A Life-Changing 14 Weeks! Past Review

By Brittany A (Theater, North Greenville University) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

There is no program around like NTI. After my 14 weeks, I felt confident that there was no theatrical challenge that I couldn't face and successfully complete. NTI pushed me to the limits of what I thought I could do in every area of the arts. I came to this program an actor looking to be challenged beyond what I was getting at my liberal arts college, and left as a confident theater-maker ready to face the professional world.

Review Photos

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	There is no program around like NTI. After my 14 weeks, I felt confident that there was no theatrical challenge that I couldn't face and successfully complete. NTI pushed me to the limits of what I thought I could do in every area of the arts. I came to this program an actor looking to be challenged beyond what I was getting at my liberal arts college, and left as a confident theater-maker ready to face the professional world.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The administration during my time at NTI was so great. They were very helpful in providing answers to my financial questions specifically as I was preparing for the program. Once I arrived, the administration was very involved in making sure our time was well-planned and safe.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	You're hardly in your housing, except to sleep! The buildings are pretty charming, and you can feel the rich history of the students that have come before you.
* Food:	There are 3 meals a day, 7 days a week while at NTI. There's typically a good variety of options, and there's always a salad bar as well. The kitchen staff is lovely, and wants to make sure there's something for everyone.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Since you spend most of your time in classes, there isn't too much leftover time to integrate with the local culture. Your culture becomes your fellow ensemble members during your NTI time. However, NTI did take us into the neighboring cities to see shows often, so I felt pretty aware of the theater culture in the surrounding areas.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	NTI is extremely on top of providing necessary health care to students. Whether it was routine doctors visits, or emergency cases, the staff of NTI is very well equipped to help students to the nearest hospital.
* Safety:	I always felt very safe at NTI, and during our travels abroad.
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)	Basically everything is covered in the comprehensive fee for NTI. Once I was there, I hardly spent any money.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Almost everything is covered in your comprehensive fee. You'll probably want some quarters for laundry, some money for Target trips, and spending money for your time abroad.

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	Local Students Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Challenging Collaborative "No shame!"
* What could be improved?	Longer programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Nothing. I came into the program knowing very little (my only exposure was from an alum that had done the program in the 90's), and I think that was the best way to do it. I didn't have any pre-conceived notions of what to expect besides the fact that I knew it was going to be an intense time. I came ready to work, and that's all you need to get started.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Acting
Course Department:
Instructor:	Brian McManamon, Derek Wilson, David Jaffe, Michael Cadman, etc...
Instruction Language:
Comments:	The acting classes at NTI are top notch! My contemporary work with Brian McManamon was groundbreaking for me as an actor. His approach is unique, but so tangible. Working with David Jaffe on Anton Chekhov scenes was a major highlight of my time at NTI. I am now a Chekhov lover, and it's all due to David's love and passion for the work that he instills in his students. Overall, each acting class you take provides you with a new perspective and the opportunity to try new things.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Design
Course Department:
Instructor:	Skip Mercier
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Skip's design class was such a surprise to me. I don't consider myself a designer, and I didn't think I could draw when I came to NTI. This class taught me the basics of scenic drawing in a way that I could understand, and it gave me the vocabulary necessary to have intelligent conversations about design as a director. His approach allows anyone (even the most design-challenged) to begin to understand the world of theatrical design. He's also so insightful! His advice on life in general helped me so much throughout my time at NTI, and after.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Directing
Course Department:
Instructor:	Jonathan Bernstein and several guest directors
Instruction Language:
Comments:	This class changed my entire perspective on creating theater. I went into the class expecting to learn about making stage pictures and how to run a rehearsal, but instead I learned that directing is so much more than that. Under Jonathan Bernstein and the various guest directors each week, I learned how to create a vision as a director, and then how to inspire my actors to help me make it a reality. I never had the desire to direct before NTI, and left wanting to direct at every possible opportunity.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Movement and Voice
Course Department:
Instructor:	Rachel Jett, David Chandler, Marya Ursin, Michelle Bach-Coulibaly, Anne Tofflemire, etc...
Instruction Language:
Comments:	The Movement and Voice portion of NTI is offered as several specialized classes each week (ex: Singing, Dance, Droznin Russian Movement, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Stage Combat, Voice & Speech, Authentic Movement, etc...). Each class gives very focused attention to its purpose. The biggest advantage to me was the chance to be exposed to so many methods and teaching styles.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Playwriting
Course Department:
Instructor:	Donna DiNovelli
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Donna is a miracle worker. She takes people who have never written before, and turns them into fabulous writers. I hadn't written very much before this class, and each week I learned new techniques for writing plays and observing the world around me. This class gave me the spark to continue writing on my own after NTI, and the courage to put my thoughts down on paper. One of the best classes I've ever taken!
Credit Transfer Issues: