Why choose to study at an accredited Course? What's the difference?

Are you considering Stunt Training or trying to decide who to train with? Read this first. Whether you choose The ISA or another provider to train with, it is important you have the best experience and gain the training that is right for you, and gives you the best value for your money. We hope this article helps to inform your choice.

The Stunt industry and training for it is a complex and sometimes unregulated  environment. When you're new to it it can feel hard to navigate. Which School is the right school. Is the school you're looking actually even a schools or academy or are they just using that word? When a trainer or school says they are the best or their training is accredited, is that the truth? If someone warns you about training with someone else is that done because of a genuine  caution, jealousy, or to cover and distract from the fact they are actually the problem? Stunt training is not a regulated industry so there are individuals, groups, real schools. Some offer certificates, some don't and is the certificate you gain actually going to be recognised by anyone?

We'll start by advising that a 3 day introductory workshop in anything is not enough training time to become what we call 'a work ready expert', so we wouldn't advise it is smart to base your career on a few short courses.   

The ISA started out as a Private Academy before becoming a Vocational School focusing training people for a professional career in the Performing Arts sector. Our Diploma Course is accredited which means it has established methods, standards, regulation and administration which enables you to gain a formal academic qualification. 

But whether a school is informal / unlicensed, run as a private business, or fully accredited, as educational facilities we all have a responsibility to help ensure people are given fair facts and helped to make the right choices. 

Something we see too much of is people using the work 'School' or 'Academy' when the truth they are an unlicensed individual running a few short courses. This, we feel, confuses the market. So if someone claims to be a school or academy ask who credits or regulates them and check whether the course results in a formal qualification.  

For example, our Diploma course generates 60 ECTS points and a formal academic qualification. It is a great foundation for a career in our field. Some of our short courses are more suited to professionals and these grant a certificate saying you completed it and met our high standards, but those courses are not accredited by a governing body and the certificate is not an academic qualification.  

Also, if a Stunt School says they are the best and others are the worst, consider why. Infighting is common within the Stunt Industry and it does not improve educational or industry standards, or help students make informed choices. If anything it harms the entire Stunt Training industry. 

Yes some places probably are better than others. True, some places are riskier or have less standards. It is right that you will encounter different teaching methods or approaches to education and training too.  But there is a place for almost everyone and students / stunt people do need variety, options and choices.  

Sometimes people just want a quick course, refresher or a taste of something before they dive in. That's great and there are many good options for this. It is why we run experiences and short courses designed for this, and others designed for more in-depth training. Other times we might want industry recognised certifications or to dive deeper into learning and development. 

While there are no easy answers, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Studying at a formal school or academy can be highly beneficial for students in several ways when it comes to starting their career:

1. Quality Education
   Accredited Courses from regulated Schools and Academies are evaluated and approved by a recognised accrediting agency (usually a governmental / national educational authority). This ensures that the School or Academy provides a high-quality education that meets governmental, educational and industry standards. This means that students can trust that the education they receive at an accredited school is relevant and up-to-date, which can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen career.
2. Transferability of Credits
   Accredited Educational Courses generally have credit transfer agreements with other countries, schools and universities, which can make it easier for students to transfer credits if they decide to continue to develop and deepen their formal qualifications at another academic location.
3. Employment Opportunities
   Many employers prefer to hire graduates because they know that these graduates have received a high-quality education, proven their skills to a regulated standard that was professionally assesses, and this means they bring quality into the workplace. It can also help employers to manage things like the insurance issues related to working with unskilled / untrained people. In some industries, such as healthcare accreditation is a basic  requirement for being allowed to practice, making it essential for students to gain formal qualifications to enter the field. In the world of stunts things are different, but that is changing as guilds, governing bodies and governments are moving towards better regulation and established standards. This is something The ISA backs as we don't want to see unnecessary risk or injuries that shorten or end performers careers. Also, the investors behind productions, productions require insurance and insurers need proof of standards so increasingly the industry will be pushed this way.
4. Financial Aid:
   This is a big one. Accredited Courses are eligible for financial aid programs, such as Study Grants and Student Loans. At The ISA students of our Diploma course can get their entire course paid for through a study grant from their government, meaning you get a year's quality training and certification for free! Being a regulated school, many Performing Arts Councils and Film Boards have also given grants for people attending our our short courses to gain specific skills or certificates. This can make it easier for students to finance their education, gain more experience in a shorter time and pursue their career goals earlier without incurring substantial debt.
5. Reputation:
   Accreditation is a mark of quality and demonstrates a Course and the people behind it have committed to providing a quality education and work to keep up high standards. This can enhance the reputation of the school and increase the value of the degree that students earn, which can benefit them in their career.

Why The ISA and Why Norway? 
There are good schools and courses internationally. We also run courses in other regions, but our premiere education and facility is The ISA in Norway.

​Nordic countries, including Norway, are often regarded as some of the best places to study due to their high standards and innovative methods in educational environments. The education system in these countries is highly regarded for its emphasis on individual learning, student-centered teaching, and a strong focus on equality and inclusivity.

Norwegian schools, colleges and universities are known for their world-class research facilities and highly qualified academic staff. The country has a long-standing tradition of investing heavily in education, and as a result, students in Norway benefit from state-of-the-art resources and teaching methods. Education in Norway is also often very career oriented, making it valuable as you are training and learning the things you will actually need in your career.  

Furthermore, Norway has a high standard of living and is considered one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. This creates a supportive environment for students, where they can focus on their studies and personal growth without the stress of financial or personal concerns.

Overall, the combination of high academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and a supportive environment make Norway and other Nordic countries highly attractive destinations for students seeking quality education and a unique cultural experience.

This is why we are based in Norway and chose to build our first and best International Stunt Academy here. But that isn't to say that other countries or schools aren't any good. 
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Further Benefits of taking a longer course such as a Diploma

1. Formalised education:
   One of the key benefits of a diploma course from The ISA is that it provides formalised education. This means that students will receive structured learning, with a syllabus and clear learning objectives. This can help students build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of fields.
2. Networking opportunities:
   Another benefit of attending our Academy is the networking opportunities that it provides. Students can interact with instructors / teachers, classmates, and alumni, all of whom can be valuable resources for future job opportunities and career advancement.
3. Credentials:
   A Diploma provides students with credentials that can be recognised by employers, insurers and other important groups. This can make it easier for graduates to get their foot in the door when it comes to job applications and career advancement.
4. Industry recognition:
   Accredited Academic Qualifications are often recognised by industry bodies and professional organisations. This means that graduates are more likely to be recognised and respected by employers in their chosen field.