ABOUT ARTBOUND INITIATIVE

Launched since 2016, ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a New York City based agency for individuals seeking professional advancement in the creative fields at an international level.​ We offer practical and academically relevant internships that allows our participants to become ​more competitive applicant to​ desirable positions in several creative industries upon completion of the program.

OUR ALUMNI GOT HIRED AT

OUR UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

PERSONALIZED COACHING WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Participants will get access to our online coaching platform - where they will complete around 50 hours of professional development work - which also includes working with our career coaches for resume and portfolio reviewing, as well as getting on one-on-one sessions with industry mentors.

The curriculum will consist of: 
 

• Career development workshops 

• Résumé/CV coaching and review session 

• Portfolio review and/or industry professional coaching session 

• Soft skill training: networking, online brand and elevator pitch

THE ABI NETWORK

The ArtBound Initiative program is not only about an internship, but it's about a community. Newcomers can connect with our international network of 350 current and past participants through our dedicated networking app and meet during our monthly events.

TRAVEL & ON-SITE SUPPORT

We offer travel and on-site support for our international programs, which include: 

• Visa processing

• Insurance arrangements

• Housing arrangements

• ABI pre-trip information package, including ABI city guide to local creative scenes

• In-city orientation

• On-site support

SCHOLARSHIPS

ArtBound Initiative is committed to making the program accessible to students around the globe. We have awarded over $60,000 USD in scholarships since 2016. 

• Inclusive Scholarship - $250 off the program tuition

• Ambassador Scholarship - $1000 off the program tuition 

• Creative Diversity Program - The Creative Diversity Program is available for seniors or recent graduates in the United States from backgrounds traditionally excluded from the creative industries. This program will offer students:

1. A Full Scholarship for the ArtBound Initiative program (worth US$1950) which includes personalized coaching, events, networking opportunities and access to our international network of alumni.

2. A paid internship opportunity in New York City with one of our company partners.

​

Read more about our scholarships here.

Our local program tuition fee is USD $1950 and our international program is USD $2950, which will also vary based on the duration of the internship. For our international program, the tuition fee does not include visa, insurance, housing and flight costs.

FEES BREAKDOWN

Participants can choose either one of the following:

​

• PAY IN 30:
  > 25% deposit
  > Remaining balance after 30 days

​

• PAY IN INSTALLMENTS:
  > 25% deposit
  > 3 separate installments*

*Incurs additional 5.8% service fee

RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Traveling and living abroad always has a cost and participants should carefully review and consider if they have adequate financial resources before deciding to undertake an international internship.

Click here to view a detailed breakdown of the recommended budget needed for our international programs.

ABI has instituted a limited cancellation policy in line with current international education provider standards from which it cannot depart. Cancellations must be sent in writing via electronic mail. Phone calls are not acceptable. No refunds will be made other than those specified below. 

1. Participant initiated program withdrawal:

• Once initial deposit payment has been received, participant has a maximum of 5 calendar days from the deposit payment date to request a full refund less administrative fee.*
   

• After 5 calendar days of initial deposit payment, a maximum of 50% refund of the full program fee less administrative fee can be granted upon written request should the participant wish to withdraw participation.
   

• If at least one company has offered an internship to the participant, a maximum of 25% refund of the full program price less administrative fees can be granted upon written request should the participant wish to withdraw participation.
   

• If the participant has confirmed acceptance of an internship with a partner company, no refund will be granted.
   

• If ABI sets up less than 5 interviews within 60 days of the initial employer outreach date AND participant is not accepted into a company, ABI can issue a full refund less administrative fees should the participant wish to withdraw participation.  

2. ABI initiated program termination:

• If participant conducts at least 5 interviews AND is not accepted by any of the 5 companies, ABI reserves the right to terminate participation with a maximum of 50% refund of the full program fee less administrative fees.
   

• If a participant fails to follow our code of conduct, ABI will administer a written warning on the first offense and reserves the right to terminate participation with no refund granted on the second offense. See our code of conduct policies for more detail.

*Administrative fee is USD $150. 

APPLICATION FORM

Participants will fill our application form, submit resume, essays and portfolio (if they are a creative)

INTERVIEW

Interview with our Head of Admissions to talk about motivations to join the program and preferred internship types

APPLICATION RESULT

The ArtBound Initiative committee will review application materials and will notify participants of their acceptance

PROGRAM DECISION

If participants have been accepted, they will have seven days to confirm their participation in the program

We recognize that our responsibility is to ensure that programs are designed and operated with the health and safety of participants as the highest priority.

Following are some of the ways which help to manage risk, and prepare participants ahead of the trip and respond if problems occur: 

MEDICAL REVIEW

Each participant is required to complete a Student Health Questionnaire to be reviewed by a staff member and to disclose any health conditions which may impact their time abroad.

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

Participants will undergo a pre-departure orientation, as well as an on-site orientation to prepare them for any safety or health problems that may arise. Pre-departure orientation includes information about health and safety issues.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

We require that each participant has an emergency contact listed on their application whom we can notify in case of emergencies.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Participants carry international medical and accident insurance coverage. Insurance is included in each program. Participants are covered for accidents or illness while enrolled in the program. The insurance includes a 24/7 hotline for emergencies.

ArtBound Initiative is committed to providing comprehensive support by assigning one Program Coordinator to one participant from pre-departure, during the program and post-program to ensure they get the best experience possible.

PRE-DEPARTURE

• Comprehensive city guide about the destination

• CV/Resume Review

• Pre-internship training 

• Visa & Insurance assistance

• Housing assistance