Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Be.Here.Now Past Review

By (Theatre, University of Minnesota) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My life changed for the better. There are no words for NTI, but when you meet a fellow alum on the street you have an instant bond that cannot be broken.

Review Photos

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester Photo National Theater Institute: NTI Semester Photo National Theater Institute: NTI Semester Photo National Theater Institute: NTI Semester Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If I could compact my experience down like a piece of coal it would turn into a precious gem with magical properties. I'd keep this in a locket and never take it off. Metaphorically speaking, this gem will stay with you the rest of your life. At NTI you will develop a level of skill and discipline (intense discipline) that you will need to be a theatre artist. After my semester, I will never again be afraid of my craft.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Rachel makes sure you will be fed a nutritious and balanced diet. Vegetarians/vegans, and gluten free are taken care of.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

FAFSA will pay for tuition (talk to your off campus study office). No daily expenses - room and board provided. Occasional trips to Target to get shampoo and other necessities. Food stipend for two weeks in London is plenty to eat well and do some extra shopping. If you spend about 5 pounds per meal, then you'll have a bunch left over - smart budgeting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 0

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Risking
  • Failing
  • Risking Again
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
  • zip
  • nada
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry about packing heavy things like laundry detergent - if you can get it at Target get it there. READ ALL THE PLAYS YOU ARE ASSIGNED BEFORE ARRIVING!!!!!!!!!!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Playwriting
Course Department:
Instructor: Kia Korthron
Instruction Language:
Comments: You will be a writer after this course. You will find your voice.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Design
Course Department:
Instructor: Skip Mercier
Instruction Language:
Comments: Skip is a character. This isn't just a design class...I am bound by secrecy to let you figure out for yourself why this class is so special.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Shakespeare
Course Department: NTI
Instructor: Michael Cadmen
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class with Michael confirmed my love of text and classical theatre. I learned to fall in love with each character I played, to trust the text to guide me to there essence and physicality through the rhythms, imagery, and rhymes. Michael's passion for his craft is a blessing.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Directing
Course Department:
Instructor: Jonathan Bernstein
Instruction Language:
Comments: A great intro to directing and analyzing a script in both poetic and practical terms. JB is also very kind, and his enthusiasm for his art is unfailing.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Acting
Course Department:
Instructor: Brian McManamon
Instruction Language:
Comments: This course will tear you down emotionally, in the best way possible. Brian can read you like a book and will give you a great challenge in bringing yourself intimately to a character.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Heightened Realism
Course Department:
Instructor: Elizabeth Hess
Instruction Language:
Comments: Being in touch with your primal instincts will take you further into character.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Droznin
Course Department:
Instructor: Rachel Jett
Instruction Language:
Comments: Likely THE most physically demanding class you will take in your career. An actor's body is their instrument. In this course you will train that instrument to be strong and ready for anything.
Credit Transfer Issues: