Hello, I am 46 ( hope is not too late! ) and interested in becoming a Sound Engineer. I already have followed a two years course in Milan, Italy: good theory but bad practice. So I'd like to go abroad ( Italy is not a serious place ) and I've found in Internet two schools in New York: the Audio Recording Engineering School in Long Island and the Institute of Audio Research. They last 8 and 9 months and cost about 8.000 and 12.000 US dollars. For me is not such a matter of money rather than of time: I don't want to loose it like happened in Italy. I need practice more than theory but I think I should go to another school anyway. Have you some informations? Thank you.
Bobo

Have you tried this? http://www.sae.edu/ Many locations all around the world.

Yes, MrBluesman, I already know SAE and some people who has been there in Milan came away after few weeks asking money back because after having spent a lot of money ( it's very expensive ) they were learning a bit more than nothing. So I don't know about SAE abroad but I don't trust so much in this school anymore...beyond this I need more pratcice than theory ( I think to know it quite enough, maybe I need just to revise it ), so I'd go to a school again only if I have good news from students who have been there ( like good teachers and a real possibility to find a job ). Bye.
Bobo

I have heard good things about the institute of audio research. If you check out their website, you'll see that their program is really good. I am moving over to new york soon and im gonna attend this school! And btw, the other school you found is in long island and not in new york city, if location matters to you. (I have lived in Long Island and it can become boring.)
Good luck!

Thank you rndanny for your informations. I am looking for serious people who can give me the right informations on what to do. It will take some time ( hope no too much, i want to start as soon as possible ) but I'd like to be quite sure about the right steps to follow. Bye.
Bobo