“I was interested in art but wasn’t sure where to start as an international student. VAE classes were the perfect way to start my artistic journey!”
Isaac, Visual Arts Enrichment alum
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Visual Arts Enrichment
International Student Portfolio Preparation // Visual Arts Enrichment
International Student Portfolio Preparation Visual Arts Enrichment
Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation
Students who successfully complete the required hours of study will receive a Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation, which serves as a testament to their dedication and the skills they have developed during their time with us.
In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete either:
- 960 hours within 50 weeks
(approximately 1 year)
OR
- 2,700 hours within 135 weeks
(approximately 3 years)
Our Visual Arts Enrichment track is open to all non-immigrant students, regardless of skill level. It’s ideal for those who are not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but wish to explore introductory-level subjects in art and design.
In our Visual Arts Enrichment classes, students gain exposure to different art mediums and techniques. These introductory classes provide a solid foundation that students can further develop into their own projects.
Led by qualified instructors who are active artists from top art and design programs across the nation, this program is designed to nurture and stimulate students’ artistic interests.
No prior art experience is necessary to join our class!
Whether you have prior art experience or are just beginning to explore your passion for art, our course will guide you in developing the best version of your art portfolio, project by project.
We accept students year-round based on the International Students school calendar. Please refer to our program start dates.
Have questions about the track option?
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and talent, empowering them to reach their artistic aspirations. Build a strong foundation in art and creative thinking, and develop a standout portfolio for the admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Our course options are structured by the number of sessions, allowing students to schedule classes according to their availability.
Choose an online, on-site, or hybrid option that fits best for you.
Experienced Team
Our instructors are seasoned artists and designers with years of knowledge and experience in portfolio development and preparation, who offer pinpoint guidelines catered to your interest and intended schools.
Class Structure
Track Duration
We operate on a quarter-based calendar, with each quarter lasting 12 weeks. Each class is 4 hours long.
You can customize your class schedule based on your availability. Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
Structure
Each class is 4 hours long and is conducted in-person.
We maintain small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 to optimize the learning experience and portfolio development process.
Subjects
Intro to Drawing
Explore fundamental concepts in visual arts and drawing, such as shadow, tone, color, space, and value, through a variety of observational and imaginative projects.
Intro to Watercolor
Explore basic watercolor techniques and materials, learning how to manipulate water and paint to create various visual effects, including transparency and washes.
Intro to Design
Students will explore basic watercolor techniques and materials, learning how to manipulate water and paint to create various visual effects, including transparency and washes.
Intro to Painting
Understand the basic techniques, materials, and expressive methods used in painting, as students explore how to convey ideas and observations through both observational and imaginative projects.
Intro to Illustration
Explore the world of storytelling through various illustration styles, including editorial, children's book art, concept design, and digital illustration. Students work on hands-on projects to understand the fundamentals of visual narrative and idea communication.
Intro to Mixed Media
Through basic design assignments designed to Learn the foundational principles of design, focusing on key elements and concepts that form the basis of visual communication and composition, applicable across various design disciplines.
Student Work



Schedule & Tuition
Available upon registration
* There is a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $500 for any International Students program.
Quarter Option | Tuition |
---|---|
1 Quarter | $1,925 |
2 Quarters | $3,750 |
3 Quarters | $5,575 |
4 Quarters | $8,660 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ What major(s) does the course cover?
A portfolio is
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