Learning Abroad in Theatre Arts

Academic Planning

Review the following suggestions from the Theatre program before beginning your study abroad research.

Choose your study abroad experience wisely

Theatre BFA Students

All BFA students spend the fall semester of their junior year abroad in London. Experiences have included intensive work with the Globe Theatre, London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA) and many highly qualified London based professional artists.

Theatre BA Students

BA students are encouraged to study abroad at any time during their undergraduate years, however students should consider how the timing of a study abroad experience will impact course sequencing and graduation planning for Theatre specific coursework. Early planning allows for greater flexibility in program choice and leaves open the possibility of additional learning abroad opportunities. Advance planning with the undergraduate adviser will facilitate a study abroad experience that fulfills major elective requirements.

• Begin at least six months to a year in advance of your study abroad program/experience. It is never too early to start planning.
• Prioritize your goals. Consider your long-term academic and professional goals, as well as your on-campus degree requirements.
• Consider short-term programs, long-term programs, or a combination of both.
• Give yourself time to research and talk to advisers and students who have studied abroad.

Work on your Theatre Major

Though each course is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, consider the following recommendations before starting your research:

• Some required courses for the major are offered only once a year and many courses are offered in specific sequence with prerequisite requirements, so discuss your plans with your adviser in advance to determine when a learning abroad experience would best fit within your program of study.
• If, once abroad, you become interested in a course which you did not consult before departure, email the undergraduate adviser before registering for it; never assume without prior consultation that a course will apply to the major.

Learning abroad courses receive tentative pre-approval from the undergraduate adviser prior to leaving for your learning abroad experience. Upon your return, you must submit to the undergraduate adviser a detailed syllabus and, if available, class materials from the learning abroad course for final approval toward your major.

Consider timing and length

• There is no “best” time for everyone. Meet with your Theatre Adviser to discuss the best timing for your individual graduation plan and Theatre Program course sequencing.
• Senior-year study abroad, although common, may require additional planning. When are graduate school applications due? Do you need to take exams given only at particular times of year, or only in the U.S.? Will the grades from your study abroad arrive in time for graduation?

Seek cultural immersion

• Deep involvement in the host culture leads to personal growth and instills the cross-cultural skills that are so important to success in the workplace and community.
• Consider a program that houses you with a family or host-country roommate.
• Be realistic. Not all students are ready for the same amount of cultural immersion.

Pay special attention to program type

• Format and teaching approach are every bit as important as location and length. Consider your learning style, your educational and personal goals, and department advice.

Fulfill Liberal Education requirements

• Advance planning can help you apply study abroad credits to many of the University’s Liberal Education requirements.
• Decide early which requirements you want to satisfy through courses taken abroad and plan your coursework accordingly.
• Consult the Learning Abroad Center’s database of study abroad courses that have been approved for Liberal Education.

Once You Have Selected a Program

• Use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to structure your academic planning.
• Once you have chosen the courses that you want to take abroad (always choosing more courses than you intend to take), meet with the undergraduate adviser in Theatre—preferably at least 3 months before departure.

While You Are Abroad

• If, once you are in country, you become interested in a course that was not included on your APSA but might be pertinent to your major, gather as much information as you can about the course and then consult by email with the undergraduate adviser before committing yourself.
• Hold onto course materials (e.g., syllabus, exams, papers, reports, and at least a photocopied table of contents of any key textbook) and bring them home with you.

After You Return

• Make an appointment with your undergraduate adviser in Theatre to review overseas courses for which you wish to obtain final approval for use toward the Theatre major. Your Theatre Adviser will update your Theatre Major form and file at this time. For other majors or minors you will need to do the same in a different department.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

• CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.

Programs