This Winter Break, make the world your stage by studying abroad for two weeks in London! Led by Kristin Johnsen-Neshati, Associate Professor of Theater at George Mason University, this study abroad program has been one of Mason Study Abroad's most popular for over nine years running! Participants will see a number of shows, ranging from fringe productions to West End productions. A distinguishing component of this program are the workshops and backstage tours that students will attend. Backstage tours and interactive workshops are two of the highlights of this program, especially those conducted by the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
Program Highlights
Previous plays have included:
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
- Golem
- Treasure Island
- The Knight of the Burning Pestle
- Love’s Labours Won
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers
- The Scottsboro Boys
- Henry IV, Part 1
- Assassins
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students including students who do not attend George Mason University. Members of the general public who are 18 years or older are also welcome to apply.
Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 2.25.
Credits
Students will choose one 3-credit course during the application process.
Anticipated Course Options
Undergraduate:
- Honors - HNRS 122: Reading the Arts
- English - ENGH 202: Texts and Contexts (satisfies Mason Core requirement for Literature)
- English - ENGH 309: Topics in Literature
- Theater - THR 101: Theatrical Medium (satisfies Mason Core requirement for Arts)
- Theater - THR 359: World Stages (satisfies Mason Core requirement for Global Understanding)
- Theater - THR 497: Independent Study
- Integrative Studies - INTS 399: Study Abroad
Graduate:
- Theater - THR 599: Independent Study
Program Dates*
Early to Mid January, 2021
Sample Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Students arrive in London; Welcome dinner |
| Day 2 |
Class; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 3 |
National Theatre Tour; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 4 |
Class; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 5 |
Day trip to Stratford Upon Avon; Workshop at the Royal Shakespeare Company; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 6 |
Class; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 7 |
Free Day |
| Day 8 |
Free Day |
| Day 9 |
Class; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 10 |
Royal Opera House Backstage Tour |
| Day 11 |
Workshop at the University of Surrey |
| Day 12 |
Class; Workshop and tour at the Globe Theatre; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 13 |
Tour of the Battersea Performing Arts Center; Evening Theatre Performance |
| Day 14 |
Farewell dinner |
| Day 15 |
Students depart for the U.S. |
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Winter 2020: $4,100
Winter 2021: Available August 30, 2020
Included: Tuition for 3 credits, double occupancy in hotels, daily breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, guided tours and performances as described in itinerary, travel card, hop on/hop off bus tickets, international emergency medical insurance.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, some meals, personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials. *Note: Participants must arrange their own airfare once instructed to do so by the Mason Global Education Office.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by October 20th. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by November 10th. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Refund and Cancellation Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason GEO
Refund and Cancellation Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students on this program are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Opens:
May 1st
Application Deadline:
October 10th
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.
Application instructions: