<p>Hey all, I’m an American HS junior looking to apply as a drama/theater arts major. I know that UBC has some really great facilities (the Chan Centre) and Vancouver is a great place for actors to start because of the TV and film industry there, but I’m curious about a few things.</p>
<p>-How is the cost? A lot of the guides I’ve been reading say that UBC is a lot less pricey than equivalent American schools, but with somewhat less financial aid.</p>
<p>-Is performing arts one of the strongest programs? Would I be better off at Simon Fraser or another institution (Canadian or American) for that?</p>
<p>-Is it difficult for Americans to fit in there?</p>
<p>-And what about housing? I’ve done a little research on it-- apparently the dorms are nice, but only guaranteed for freshmen, and the Vancouver real estate market is ferocious. Can somebody verify this?</p>
<p>Many thanks!</p>
<p>I know its a little late, but I’ll answer to the best of my ability.</p>
<p>I’m an American HS senior who was accepted to UBC.</p>
<p>UBC will run you ~$30k to $35k a year, including housing. And you’re right about the financial aide, I received merit scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars at universities at about the same prestige as UBC. UBC only gave me a $500 non-renewable scholarship. Apparently they’re very stingy with international applicants, which is a pity. </p>
<p>Unfortunately I have no idea if the performing arts are one of their strongest programs. UBC’s location in Vancouver definitely helps here though.</p>
<p>I don’t know if it’s difficult for Americans to fit in there, but I wouldn’t think so. Culturally, Canada and the US are very similar so I’m sure an American wouldn’t have too hard of time assimilating.</p>
<p>Sorry, I can’t say anything about the housing. I certainly hope that housing is guaranteed for international students beyond the freshman year…</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. Some guides (Fiske in particular) tout it as being a huge bargain-- although this was before the dollar went straight to hell. If it’s that cost-ineffective I can cross it off my list for sure.</p>
<p>UBC is great, but it is not cheap for international students.</p>
<p>I’m very much into theatre - have been doing it most of my life - and I took a theatre class this past year at UBC and let me tell you - I am absolutely in love with the program. I learned so much in the class - the methods taught were different from anything I’ve ever done - and the professors were fantastic with their subject matter and genuinely wanted the students to succeed. It was taught, incidentally, by two of the professors from the BFA Acting program. Also, I saw two of the three BFA shows at UBC and the performances were absolutely extraordinary. The Acting program is very competitive, but even if you just do a BA in Theatre, it is so worth it.</p>