Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Attending NTI was a pivotal choice for me during my undergraduate experience Past Review

By (Hampshire College) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Attending NTI was more than worthwhile-- I can't imagine myself without it. It was an incredible experience that has helped shape who I am as a collaborator and as a theatre artist. I took classes in acting, dramaturgy, yoga, voice, directing, design, playwriting, movement, and much more. The ensemble work that we did transformed my idea of the theatremaking process.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My NTI semester gave me the opportunity to engage in intensive, conservatory-style training for an entire semester-- which was something I couldn't get from my liberal arts college. The classes were rigorous, the teachers were passionate, and my fellow classmates were committed. It was a life-changing experience, both theatre-wise and in a broader sense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Administrative staff was always very friendly and accessible. The program itself was well organized, with a lot of support for the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the cottage, which was humble but comfortable. My roommate and I got along really well-- we're still very good friends! I loved my time there.

* Food:

The food offerings were great! A salad bar, cereal, bagels, juice, coffee, and a hot food bar. I was well fed and very satisfied!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent a bit of time in town of Waterford and New London. We did some rehearsing at The Garde Arts Center, and also visited the Monte Cristo Cottage (Eugene O'Neill's summer house!)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe throughout my time at NTI, as well as on our trips to New York and London.

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)

Everything was covered by the cost of the program.

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

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The rigorous yet supportive work environment
  • The committed and passionate NTI community
  • The variety of classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • Support for student's emotional health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been prepared to take more risks; to challenge myself.

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!