Study abroad this summer in London with IFSA
London
, England

IFSA Summer in London

Program Overview

With icons like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower of London all around you, you can’t help but absorb London’s many layers of tradition and history. It’s a setting that’s hard to top for exploring the impact of fantasy literature on life as we know it, with the Harry Potter novels, His Dark MaterialsThe Lord of the Rings, and more as your text. Multicultural London is also prime ground to see how gender, race, and class come into play in a sophisticated, worldly city.

Enroll in a single four-week session or take two sessions back to back with an eight-week stay.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

2.00

Credit load

3 - 6

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Instruction language

English

Prerequisites

None

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Academics

During your IFSA Summer in London, customize your study abroad experience by taking a class during the four-week Session 1 or take a class during the four-week Session 2. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2.

SESSION 1 CLASS

Urban Identities: Gender, Race, and Class in London Drawing from anthropology and sociology, this course utilizes intercultural learning theories to foster awareness of one’s own perspectives as well as those of the myriad communities that comprise London. Multiple approaches to framing the multicultural city and appreciating common and contested spaces as inherent to urban diversity are included. This course will examine the role, function, and effects of identity as it relates to the lived experiences of Londoners. While case studies examine gender, race, and class specifically, the course will approach identity from the perspective of intersectionality, in which the dimensions of diversity are understood as the simultaneous interplay of multiple factors. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Directed Research
This class offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into host context research projects. Students will be guided through projects that are both feasible in the study abroad context and relevant to their broader intellectual interests. The class is structured through regular individual meetings with a faculty mentor to discuss the formation and execution of a research plan and, depending on the specific project, the possibility to conduct field- or internet-based research. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

SESSION 2 CLASS

Fantasy in the Real World: Literature through the Sociological Lens
Fantasy literature has great power—but does it also have great responsibility? This course looks at mainstream and fringe fantasy literature from the past century and the power that it has in modern society at large. We will examine its creation, consumption, and its ability to impact the real world. Using works such as the Harry Potter novels, His Dark MaterialsThe Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones, as well as lesser-known writings, we will embrace the fantasy genre as a safe space to explore sociological topics that are difficult to clarify in the real world, such as race, gender, class, and political processes. Students will take advantage of our London location, exploring sites important to these works including the Harry Potter studio tour, and feature guest speakers who have worked on text adaptations. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Directed Research
This class offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into host context research projects. Students will be guided through projects that are both feasible in the study abroad context and relevant to their broader intellectual interests. The class is structured through regular individual meetings with a faculty mentor to discuss the formation and execution of a research plan and, depending on the specific project, the possibility to conduct field- or internet-based research. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in Session 2 of this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.

Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.

Directed Research
Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts on a contemporary issue of interest. Regular meetings with faculty will assist in the formation and execution of research plans, and they will guide you on how to thoughtfully and critically integrate academic research with experiential learning. You will sharpen your written and oral communication skills through the development of articulate and comprehensive research that is respectful to the sensitivities of the local culture. For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

Visa Requirement
Not required for U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizens. A visa may be required if you are a citizen of another country.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t our control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As a result, we cannot guarantee these activities and excursions.

  • Windsor and Eton: Roughly half an hour by train from London, the beautiful Berkshire towns of Windsor and Eaton occupy opposite sides of the Thames. There’s no shortage of history here, with Windsor Castle—an imposing architectural study, built by Norman the Conqueror and now a residence for the British Royal family—and Eton College—a prestigious all-boys public school with a long list of famous alums.
  • London’s Southbank Walk and Borough Market. Wander the River Thames then nosh on fish and chips, Thai curry, and more­—there are hundreds of produce and street food stalls to choose from. Soak up some history as you refuel—food markets have stood here since the Middle Ages.
  • Get to know the real London with Unseen Tours. No one knows London like the locals. Explore the East End’s Brick Lane—known for its street art and multicultural heritage—or the West End’s Covenant Garden—once orchard garden for Westminster Abbey, now home of theatre, opera, shopping, and food galore.
  • Brighton Day Trip. Widely recognized as UK’s gay capital, this seaside city is also where the mods and rockers were ’60s rivals. Home of Palace Pier, Brighton Royal Pavilion, historic streets, bohemian shops—and tasty fish and chips.
  • Kent Day Trip. One day trip, three treasures. Wonder at stained glass, tombs, artefacts, and 1,400 years of history at Canterbury Castle. Explore Leeds Castle, once a fortress, then a royal residence with a spectacular “floating” island location on the River Len. See why Kent’s staggering chalk-white cliffs are a UK icon, forever linked to World War II, Shakespeare’s King Lear, and more.
  • Shakespeare’s Globe: In London’s Southbank, travel back to 1599 and explore what’s arguably the world’s most famous theatre. Along the way, learn about Shakespeare and the history of this legendary open-air structure.
  • Buckingham Palace. On the bucket list for countless UK visitors, here’s your chance to see the majestic London home of British monarchs since Queen Victoria in 1837. (Look for the Royal Standard’s yellow, red and blue squares that signify the king is in residence.)
  • Thames River Boat Cruise. Get a perspective on London you can’t find from land. See why England’s longest river has long been a vital link for trade and transport as you take in icons like Big Ben, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the House of Parliament, and the London Eye, and more, depending on route.
  • Independence Day BBQ. You may be in the UK, but you can still celebrate the fabulous U.S. Independence Day with a festive get-together and meal.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

You will live in centrally located, fully furnished student residences in London. Bedrooms are arranged either in apartment clusters, or on communal corridors. You will share a bedroom with ensuite bathroom with another IFSA student and can expect to share kitchen facilities, too, ranging from in-unit kitchenettes to larger communal kitchen and dining areas. There is no meal plan so you will need to either purchase your meals or cook for yourself. Communal cooking and dining is a great way to manage your budget and get to know other students! Other communal spaces may be available within the residence depending on the building and location, to be confirmed in your prearrival materials.

Dates and Fees

Term

Term begins

Term ends

Program costs

Application deadline

Summer 2023 - Session 1

May 29, 2023

June 23, 2023

$4,975

Passed

Summer 2023 - Session 2

June 26, 2023

July 21, 2023

$4,975

Passed

Summer 2023 - Sessions 1 & 2

May 29, 2023

July 21, 2023

$9,225

Passed

Term

Summer 2023 - Session 1

Term begins

May 29, 2023

Term ends

June 23, 2023

Program costs

$4,975

Application deadline

Passed

Term

Summer 2023 - Session 2

Term begins

June 26, 2023

Term ends

July 21, 2023

Program costs

$4,975

Application deadline

Passed

Term

Summer 2023 - Sessions 1 & 2

Term begins

May 29, 2023

Term ends

July 21, 2023

Program costs

$9,225

Application deadline

Passed

Get Started

Eleni Katsarelas

Eleni Katsarelas

Admissions Counselor

Eleni Katsarelas

Eleni Katsarelas

Prearrival Counselor

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