Summer Abroad in England: Natalie's Student Experience

Meet Natalie Boehmer, a past participant in the Summer Abroad program in England. Natalie is an international student from just outside of Detroit, USA. She is a third year student, studying English and Celtic Studies at UTSG.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Natalie has kept Summer Abroad on her radar by following the official Instagram page and constantly checking the website for further details. Like many other students, Natalie was eager to apply once applications opened. So, why did Natalie pick ENG296: Special Topics in English Literature, Shakespeare? Well, apart from being an English major and needing to fulfill program requirements; Natalie is a complete “Shakespeare nerd” and the co-president of the Shakespeare club at UTSG. 

Naturally, Natalie choose ENG296: Special Topics in English Literature, Shakespeare, to enrich her academic experience. One of Natalie’s most memorable moments was on a class trip to the Globe theatre to see a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Natalie also enjoyed learning from professor Dr. Katherine Williams about all the different ways that a person can look through and understand a play such as understanding the power of silence, which characters remain on stage but don’t speak and why is this significant. 

In an interview, Natalie stated her Summer Abroad experience has allowed her to “be cautious in balancing school and social life”. Especially in terms of her academic and personal plans of thinking about a career in academia after graduate school while reminding herself that she can love Shakespeare and Scottish Gaelic. 

Here is the Shakespeare Club information if you would like to learn more about Natalie or if you would like to join the club:

Insta/Facebook: @uoftshakespeare

Email: shakespeareclub1616@gmail.com

Google form: https://forms.gle/tHhoAsSvQ8nuDKxA7