arts+sciences (university college london)

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By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015

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Program Overview

If you’re looking for a rigorous and creative academic experience abroad, and the opportunity to explore a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital through cultural and leisure activities, you’ve found it.

In England you’ll enjoy a wide variety of course options through direct enrollment at University College London; coordinated cultural activities; and integration with a local and international student body allowing you to become a participant in the social and intellectual life of perhaps the most dynamic and diverse city in Europe.

Study abroad in London and you will:

• Choose from a wide range of courses including art, mathematics, linguistics, physics, anthropology, and philosophy
• Live in the heart of London; UCL occupies a compact area surrounded by academic and professional institutions with parks and museums on its doorstep
• Integrate with local students through UCL's large and diverse student union, a focus of student life at UCL that includes over 120 union-affiliated clubs and societies and a volunteering services unit

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

Enroll directly in one of the top universities in the UK and one of the most diverse, with a study body drawn from over 140 countries. Choose from a variety of courses in departments including the arts and Humanities, Engineering, Law, Architecture and Design, History, and the Sciences.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

CIEE excursions to Parliament, sporting events, concerts, and the theater help you explore all aspects of contemporary London during your stay. Each semester also includes a weekend trip to another area within the UK or Ireland. Past participants have had the opportunity to visit Edinburgh, Dublin, and the Welsh coast.

University Life

UCL has a large and diverse student union which forms the focus of student life at UCL. There are over 120 union-affiliated clubs and societies including cultural, sports, arts, religious, media, and departmental. The groups have access to meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a resource center. The performing arts societies may have the opportunity to perform at UCL’s own West End Theatre.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

03/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$21,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$15,448

Housing

$6,000

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,600

International Airfare *

$1,250

Local Transportation

$600

Books & Supplies

$300

Visa Fees

$450

Personal expenses

$3,000

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014 (23 wks)

09/15/2013

01/08/2014

06/21/2014

$21,850

Program Date Notes

Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$15,448

Housing

$6,000

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,600

International Airfare *

$1,250

Local Transportation

$600

Books & Supplies

$300

Visa Fees

$450

Personal expenses

$3,000

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2015

10/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

03/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$41,500

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$29,098

Housing

$12,000

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$5,200

International Airfare *

$1,250

Local Transportation

$1,200

Books & Supplies

$600

Visa Fees

$450

Personal expenses

$6,000

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 3.3
• 3.5 GPA for students planning to take courses in English, history, psychology, or economics
• Junior status required; second semester sophomore with strong application will be considered.

Recommended Credit

Students typically earn 16 semester/24 quarter hour credits during the fall or spring semesters and 32 semester/48 quarter hour credits during the academic year.

Each course is typically worth four semester credits.

Program Requirements

Study abroad students typically take four courses during the semester and eight during the academic year. Students apply to one academic department where they take at least 50% of their courses. Students admitted to a single department are allowed to take one or two courses in another department (without being admitted) after consultation with the appropriate tutor on arrival at UCL. Study abroad students may sometimes be admitted to two departments. This might be advisable if the student has a requirement to take a course which will count towards their major at their home institution. CIEE students may apply to any courses available to study abroad students for which they meet the UCL prerequisites.

About The City

Home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, London is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with over 250 languages spoken in the UK capital. This makes London the most linguistically diverse city in the world. London is at the cutting edge of the arts scene and provides access to music, fashion, museums (which are all free!), comedy, and theater. For those who want a break in the pace of London life, there is an abundance of green space to be explored in and around the capital, which boasts eight Royal Parks right in the heart of the city.

Meet The Staff

Elizabeth Lippolis

Originally from New York, Resident Director Elizabeth Lippolis studied communications at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. She has lived and worked with American study abroad students in London since 2002 and is an expert on advising students on cultural adjustment and living abroad. Elizabeth has traveled extensively throughout the UK and Europe, providing a wealth of information for CIEE students. As Resident Director, Elizabeth is available for advice and support throughout the semester and oversees all aspects of the CIEE London Program.

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London alone is home to nearly eight million people and attracts 30 million international tourists a year, making the UK’s Capital city the world’s leading tourism destination. This is interesting given the fact that England on its own is the same size of Alabama and the UK as a whole can be compared to the size of Oregon. Students often wish they could stay longer and many come back to complete a post graduate degree. So, what does such a small country that for so long fought against stereotypes of bad food and poor climate have to offer? Firstly, it doesn’t always rain! You might have four seasons in a day but it’s not all doom and gloom as the sun does shine. Secondly, the food isn’t bad! One in three Londoners are from an ethnic minority which has played a large role in London’s culinary explosion. A curry for example has long surpassed fish and chips as the national dish. Finally, London is at the forefront of the world’s top art, fashion and music scenes – not to mention the most popular football league in the world. London loves to celebrate individuality so if you come to study in London, just be yourself. There’s something here for everyone!

—Elizabeth Lippolis, Resident Director

“”

Where You'll Study

Ranked as one of the top universities in the UK, University College London (UCL) has a world-class reputation. It is highly selective and offers a very challenging academic experience. Founded in 1826, UCL was the third university in England and is currently the largest college within the University of London. The College was the first to admit students of any religion and social background, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men. Today, nearly 40% of the study body comes from outside the UK and from over 140 countries. Despite its large student body, the cluster of UCL buildings, known as the College precinct, provides a compact, cloistered environment conducive to academic pursuit within its cosmopolitan surroundings.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students are typically housed in single or shared, self-catered rooms with shared kitchens and baths. However, UCL housing cannot be guaranteed and students may be placed in an intercollegiate or private residence hall. The UCL student residences are located within a short walk or tube commute of the main UCL campus.

Students are responsible for their own meals during the entire program; however, some meals are provided during orientation. Meals may be prepared in the residence’s kitchen facilities, or eaten at campus cafeterias and restaurants or London restaurants.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in London even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A on-site orientation, also led by the resident director, includes an introduction to British society and culture, review of London transportation, safety around London, and health and wellbeing. The CIEE resident director also helps you prepare for classes at your host institution. In addition, various activities such as a bus tour of London, West End theatre performance, and a comedy show are provided by CIEE, allowing you the opportunity to meet other students and get adjusted to London before the start of classes.

You'll also take part in orientation activities provided by UCL for all international students. This orientation introduces you to the academic requirements of the University, campus life, and the services available at the University administrative offices.

Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wirless-enabled laptop. You'll have free Internet access through network points in open-access cluster rooms and some college residences. Many departments have network points for use by their own students only.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

CIEE excursions to Parliament, sporting events, concerts, and the theater help you explore all aspects of contemporary London during your stay. Each semester also includes a weekend trip to another area within the UK or Ireland. Past participants have had the opportunity to visit Edinburgh, Dublin, and the Welsh coast.

University Life

UCL has a large and diverse Union which forms the focus of student life at UCL. There are over 120 union-affiliated clubs and societies; cultural, sports, arts, religious, media, and departmental. The groups have access to meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a resource center. The performing arts societies may have the opportunity to perform at UCL’s own West End Theatre.

Sporting facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and a sports ground for team sports. All UCL students are part of the University of London union which is located a few minutes away and houses a swimming pool, gyms, and lounges.

The Union’s Volunteering Services Unit will help you get involved in a wide range of volunteering opportunities in community action projects around London.

Academics

The CIEE Study Center in London opened in 2000. University College London (UCL) was added as a host institution in 2006. The Arts and Sciences study abroad program is designed for students who are highly motivated, think creatively, and look forward to living in a different culture. Students who apply to study at University College London should be serious minded and motivated to work hard in their chosen discipline. Cross registration among CIEE host institutions is not possible.

Academic Culture

CIEE participants will notice a striking difference between the educational system in the U.S. and Britain. The British educational system allows students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. This study abroad program is geared towards students who are motivated, self-sufficient, and fully interested in experiencing the British educational system. To aid in this transition, the CIEE London resident director will cover these differences during orientation and be available throughout the semester.

CIEE students take a series of lecture courses. Associated with each lecture course are seminars, tutorials, and possibly laboratory classes. Students are normally expected to prepare work in advance for seminars and tutorials, and this can take the form of researching a topic for discussion, writing essays, or solving problems. Lectures, seminars, and tutorials are all one hour long, while laboratory classes usually last two to three hours.

Much emphasis is put on the private study nature of the British system and students are expected to spend at least as much time studying by themselves as being taught. Each study abroad student has a UCL tutor whom he or she can consult about academic or personal matters.

The fall term at UCL runs from September to December; the spring term runs from January to March; and the summer term runs from April to June. Students participating in the U.S. spring semester attend UCL for the spring and summer terms; there is a four-week break between terms. Students may not enroll for the UCL spring or summer term only.

Nature of Classes

CIEE students take University College London classes with CIEE, British, and other international students.

Grading System

The method of assessment depends on the course and the department in which it is taught. Where possible, students are assessed in the same way as their UCL undergraduate peers. Academic year and spring semester students are normally required to take the end of the year exam during the UCL summer term. Fall semester students are assessed by their UCL departments either through a special exam or end of semester term papers. The method of assessment is clearly stated in the subject/departmental entry and can be confirmed when finalizing course registration upon arrival at UCL.

Language of Instruction

English

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty from UCL.

Course Description

Program Blog

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