994859/what-is-the-best-advice-you-have-ever-received-from-someone-you-truly-admire There are many possible paths to your dreams, and many ways that each of those paths can come undone. You are wise to ask for advice, but there are no guarantees. You could succeed along either of the paths you contemplate, and it is hard to know which is more likely to bear better fruit. I would suggest coming the US for college if that's exciting and interesting to you. If it is just a calculated career move, I don't recommend it, because it is not easy.
Buona fortuna!
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Adit’s Answer
Key Points:
Opportunities: LA is perfect for acting, with access to auditions and networking. A STEM degree provides financial stability and higher job prospects in the U.S.
Work Eligibility: As an international student, work options are limited initially (e.g., OPT/CPT), but STEM majors offer better visa opportunities post-graduation.
Balance: Pursuing both acting and STEM requires excellent time management, but it’s possible with focus and commitment.
Advice:
Build connections in both acting and STEM early through internships and workshops.
Use your STEM degree as a safety net while pursuing your acting passion.
Consider the long-term potential of U.S. opportunities compared to Italy’s limited earning and career growth.
This approach ensures flexibility and a solid foundation, helping you thrive in both fields.
Angel’s Answer
Drew’s Answer
Drew recommends the following next steps:
Aisha’s Answer
Breaking into acting in LA is challenging but not impossible, especially with your American accent and English proficiency. You'll need persistence, networking, and auditioning while balancing academics and work. As for STEM, it can enhance your employability, especially if you secure internships or projects during your studies.
Finding a job in the U.S. depends on various factors, including visa sponsorship. STEM degrees often provide a pathway for work visas, which may help you secure a stable job while pursuing acting.
If job security is a priority, studying in Italy and building a career there could offer more stability, albeit with lower earning potential. However, the U.S. offers broader opportunities, especially in your fields of interest.
This plan is promising but requires careful planning, financial readiness, and flexibility. If this aligns with your goals and you’re prepared for the challenges, it’s worth pursuing!
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James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
It's awesome that you're considering studying in the US and pursuing your dreams! Here's a breakdown of your plan and some things to consider:
**Pros of Studying in the US:**
* **Hollywood Hub:** LA is the center of the entertainment industry. Being there provides unparalleled access to networking, auditions, and industry professionals.
* **Top-Tier Education:** The US boasts renowned universities like UCLA, offering excellent programs in both acting and STEM fields.
* **Career Flexibility:** A STEM degree provides a strong foundation and a valuable fallback option, especially if your acting career doesn't take off immediately.
* **Cultural Immersion:** Living in the US will immerse you in American culture, which is crucial for an aspiring actor in Hollywood.
**Cons of Studying in the US:**
* **High Cost of Living:** The US, especially LA, is incredibly expensive. Tuition, housing, and living expenses will be significantly higher than in Italy.
* **Visa Challenges:** Obtaining a student visa and potentially a work visa later can be complex and challenging.
* **Competition:** The entertainment industry is highly competitive. Even with talent and training, breaking into acting requires dedication, perseverance, and a bit of luck.
* **Job Market Uncertainty:** While a STEM degree increases your job prospects, finding employment in the US can be challenging, especially for international graduates.
**Considering Your Concerns:**
* **Finding Jobs in the US:** A STEM degree significantly improves your employability. However, obtaining a work visa after graduation can be difficult.
* **Staying in Italy:** While job security might be higher in Italy, the earning potential you mentioned is lower than what you could potentially earn in the US.
* **Acting Career in LA:** Your plan to combine acting with a STEM degree is a smart strategy. It provides a safety net and demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth.
**Recommendations:**
* **Thorough Research:** Research visa requirements, tuition costs, living expenses in LA, and job market trends in both STEM and entertainment fields.
* **Networking:** Connect with people who have studied in the US or are working in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events and workshops.
* **Financial Planning:** Create a detailed budget to cover all expenses during your studies. Explore scholarships, grants, and student loans.
* **Develop a Strong Portfolio:** Build a strong acting portfolio with headshots, reels, and stage experience.
* **Consider Alternatives:** Explore other options, such as studying in a less expensive part of the US or pursuing a degree in film or television production.
**Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual priorities, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.**
**Here are some questions to consider:**
* How important is it to you to live and work in the US?
* Are you willing to take on the financial and logistical challenges associated with studying abroad?
* How much are you willing to sacrifice to pursue your acting career?
By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering your individual circumstances, you can make an informed decision about whether studying in the US is the right path for you.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
God Bless You!
JC.
Michelle’s Answer
Wow, you have some exciting plans ! Studying in the U.S. would be great if that's what you want to do. The best way to make a decision is to obtain first hand information from people who have experience in the acting/entertainment field and base it on what you really want to do.
It may be great to start out at the community college in Santa Monica, but keep an open mind about what University to choose for your Bachelors Degree. UCLA is desirable, but it has a very low acceptance rate for admissions in general and then to be accepted into their Film or Theatre department. I do not know about the STEM, but that could have a low acceptance rate, too. There are many State universities you could probably get into faster, but it is up to you to make this decision.
I would not advise Double Majoring. My suggestion would be to major in Engineering and MINOR in Film or Theatre. You do NOT need a degree to go into the entertainment field, so a good bet for your future would be to major in the STEM subject you're interested in. Double Majoring in Theatre and a STEM would be defeating because the academic demands of both will conflict. There is lots of demand outside of the classroom, so I would say just major in one subject. You may have to pay out of state tuition which is high and take a heavy load of courses each semester if you double major.
If you are native Italian, saying that you do not have an accent is subjective. How you look and how you sound will matter as an actor. Actors don't decide that they're right for a part, casting people do. L.A. is much better for Italian types as they are treated generic and not always pinpointed to stereotypical type casting. New York on the other hand is very rigid when it comes to Italian male and female actors. It's just a matter of submitting your materials to casting people and wait to hear back. So I would say it may be beneficial for you to start the acting in Los Angeles. Keep in mind that there are independent projects all around the U.S. that utilize non-traditional and generic casting, so there will be opportunities.
No one can tell you if you'd get hired anywhere. That will be up to you and it is just something that you can't focus on right now. Focus on the education because each experience through that will show you your opportunities, no one can tell you them now before you've even started. You'll have to want to do STEM and acting regardless of worrying about future jobs. Don't let worry or people's guessing or opinions steer you away from your dreams.
So realize that for STEM jobs, the employers will expect 100% dedication with no talking of acting or writing and not taking time off for acting. As an Actor, you will need to be available 24/7. Many projects may need you longer than expected. I did a commercial, under five lines, and the work took one month, so you never know. Acting is not a 9 to 5 job. The double major will present issues and cost a lot of money because you have to pay for every unit of credit you take. The physical and mental demands of majoring in both STEM and Acting will be exhausting, to say the least. Since one doesn't need a degree for acting, concentrate on the STEM and get actor training from different options. Ten years from now you will see why this advice is important.
Vi auguro il meglio! Don't give up, be well-informed before taking the big steps of moving and entering college !
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Regarding your comment below : This all sounds great, but for Agent representation, you do not choose and Agent, the agent chooses you, so it may take an unknown amount of time. You will not be able to do a STEM at the same time doing professional acting. Once you see the actual workings of theatre, film and television, you'll understand why. You could probably do some theatre to get some experience while in college, but it can't interfere with your STEM obligations. You will be expected to have experience in STEM, too, before getting a job in that field.
I still say go full fledged for the STEM while taking acting workshops and classes that are community based. It is important to plan your beginning steps for education and not focus on what exactly can or will not happen during your journey. The experience you have will show you exactly what can happen as you live it.
Keep in mind that you may be able to do voice over work dubbing films in Italian Language. My last accent I did was one of the most difficult - Ecuadorian. I got great positive feedback on my performance, but there is no way I could do that in non-acting circumstances. Try not to be anything you're not. There is a place for every actor and the important thing now is to sharpen your skills. There's no real direction manual for acting. It's a do and see what happens field of work, but it is a strong, every day commitment. .
Laura’s Answer
Cory’s Answer
Talk to your family and friends. They know you best and may help you make some decisions. Your goals don’t have to change “acting, double major, study in US” but you won’t be able to accomplish two goals at the same time. Your plans read for success and just in case you don’t succeed.
Any plan to become and actor/actress that includes a planned not acting point is likely not a plan to succeed. I believe your insight to assure a good life is a mature and healthy perspective but when we execute plans there is always risk of failure that you cannot avoid.
I would recommend you pick whether your love and flair for adventure can exist at the same time you temper your expectation and pursue a stable career. I think you can still have both but you need to introduce a third variable…time.
I would imagine that over time of the course of your studies you will grow and your view points may change. Or you may even find a way to make acting the stable job to fall back on therefore not needing a backup plan. Or Most of all you may get more comfortable and confident with your goals to not need a 100% fool proof plan.
Every goal and plan to execute comes with the risk of failure or less than 100% perfect completion. Don’t avoid this but lean in a bit not a lot. Lean in enough to understand what success looks like and then figure out what it takes to get there. Then and only then will you know whether you want it, whether your comfortable with it and whether too much still concerns you.
Good luck.