Why Theatre Arts Majors Should Study Abroad

By Jean Wolski, Ph.D.
Chair, Theatre Arts

Jean Wolski

"The opportunity to study abroad is a gift that the university offers to each of its students. For students in the arts it is a part of university studies that should not be overlooked. For the theatre major the cultural roots of the craft lie in the theatres of Western Europe. The earliest forms of the drama were crafted in the Theatres of Greece and Rome and theatres of many styles flourished throughout Europe. Going further east the highly stylized theatre of Japan and China offer an intriguing look into those cultures. Studying abroad will give you the opportunity to see plays produced in a wide variety of styles and performance venues. Should the opportunity present itself I hope that you will take advantage of it."

Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Theatre Arts Majors

Australia

Central Queensland University
Rockhampton

Semester or Year

CQUniversity's main campus is located in Rockhampton, a city of about 60,000. "Rocky", as it is most commonly called, has a small town feel. It is known as the city "where the Outback meets the Reef". CQUniversity has many course options that will help you connect with Australian culture, such as Asian Pacific tourism, scuba diving lessons at the Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous Australian culture courses. THA 3751G, among others, is a course offered at CQU for Theater Arts majors.

Germany

University of Würzburg
Würzburg

Semester or Year

Würzburg is a young old city, as the people like to say. It is an old city because of its 1400 year old history. Each day, city-goers are surrounded by cultural artifacts dating back to different epochs. Yet, the city is young because Würzburg has one of the highest concentrations of 20 to 30-year-olds in Bavaria and thousands of students come to receive their education here.

Ireland

Politics on the Irish Stage (Faculty-led)
Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Bunratty, Aran Island, Galway, Donegal, Derry, and Belfast
Summer

Politics on the Irish Stage examines not only the works of the playwrights, but the country and culture that gave them their voice.The historical consciousness of the Irish theatre comes alive when reset in its context of place and habit. This program examines the use of theatre as a vehicle for expression to enact social change.

Italy

Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence, Italy

Summer, Semester or Year

Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. While at Palazzi, Theater Arts majors can take electives and general education courses.

Lorenzo de Medici
Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscania, or multiple cities in Italy

Summer, Semester or Year

Lorenzo de Medici (LDM) is one of the largest and leading international schools of Italy, with centers in Florence, Rome, Tuscania, and Venice.  You can choose to spend a summer or a semester in one of these cities, or you can choose three different cities for an unforgettable semester-long study abroad experience. It is an ideal school for those who wish to study theatre.

New Zealand

Massey University
Auckland, Palmerston North, or Wellington, New Zealand
Semester or Year

About 41,000 students study at one of Massey University's three campuses, making it the largest institution in the country. The University is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment and an intellectual climate in which students are encouraged to excel. Programs are designed to be relevant, reflect current research and meet the needs of the International Student community.

North Cyprus

Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta

Summer, Semester or Year

Eastern Mediterranean University is located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of three continents, which makes it easy and economical to travel to Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Egypt.  EMU is a comprehensive university with strong programs in many subject areas.  All EIU students receive a free room at EMU.

United Kingdom

University of Winchester
Winchester, England
Semester or Year

Winchester prides itself on being a very student-centered campus, and its small student body will help you feel at-home. Winchester was once the site the mythical Round Table of King Arthur. Today, you will find plenty of activities in and around Winchester to keep you busy; Stonehenge is just a stones-throw away while the seaside resort towns of Bornemouth and Poole are just an hour away. London is also an hour by train. Lower- and upper-division courses for Theater Arts majors are offered at the University of Winchester.

University of Glamorgan
Treforest, Wales

Semester or Year

Glamorgan is located in the small town of Treforest. Treforest is only minutes from the larger Pontypridd and just north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff.  World class theatres, museums, galleries, and great football (soccer) matches are all within easy reach of Treforest. Glamorgan's location offers the best of both worlds: a small town feel with big city opportunities available at your doorstep. The University of Glamorgan offers Theater Arts majors the chance to take upper-division core, core-option and elective courses.

Find more programs in our program finder!