<p>My daughter is in an enviable position of trying to decide between her first and second choices of MT schools. She was accepted at Boston Conservatory and Guildford School of Acting in Surrey, England. We are well aware of the reputation (and price tag) at BoCo. Guildford (GSA) would be about 20k less per year and it is only a three year BFA program. Dad sees the cost savings at GSA and the rare opportunity to live and study abroad. My daughter's dream would be to be able to break into London's "west end" theater scene. So, we see a lot of benefits to studying MT in England. However, turning down the chance at BoCo feels foolish. Does anyone have an opinion on the training over there vs. here in the states? Would studying over there provide any advantage to studying here? Should she just flip a coin?</p>
<p>Two things to investigate and think about:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>the dates of the school year. Many UK schools are on a different schedule than those in North America and thus it can be difficult if you want to work in the U.S. during summers. Many options will be closed because you won’t be available during a typical summer season.</p></li>
<li><p>as for breaking into theatre in London. You will need to check the immigration/working visa situation very carefully, for ANY work there, not just the West End ( which carries its own challenges). </p></li>
</ul>
<p>p.s. Studying abroad is not really a rare opportunity. Many kids do it.</p>
<p>Study in England!!! It IS a once in a lifetime opportunity. While it is true that many college kids study abroad, most MT BFA programs do not allow students to!! Of course, if your daughter LOVES BoCo and thinks it’s worth the money, then that is the right school. But she should really think her options through; don’t let her get caught in the trap of choosing a “top notch” school simply for the name, as many kids on this forum do. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against these amazing programs, but these simply aren’t the best options for every student (as I have found throughout this process!). That’s why it is so important to investigate BA or other options, as your D did with the school in England. If your D is anything like me (and she sounds like she is!) she would have an AMAZING time studying/living abroad. Plus, she will gain international awareness, independence, and connections, and of course possibly get a leg up in the West End. Coming from a student who has family in Europe, it is SO important to gain these experiences while you’re still young! Let your D’s instincts (and possibly financial aid ;] ) guide her to the right school. Best of luck wherever she ends up!!</p>
<p>having considered studying overseas at one time and talking to different people about it. i’ve heard that getting MT jobs in the UK is less competitive than it is here if you have the training to get you work. Also, all students upon graduating from a program that grants a degree in Acting/MT are given the chance to join British Equity. So international students, I was told, would join equity and be able to get a work visa that would last for a year or two (not sure about the specific facts) that can and will be extended if the person gets work during that time and continues to get work.</p>
<p>While studying abroad is not the rarest opportunity…a semester of study abroad vs 3 years at a conservatory in the UK are completely different definitions of studying abroad. One only begins to experience life in a foreign country within the span of 4 months–there is still the element of being a “tourist” and foreigner in the experience. 3 years will truly teach someone about living in a different culture. Don’t even mention summer opportunities to study abroad that last for a month or two. That’s not really study abroad by any definition–there is no time for real immersion.</p>
<p>But really. Instead of trying to think what is wisest to choose or the folly behind a decision, listen to your daughter. Where does it seem her instincts are telling her choose? As difficult the decision is probably for her at the moment, I’m sure there is a program beneath all the pro and con weighing that she really feels is really calling her.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your input. I think her instincts are to go abroad. Will try to post an update.</p>
<p>She should go with that instinct. The opportunity to be educated abroad as opposed to spending a semester, should not be passed up, especially if it will be less expensive. Seeing other countries and other perspectives, broadening her view of the world will only help her as a performer.</p>
<p>I am the same boat going across the pond to check out Lipa and late audition at Guildhall,best of luck to all making these hard decisions!</p>
<p>Some of the other UK schools that she looked into; Central School of Speech and Drama, Arts Educational School of London, Guildford School of Acting, and Guildhall. She heard great things about the Royal Scottish watch-a-ma-callit, but wanted to be closer to London.</p>
<p>Did she not look into Mountview? I know one CC student got in…I am very interested to hear more about these UK programs.</p>
<p>Mountview rings a bell too. I will try to get her to post on here after school to add some detail on her search of UK schools.</p>
<p>The schools I had heard were the best for music theatre in England were: Arts Educational School of London, Guildford School of Acting, Mountview Academy, as well as Laines. I know an acting student at Central School of Speech and Drama so she gave me a big list with stars next to the top ranking drama schools in the UK. I also went to Arts Ed this past summer for a music theatre course and absolutely loved it (although it was very intense)! I like how GSA’s program is only 3 years, and I will be ready to get work sooner. I am still wondering whether Guildford has a cut system? I know Boston Conservatory has a tough cut system. My impression is that at either school, I would get great training and be ready for work after graduation. I just can’t see how the debt from study at BOCO would be worth it.</p>
<p>^^^^^^That her! Welcome to the conversation Pey1234 ^^^^</p>
<p>^^^^Point of clarification. Boco does not have a tough cut system, they have sophomore promotionals. And many warnings are given first, including 6 months of probation. Most if not all that are cut are just not working hard. Rarely and I mean rarely is anyone cut for lack of talent or lack of any real progress.</p>
<p>If I was you, I would reach out to some of GSA current and past students and ask them how prepared they felt after attending. Also, do many of the graduates have success here in the states or just in London? I searched GSA website to see what kind of work the graduates were getting and I did not see any work outside the UK. </p>
<p>Do you live here in the US or UK? One major expense to consider is international travel for either the parents or student.</p>
<p>@semperfly</p>
<p>“the Royal Scottish watch-a-ma-callit” used to be known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) but about a year ago they changed the name to The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). They added film and dance and I guess did not want to make the name even longer. I’ll be attending their 3 year program for MT starting this fall. When I graduate, I can get an extension to work in the U.K for up to three years. I would imagine your daughter would qualify for the same if she chooses Guildford.</p>
<p>Before making this very big decision, I would make certain I’d know about the work visa rules for foreigners in England. I’ve heard that it’s extremely difficult to get any jobs once the student visa runs out, and that getting a work visa is also very challenging. Also, that it’s unlikely to last more than one year, two at most–if true, this would force her to come back to the U.S. on graduation or a year after. I’m most definitely NOT saying your D should not go to England; I’m only saying you should make your decision with as much information as possible. I guess I’d ask the school for references of American actors who’ve graduated from the program. Where are they now? I’d contact them and talk to them about their work experiences.</p>
<p>I lived in England for a year while going to school there; it’s definitely different from here on many levels and while certainly a wonderful opportunity - I think the training is excellent and the cost difference is considerable - your D should also be aware of the many differences. For instance, many of the students there are much more independent, in separate flats, than students here. If your D is the independent sort, great. But definitely make sure this would be good for her. </p>
<p>Do you have the resources to visit? Can she get a sense of what it’s like there before you commit? </p>
<p>BoCo and GSA are both top, but have very different atmospheres and probably (I’m guessing) different training. </p>
<p>Good luck–</p>
<p>hoveringmom makes a good point, and as a matter of fact, if a student is drifting in that “llimbo” between visas, if they leave even to come home to the US for a visit, they are not usually permitted to go back and the work visa process has to begin anew from this side of the pond, which is not easy at all. A friend’s D was in this position after getting her Masters in the UK and wasn’t even able to come home for Christmas- luckily, all is fine now and she will continue on for her PhD in England and her work visa allows her to work up to 20 hours/wk.</p>
<p>I mentioned the visa and work permit issue when the original post was made. It is not something to be ignored in this decision. My D has worked in the UK for close to four years now and has had no problem because she has UK heritage (grandparent). Most kids will have to wind their way through the immigration issues and, trust me, they are considerable if you want to work there. It isn’t as easy as graduating, joining Equity and booking work. My D has known several actors who have had great difficulty getting the okay to stay more than a year. Booking work becomes difficult as a result. Ask the school for some U.S. grad contacts and be sure to speak to them. Ask about what they did for summer work when they’re not going to be able to follow the usual N.A. route. Did their visa allow them to work summers there? What type of summer stock opportunities are there? Will she be happy to stay there year round? Will you? Lots to think about.</p>
<p>One additional consideration, that I didn’t mention in my earlier post, is that any cost savings in tuition must be balanced against the very expensive COL in London and the costs of travel back and forth from the U.S. How many trips home will she be able to afford? Will you be able to visit her? To see her shows? These are practical considerations that are easy to ignore when in the throes of excitement about living in another country. 
I always advise people to conduct thorough research about ANY school, but a school this far away from home and where information is more difficult to obtain, you really need to research this thoroughly.</p>
<p>Luvzth8r- please don’t take offense at my attempt at humor. Congratulations on RCS! You and Pey1234 should PM each other and share each other’s excitement, apprehension and thoughts about studying in the UK. </p>
<p>MTDad- You point out what has been a concern of mine. From my own (uninformed and outside of the industry) observation I see many more Brits working in US film and TV than vice versa. Is that due to the work visa difficulties or is there more bias and networking involved in the UK? I know that studying in the UK does not grant you home-boy or native status, but it probably enables you to make all of those valuable industry connections that actors rely upon. </p>
<p>Hoveringmom, mezzosmamma, and alwaysamom- We will look into the work visa details. I would think that a sponsoring employer might help facilitate the visa. Maybe our UK heritage will help too (but that was about 250 years ago )</p>
<p>As for travel, my employer has me in London almost monthly, so the travel costs are minimal. We are still trying to track down GSA alum. We will probably visit both BoCo and GSA in the next week or two. Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses!</p>
<p>@semperfly</p>
<p>No offense taken at all. I was just pointing out the name/name change for those reading these posts for years to come. Sort of like the Westminster College of Arts/Rider name change that seemed confusing to me at first. Good luck to your D as well. She has two excellent choices.</p>
<p>semperfly - you also stated that your D was interested in MT and not so much film and TV. Although similar, they are two distinctly different paths.</p>