Belmont New York City

A hallmark of the Belmont New York City program, internships for academic credit are required.

You may work up to full-time hours with your internship while attending academic classes at night or online. There is also a possibility to have two internships (both still must be for credit).

It is ultimately your responsibility to secure the internship. However, there are many resources on campus to assist with that process including:

• Internship coordinator for your college
• Belmont's Office of Career and Professional Development.
  • Handshake
• Belmont New York City alumni

Belmont New York City students have interned with companies like:

Are You Eligible to Apply?

In order to be eligible for study in Belmont New York City, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Complete at least 64 credit hours and be of junior standing by the start of the program.
• Carry a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average at time of application and start of the program.
• Be in good academic and financial standing from the time of application through completion of the program.
  • Students on academic probation cannot participate in Belmont USA, even if the probation occurs after acceptance to the program.
• Approved Resume on Handshake prior to application deadline
• Attend an Information Session prior to the application deadline
• Intern for credit while studying at Belmont New York City 
  • All prerequisite work for internship eligibility, based on your major, must be completed by the time of program start. You must have taken or be enrolled in any prerequisite work at time of application.
• Show significant progression towards Well Core completion as follows (based on the year and semester that you will be studying away):
  • 1^st semester junior: 40% complete
  • 2^nd semester junior: 60% complete
  • 1^st semester senior: 80% complete
  • 2^nd semester senior: 100% complete
• Well Core credits will be checked by the Belmont USA coordinator on or around the application deadline.

Note: Students who become ineligible after acceptance for any of the above reasons MUST pay the program fee balance.

**Because of visa requirements, international students may not be able to participate in Belmont East.

Deadlines

Selection Process

• Students meeting the above eligibility requirements will be extended an invitation to interview.
• During the brief interview with the selection committee, students will be evaluated on the following:
  • Thoughtful preparation (courses, Well Core, preliminary internship searches, etc.)
  • Articulate responses
  • Professionalism
  • Overall attitude
• The following criteria are considered during the overall selection process:
  • Academic performance
  • Professional Experience
  • Internship experience
  • Progress towards degree requirements
  • Maturity
  • Overall preparedness
• Students who are not selected for participation, may be put on a wait list. If an accepted student declines admission, a student from the wait list is notified and offered the opportunity.

Note: Students with prior Belmont Los Angeles or Belmont New York City participation may be deferred to allow a student who has not yet had the opportunity to participate in the program

APPLY NOW

Housing

You will be housed in a double or triple room with other Belmont students at St. George Towers in the beautiful neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. You can expect this space to be similar to a dorm room with an ensuite bathroom, desk, closet space, and a kitchenette. The rooms and bathrooms are furnished, so you will need to bring XL twin sheets, blankets, towels, lamps, iron, hangers, cooking utensils, etc. You'll have access to a shared large kitchen, study lounge, media/game room, 24-hour fitness center, and laundry rooms. For more information and photos, click the link above.

Transportation

You will use the NYC Public Transportation System. Living at the St. George Towers, you will be right above the Clark St. station, which connects you to the 2 and 3 lines, and High St. Brooklyn Bridge station is just 0.2 miles away, with access to the A and C lines. Both stations are just one stop away from Manhattan. (You are prohibited from bringing a car.) Past students have suggested using the app 'City Mapper' as a NYC transit resource.

America Sossi
Major: Music Business

"As a Music Business major with aspirations in the entertainment industry, studying in NYC aligned
perfectly with my career goals. I interned at Wasserman Music, a leading tour booking agency, where it was thrilling to apply the concepts I learned at Belmont in a fast-paced, real-world setting.

I’ve always been passionate about live music, but living and working in New York made that dream feel tangible. Embracing every opportunity—even the ones that felt intimidating—pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and that’s when the real growth happened. I connected with amazing industry professionals, received valuable guidance, and built lasting relationships that continue to shape my journey.

Beyond the professional growth, Belmont New York City enriched my overall college experience. Living in a vibrant, unpredictable city like New York taught me how to adapt, be independent, and remain open to new experiences and people. It challenged me in the best ways possible, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Belmont New York City offered the ideal blend of real-world experience, academic support, and a close-knit community that made even a massive city feel like home. I discovered more about the industry—and about myself—than I ever expected. I came back proud of what I accomplished, thankful for the people I met and more excited than ever about the path ahead.

Alayna Wilburn
Major: Theatre - Performance Track

"I plan to pursue acting and theatre in NYC after graduation, so spending this past fall in New York City was a crucial part of both my academic and life plans. It gave me a glimpse of post-grad life while still having the support of Belmont.

The most valuable skill I gained during my time in NYC was learning how to network effectively. Before my semester away, I was hesitant to reach out to people, fearing they wouldn’t want to talk to me or that they might think I was only looking to benefit from the interaction. However, Belmont New York City provided countless opportunities to connect with Belmont alumni and other industry professionals through the Entertainment and Culture of NYC class. They were incredibly kind and eager to share their insights into the industry.

Belmont New York City was undoubtedly the best semester of my Belmont career. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and connections I was able to make. I can't wait to return to New York City as soon as I graduate."

Christian Locke
Major: Music Business

"Belmont New York City gave me the flexibility to explore valuable career experiences while completing my academic requirements.

Living in NYC taught me a lot—how to be alone in a city, manage stress and time, balance
professionalism with casual work environments and take on the responsibilities of adult independence.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that life is often unpredictable, and finding stability within yourself means accepting that unpredictability is a natural part of life.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in Belmont New York City. It helped me grow—both emotionally and professionally. It pushed me to learn more about myself in an environment that constantly challenges and exposes you to new perspectives.

There’s a lot I got right and a lot I got wrong—but through it all, I learned and I grew."

Evie Eikhoff
Major: Journalism, Media and Entertainment Industries

"Belmont New York City feels like pure magic wrapped into a semester.

It’s hard not to romanticize life as a coming-of-age movie when your morning coffee run includes walking past Manhattan’s skyline over the water, taking the train to Grand Central for your internship and passing countless dogs in sweaters and shoes along the way.

As cliché as it is, the possibilities in this city truly feel endless. There are so many people to meet, coffee shops to try, experiences to learn from, and infinite opportunities for growth.

Belmont New York City taught me to navigate the balance between stepping out of my comfort zone socially and embracing the independence of solo adventures. The constant support from the Belmont USA staff, my peers, and local alumni has been invaluable to both my professional and personal growth this semester. This program was everything it promised itself to be – irreplaceable experiential learning in the heart of the city."

Ali Rapps
Major: Interior Design

"Attending Belmont USA was a significant milestone in both my personal and professional growth. I grew up in a small town of just 6,000 people, where I never imagined I could live in a major city. Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in the vibrant energy of New York City was essential.

I wanted to embrace everything the city had to offer, so my mantra became, “say yes to everything.” Every Saturday, my roommates and I would leave our dorm at 9 a.m. and not return until 5 p.m., exploring a new part of the city each week and saying yes to any idea one of us had.

Thanks to Belmont New York City, I now feel confident that I can thrive in any city, no matter how unfamiliar or challenging it may seem. I’ve built a strong belief in my ability to adapt to new environments and collaborate with new people. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about myself and shown me that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to."

Nadia Zaza
Major: Audio Engineering Technology / Video Production

"Studying away in New York gave me the chance to expand my network and build meaningful
connections with studios and engineers. I interned at a small recording studio in Brooklyn, where
the intimate environment allowed me to connect more deeply with both coworkers and clients,
making the experience even more valuable.

This semester wasn’t just a period of professional growth—it was a time of deep personal development as well. While college had already encouraged my independence, living in the heart of a major city taught me how to truly navigate life on my own. Some of my most fulfilling moments came from exploring New York solo, embracing the freedom to follow my own interests and discovering the city at my own pace. That independence helped me grow in ways I never anticipated and pushed me well beyond my comfort zone.

I plan to move back to New York after graduation, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to build intentional, lasting relationships that I can continue to nurture before and after I return.

Adriana Salina
Major: CEI

"Born and raised in western NY, I always jumped at the chance to visit NYC. I've long been drawn to the city's vibrancy, liveliness, passion, and endless opportunities.

Participating in Belmont New York City allowed me to experience city living firsthand and expand both my personal and professional life. Each moment in New York filled me with creative excitement and the courage to try something new, fueling my drive to pursue meaningful endeavors.

Beyond its inspiring atmosphere, the city thrives on the success and authenticity of its people. Each interaction is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, build genuine connections, and gain new perspectives. With an endless variety of places to explore and something new to discover every day, New York always feels like an adventure!"

Anna Orf
Major: Music Business

"I chose to study in New York City because I was eager to gain a fresh perspective on how the music industry operates outside of Nashville.

Living in NYC was an incredible experience—not just because of the city itself, but also because the industry runs so differently there. It challenged and broadened my understanding in the best way. The program’s asynchronous classes fit seamlessly into my schedule, allowing me to fully commit to my internship and explore new opportunities within the music industry. That flexibility made a huge difference in what I was able to accomplish.

One of the most valuable things I took away from this experience was learning how to be on my own—in the best, most empowering way. Doing things solo in New York is not only easy, it’s encouraged. Embracing that independence helped me build confidence in both my personal and professional life.

While my time in NYC was transformative, it also gave me clarity: Nashville is where I want to be after graduation. I’m incredibly grateful for the insight I gained in New York, and even more thankful that I was able to discover what truly feels right for me before making any long-term decisions."

Smith David
Major: Biology/Entrepreneurship

"As a biology major with plans to attend dental school and eventually open my own practice in New York City, participating in Belmont New York City was a transformative experience. It gave me the chance to connect with professionals in the dental field while continuing my pre-dental
coursework.

Living and studying in New York City proved to be one of the most influential
experiences of my life. During my time there, I formed meaningful relationships with fellow students in my cohort, sharpened my time management skills and discovered a more creative, confident version of myself. Belmont New York City introduced me to a city that now feels like home.

Haley Fountain
Major: Music Business

"My Belmont New York City experience was a pivotal part of my music business education, giving me real-world exposure to artist management and live events – areas I’m passionate about pursuing after graduation.

Living and working in a fast-paced city like New York sharpened my communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. It taught me how to navigate complex environments while staying grounded and goal oriented.

Professionally, I completed two internships that strengthened my resume, expanded my network and gave me a clearer sense of my career path. Personally, I grew more confident, independent and adaptable.

Entering the program without knowing anyone pushed me to step outside my
comfort zone and be more outgoing—and I ended up making several of my closest friends through the experience.

From building confidence and expanding my perspective, this program not only reinforced my desire to move to New York City after graduation but also helped me envision a long-term future in the music industry there. I now feel more prepared and motivated than ever to pursue a successful career in the music industry.

Participating in this program was one of the best decisions I made in college, and I strongly recommend it to any student looking to challenge themselves, gain real-world experience and make the most of their time at Belmont.

Caitlyn Knowles
Major: Media Production / Business Administration

"My decision to attend Belmont was largely influenced by my knowledge of the Belmont USA program and its unique opportunities.

As a working dancer and freelance artist, I have always dreamed of living in either New York City and Los Angeles. However, the cost of attending school in either city made that path feel out of reach. Belmont USA presented a credible, low-risk launchpad to explore both coasts while staying connected to my academic goals.

During my junior year, I participated in the NYC (Fall '24) and LA (Spring '25) programs. These experiences brought clarity to my creative direction and helped shape my vision for the future.

In both cities, I joined training programs solo. By the end, I met chosen family—creative collaborators and close friends who share my passions and push me to grow. It helped me learn, firsthand, the importance of community within the industry.

I now feel confident not only in my understanding of the industry, but also in my ability to independently navigate life in these cities. These programs made me a more grounded, driven and resilient person."

Daelynne Mauche
Major: Fashion Merchandising

"I had always envisioned spending time in New York during college, and when I learned the fashion program offered a study-away semester in the spring of junior year, I knew that was my moment.

Landing my internship at Place Showroom in the heart of the Garment District was a turning point in my career. I got to experience what working in the fashion industry really looks like—from the fastpaced daily grind to the excitement of major events. In addition to my internship, I worked New York Fashion Week with Grey/Ven and assisted at leading trade shows like Coterie and Brand Assembly.

In an industry where connections are everything—especially in New York—this program gave me an invaluable head start. It helped me define my career goals with greater clarity and gave me real momentum toward the path I want to pursue. I even landed my summer internship through a New York career fair, a clear sign of how impactful this experience has been for my professional growth.

But the transformation wasn’t just career-based. Living in New York brought out new sides of me. I became more independent, more confident navigating life on my own, and more assertive about going after what I want. I also learned the importance of staying grounded. I realized how much I missed having a strong community, so I made it a priority to find a church that helped anchor me in such a fast-paced environment. I stayed connected to my loved ones through daily calls, which reminded me of what really matters.

I left New York with a renewed sense of confidence—because if I can thrive there, I truly believe I can thrive anywhere.

If you're considering the program, my advice is this: be open to the experience, stay curious, and trust that you're exactly where you're meant to be. I'm incredibly grateful for everything Belmont New York City gave me—it was truly life-changing."

Victoria Whatley
Major: Musical Theatre

"As a Musical Theatre major, spending a semester in New York City and learning from seasoned
professionals at Broadway Dance Center and The Barrow Group—while fully immersing myself in
the world I’ve always dreamed of—has been everything I hoped for and more.

This experience has deepened my understanding of the industry I’m preparing to enter. From navigating auditions to building meaningful relationships with mentors and instructors, and adapting to life in a fast-paced, vibrant city like New York, I’ve learned to soak up knowledge, techniques and inspiration like a sponge. I now trust myself more than ever to embrace all I have learned and soar higher than ever.

To anyone considering this program: if your heart is drawn to this city, follow it. Believe in yourself. There’s no better time than now—while you're still supported by the structure of Belmont—to take bold steps, explore new paths, and grow in ways you never imagined.

I've never felt more prepared to return to Nashville, complete my senior year, and pursue a successful career post-graduation. I’m leaving this program with more knowledge and confidence than I could have imagined, and I’m endlessly grateful.