Why did you decide to study abroad with the University of East Anglia in England?
Emma: I’ve loved England and English culture since I was little, but particularly as a teenager. The subject I studied was British Contemporary Theatre, and I have loved drama, theatre and acting for a long time and it defined a lot of my teenage years. To be able to study theatre in its birthplace, all whilst skipping a month of winter at home? I’d sign up again in a heartbeat!
Also, my university (University of Sydney) has a partnership with the University of East Anglia, so it made the process a lot easier and was very comforting to know that there was pre-established communication between the two unis.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Emma: The subject had a very strong focus on actually going to see theatre and analysing it within the context of Contemporary British Theatre, rather than just reading theory and reading accounts of plays.
The classes were very small, and were largely discussion based led by my unit mentor, which was quite different to the large classes I have at home focused on analysing readings. That was excellent in an academic sense.
In a personal sense, being able to meet people from all around the world was a context I’ve never been in, and the close-knit group that formed from studying and living overseas together was amazing.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Emma: I’ve had a very unique learning experience with drama and plays. I am studying to be a high school history/English teacher, so the experience I had with analysing plays as they are, rather than as another text type, will be extremely valuable in the classroom.
I’ve also been able to live in England in a very unique way, that is, I wasn’t just a tourist who was ticking off seeing the sights! I really experienced what it was like to be a Londoner. Plus, I made absolutely fantastic friends (who I plan to visit and sleep on their living room floors during future trips!)
What is one piece of advice you would offer something considering studying abroad in England?
Emma: Don’t let cold feet and nerves keep you from going. This was the first big trip I had taken overseas, and the first trip I had been on by myself. I didn’t know anyone before I left, and that made me extremely nervous. I was worried that everything would go wrong and everyone would be horrible and hate me, but it’s simply not the case.
If you’re excited to go, just think about how excited everyone else is too! Everyone is in the same boat, and the summer school program has great support networks and helps make it as easy as possible to get to know everyone.