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

Are you considering choosing a Stunt School to train with? Read this first. Whether you choose The ISA or anyone else, we would prefer YOU have the best experience and gain the most value for your money. We hope this article helps to inform your choice.

The Stunt industry is a funny place sometimes. You'd think we could all get along but there is a lot of ego and competitiveness, and often criticism. When you're new to things that becomes very hard to navigate. Is someone criticising someone else out of fair caution, jealousy, or to cover and distract from the fact they are actually the danger? 

We started as a private school, moving later into being a Fully Accredited Academy for the Performing Arts, which means a world of standards, regulation and administration. That's something not everyone can do, or would want to do. Running a university means there is 10x the work to do!

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. Lives may even depend on it.

Something we see too much of is Stunt Schools declaring they are the best and others are the worst. But infighting does not improve industry standards, help students make informed choices and it discredits and mires the entire industry. That can lead to awful mistakes.

Yes some places are better than others. True, some places are riskier or have less standards. Its 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 we all just fancy a quick course, refresher or a taste of something before we dive in. Other times we might want industry recognised certifications or to dive deeper into learning and development. 

So the question of whether a diploma course from an accredited university is more beneficial than organic work experience or picking up the odd skill here and there in unlicensed places is a perennial one.

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

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

1. Quality Education
   Accredited schools are evaluated and approved by a recognized accrediting agency, which ensures that the institution 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 schools generally have credit transfer agreements with other accredited schools and universities, which can make it easier for students to transfer credits if they decide to continue their education at another institution.
3. Employment Opportunities
   Many employers prefer to hire graduates from accredited schools because they know that these graduates have received a high-quality education and are certified, which can also bring quality into the workplace and also help to manage insurance issues of 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 attend an accredited school to enter these fields. In the world of stunts things are different, but increasingly they will not be. Investors bankroll productions, productions require insurance and insurers need standards and proof people have met them.
4. Financial Aid:
   This is a big one. Accredited schools are eligible for financial aid programs, such as Grants and Student Loans. Many of our own students can get their entire course paid for through a grant from their government, meaning you get a year's quality training and certification for free!. 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 that an institution is committed to providing a quality education. 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.

So, overall, attending an accredited school or academy can provide students with a wide range of benefits that can help them succeed in their chosen career.

​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 universities and colleges 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.

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 International Academy her first. But that isn't to say that other countries or schools aren't any good. 
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Further Benefits of a Diploma Course from an Accredited Academy or University

1. Formalized education:
   One of the key benefits of a diploma course from an accredited university is that it provides formalized education. This means that students will receive structured learning in a classroom setting, 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 an accredited university is the networking opportunities that it provides. Students can interact with professors, classmates, and alumni, all of whom can be valuable resources for future job opportunities and career advancement.
3. Credentials:
   A diploma course from an accredited university also provides students with credentials that can be recognized by employers. 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 universities are often recognized by industry bodies and professional organizations. This means that graduates from these institutions are more likely to be recognized and respected by employers in their chosen field.

To balance this article, lets also consider the value of travelling, learning in a variety of environments and also explore the obvious benefits of Organic Work Experience 

1. Hands-on experience
   Organic work experience allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. This can be invaluable when it comes to building skills and knowledge that cannot be gained in a single school or training environment. It also allows individuals to gain practical knowledge of how their chosen industry works in practice in the local region.
2. Career advancement
   Organic work experience can also help individuals advance their career. By working their way up the career ladder, individuals can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to take on more responsibility and earn higher salaries.
3. Flexibility
   Organic work experience is often more flexible than attending a diploma course at an accredited academy or university. Individuals can work part-time or full-time, and often have the flexibility to choose their own hours.
4. Building connections 
   The ISA has instructors and mentors from all over the world, all of whom have extensive work experience, internationally in their field. So you learn business skills from Business Skills specialists, First Aid from Paramedics, Fight Choreography from leading Fight Choreographers, etc. This makes our Diploma more aligned to organic work experience and allows individuals to build real-world connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. But not every school will do this and there are reasons we could caution against learning everything from on person, with experience in a single region. As professional performers connections can be invaluable when it comes to finding job opportunities and advancing your career.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a diploma course from an accredited university or organic work experience will depend on an individual's specific goals and circumstances. Both options have their own unique benefits, and it is important to weigh these benefits against one another before making a decision. However, it is worth noting that both options can be valuable when it comes to building skills, knowledge, and connections that can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.  The choice is yours and we would recommend you choose to work and train with people who work to put that choice into your hands, and show caution when dealing with people or organisations who don't work to put YOU first.