Whether you pick up a camera every chance you get or just enjoy snapping fancy pics on your iPhone, the best international photography programs in the world are meant for people like you! On international photography courses, whether traveling through photography schools abroad or another program provider, you’ll learn skills that will take your photos from wow to WHOA.
International photography programs will transform your skills.
The best international photography courses teach you more than just how to capture a stellar photograph; they teach you about what you are capturing. You’ll literally be looking through a different cultural lens! If you’re interested in study abroad for photography, you’re in the right place. Read on for some of the best photography programs in the world and claim your spot.
11 international photography courses you won’t want to miss
Editor’s note: This information on international photography courses was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Impact Photography Program in Cape Town
This humanitarian photography program allows passionate photographers to support good causes with their images. Based in either Cape Town, South Africa, or in the Zambian town of Livingstone, you’ll be introduced to nonprofit photography by a professional humanitarian photographer during a week-long workshop. You’ll then enjoy individual photography assignments with local charities, learning about their cause and capturing their work with your camera. It’s a unique way for keen photographers to hone their skills, explore the role photography plays in the nonprofit sector, and experience social impact and environmental work happening on the ground in Africa.
- Where? Cape Town, South Africa & Livingstone, Zambia
- When? Regular start dates throughout the year
- Learn more about Penda Photo Tours
2. School of Creative Photography
For those who are serious about photography and want to turn it into a career, photography schools abroad are a great stepping stone to...National Geographic? Well, here’s hoping! This 2-year international photography program will provide you with gallery exhibitions, training from professionals, and a portfolio you can use to score future gigs. Graduates also receive a diploma in Fine Art Photography!
- Where? Cracow, Poland
- When? 2-year commitment
- Read Cracow School of Art & Fashion Design reviews
3. Wildlife and Travel Photography Program
Picture the wildlife of Africa — rhinoceros, giraffes, antelopes, lions — and now picture yourself capturing incredible images of these creatures in their natural elements. Pretty unforgettable right? Photographic highlights of this incredible international photography program include trips to the Camdeboo game reserve, Monkeyland, Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary, the Valley of Desolation (surely not as scary as it sounds), and shark cage diving (probably as scary as it sounds — do it for the ‘Gram!).
- Where? Garden Route, South Africa
- When? 1 month
- Read Africa Media reviews
4. 8 Weeks Bush & Beach Conservation in Kenya
Breathtaking views of the Kenyan landscape await you on this 2-4 week trip through bush and beach. Similar to the Frontier program above, this experience will take you off the beaten path into remote Maasai communities, where you won’t just be a tourist, but a helping hand. In your free time, snap photos of the Big 5: lions, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, and elephants. Just don’t get too close!
- Where? Kenya
- When? 2-4 weeks
- Read Culsans Gap Travel reviews
5. Photography Program in Buenos Aires (+ Optional Spanish Classes)
Combine your love of photography with a Spanish language course on this cultural journey to South America — Argentina to be exact! You’ll be at the most prestigious photography school in the country, learning digital and analog technology and theoretical concepts. Take what you learn into the streets of Buenos Aires, where there is no shortage of inspiration; whether it be the architecture, people, food, or festivals, you’re sure to find colorful, interesting subjects.
- Where? Argentina
- When? Year-round
- Read Mente Argentina reviews
6. Land of Dreams – Summer Camp Iceland
As the name “Land of Dreams” suggests, Iceland offers some of the best photography programs in the world due to its fantastic geography and landscapes. A paradise for study abroad photography, Iceland is also an exciting place to explore. You can expect whale watching, kayaking, swimming in the Green Lagoon, and ice walking.
- Where? Iceland
- When? 1-2 weeks
- Read Worldwide Friends Iceland reviews
7. Paris Travel Photography Workshop
Imagine yourself (and your camera) on a casual boat ride down the Seine, boats harbored along the riverside and the Eiffel Tower rising up before you, glittering at dusk. Pretty picturesque right? The City of Light offers opportunities to capture some of the most amazing images of iconic sites like the Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe — but you’ll also see scenes throughout the city less advertised and just as portfolio-worthy. Start your journey where photography as an art itself took root.
- Where? Paris
- When? 1-2 weeks
- Read Travel For Teens reviews
8. Impact India – See More, to Be More!
India’s festivities and culture are unmatched when it comes to taking those stellar travel photos. Impact India offers study abroad photography while making an impact in underprivileged communities and schools. Daily yoga and reflection activities add to the myriad benefits of this international photography program. Go off the grid and discover the magic of rural India!
- Where? India
- When? 1-2 weeks to a full summer
- Read Rekha & Sudhir Puranik Foundation reviews
9. Service Program in Tanzania, Africa
Putney has a great reputation for outstanding study abroad programs, and their international photography programs are no exception! Photograph village life in the northeastern mountains of this geographically and culturally diverse country. You’ll explore waterfalls, go on Safari in world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater National Park, and make friends that will last a lifetime.
- Where? Tanzania
- When? 2-4 weeks
- Read Putney Student Travel reviews
10. Summer School Travel Photography & Videography
Everyone already knows Bali is one of the most beautiful places on Earth—so why not combine your passion for photography with living in paradise? This fun and fulfilling program in Bali lasts for four weeks, and will leave you with serious skills that you can utilize in school or your career. Suitable for beginners and intermediate photographers alike, this is a great program if you don’t want to feel like a tourist snapping pics for social media.
- Where? Bali
- When? Summer
- Learn more about StudyInBali
11. Work and Travel in Australia
If you’re more individualistic and want to travel solo while having the support of an organization with years of experience in the field, this program is for you! Explore Australia and beyond (think surrounding islands and Southeast Asia!) while earning some extra cash and building your photography portfolio. Because this is a program built for adventurers and thrill seekers, we’ve included it as one of the best photography programs in the world.
- Where? Australia
- When? Year-round
- Read InterExchange reviews
Make your decision easier. Compare these programs side-by-side on MyGoAbroad for FREE!
Take a shot with international photography programs!
Capture your future with the best photography programs in the world!
The best photography programs in the world are just a click (flash!) away. You’ll be doing more than getting great career experience — you’ll be adding adventure and global competence to your resume! Imagine the images you’ll create, both photos to keep in your portfolio and memories that will last a lifetime.
Top photography schools abroad aren’t one-size-fits-all either. As shown in the examples above, they range from a few weeks to two years, include guided programs and more independent courses.
You could be traveling through South Africa learning new skills along the way or you could be in a classroom, practicing new techniques before taking them out in the city streets of Cracow, Poland. Whatever your dream, start realizing it today!
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