arts+sciences (westminster)

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By Term

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

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Program Overview

Are interested in a rigorous and creative academic study abroad experience in media, communications, or business? Are you looking for program that also offers you the opportunity to explore a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital through cultural and leisure activities? If so, you’ve found it.

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

Study abroad in London and you will:

• Be part of a university that partners with businesses to meet the needs of London’s international economy
• Take classes in the highly respected media, arts, and design department with state-of-the-art facilities including professional studios for radio, television, and arts
• Live in residences located in prime areas across London
• Build your résumé, consider a for-credit internship

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

Enroll directly at The University of Westminster, an institution renowned for its innovate courses, teaching methods, and international student body. Pursue an interest in electronics and computer science; take a course in the Westminster School of Business, or get creative with the department of media, art, and design.

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

As a study abroad student at the University of Westminster, you are part of the student union and entitled to use any of its facilities at each academic center. You can become involved with the union through its extensive range of clubs and societies. The Health and Fitness Centre in the Regent Street building has cardiovascular, resistance, and free weight equipment, and a variety of fitness classes are offered including aerobics, kickboxing, and yoga. A wide range of sports and clubs are also available to you.

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

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$19,850

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 **

$14,698

Housing

$4,750

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

$750

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 (20 wks)

10/01/2013

01/02/2014

05/24/2014

$19,850

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 **

$14,698

Housing

$4,750

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

$750

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

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$37,700

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 **

$27,798

Housing

$9,500

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

$1,500

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 2.8
• 3.0 GPA for students interested in taking courses in communications, design, or media.

Recommended Credit

Study abroad students typically earn 16 semester/24 quarter hour credits during the semester and 32 semester/48 quarter hour credits during the academic year.

Each course is typically worth four semester credits.

Program Requirements

All students typically take four courses during the semester and eight courses during the academic year.

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. Twenty-five million people visit London each year, sharing space with the city's seven million inhabitants.

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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Celebrated by Time Magazine as ‘the coolest city on the planet,’ London is the largest city in Europe, stretching over 30 miles from east to west. Although London is vast, public transportation makes it simple to engage in the culture from the sites in central London, to the nightlife in the East, to Richmond Park in the West. As part of the CIEE London Orientation Program, we travel on the tube to help students get a feel for the transport system while also getting an overview of the city above ground on a bus and river boat tour. We take in some British comedy where celebrities such as Eddie Izzard and Greg Proops have even made appearances! Throughout the semester, the CIEE London Excursion Program includes cultural activities such as sporting events, theatre, a tour of Parliament and a weekend trip to another UK city such as Edinburgh, Scotland. Students love getting the train journey up to Scotland where they can see the green English countryside before sandy beaches and the clear water of the North Sea appears as we enter Scotland. This weekend encourages students to explore other parts of the UK to experience the difference in culture and language from London’s cosmopolitan city.

—Elizabeth Lippolis, Resident Director

“”

Where You'll Study

The University of Westminster, Britain’s first Polytechnic, opened in 1838 and was rededicated in 1992 as the University of Westminster. Today, it is known for its innovate courses and teaching methods, and among its 22,000 students are 5,000 international students from over 150 countries. With four main campuses in various parts of London, students studying at Westminster commute to their classes and social clubs from their residences located throughout the city. Students can choose from over 700 modules, including London Studies which has been designed specifically for study abroad students, and take part in an internship.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the program fee. Students typically live in residence halls in a single or shared room, and share bath and kitchen facilities. However, University of Westminster housing cannot be guaranteed and students may be placed by CIEE in a private residence hall.

Students are responsible for their own meals during the entire study abroad program; however, some meals are provided during the orientation period. Meals may be prepared in the residence’s kitchen facilities, or eaten at campus cafeterias and restaurants or London restaurants. University of Westminster residence halls, which vary in style, are located throughout the city of London and are no more than a 30-minute commute from any of the University academic centers.

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 the University of Westminster for all international students. This orientation introduces you to the academic requirements of the University, campus life, and the services available.

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

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. You'll have free Iternet and email access at the University of Westminster academic centers and in most residences. There are also computer rooms available for your use on each campus.

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

As a study abroad student at the University of Westminster, you are part of the student union and entitled to use any of its facilities at each academic center. You can become involved with the union through its extensive range of clubs and societies. The Health and Fitness Centre in the Regent Street building has cardiovascular, resistance, and free weight equipment, and a variety of fitness classes are offered including aerobics, kickboxing, and yoga. A wide range of sports and clubs are also available to you.

Academics

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program at the University of Westminster opened in 2000 and is designed for students who are highly motivated, think creatively, and look forward to living in a different culture.

The program is designed for students who enjoy practical learning and are particularly interested in media, communications, business, and related fields. CIEE students may register for all courses they meet the prerequisites for. In addition, an internship option is available through the University of Westminster. Cross registration among CIEE host institutions is not possible.

Academic Culture

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

Learning takes place through a coherent blend of lectures, group seminars, and practical work. The tutorial system ensures academic support for all students, and regular student feedback helps to monitor quality.

Nature of Classes

CIEE study abroad students take University of Westminster classes with CIEE, British, and other international students.

Grading System

Assessment at the University depends on the student’s choice of classes, but it is usually a mixture of assignments and an exams. Some of the classes require group work and presentations, giving participants an excellent opportunity to work closely with British colleagues. Students studying in the fall semester hand in a paper or take an early exam in lieu of taking a final exam that occurs in mid-January. Students should check with their home institution advisor before applying to the fall session of this program to make sure credit will be accepted for this alternative exam schedule.

Spring students take exams alongside Westminster students. Academic year students will be assessed for all courses, including fall semester courses, in June with Westminster students.

Internship

The University of Westminster offers an internship program in which study abroad students may participate. This program is run by the University, and it is their standards and guidelines to which students must adhere in order to receive credit. CIEE students who undertake this option receive four U.S. credits; to fulfill credit requirements they must enroll in three additional electives.

The objective of the internship program is to place students in a professional work environment in which they gain experience and knowledge in a field that is related to their major or academic coursework. The internship coordinator and the student’s placement tutor at the University of Westminster work with students to ensure that the work placement is appropriate and that academic standards are met. Please check with your home institution advisor before departure to see if credit will be accepted for this internship.

Internship requirements vary, depending on the needs of the organization or business, but most students work two or three days a week. Students are required to maintain logbooks in which they record their daily experiences. These entries form the basis of the paper they write at the end of the semester. The student’s work supervisor reflects on the quality and effectiveness of their contribution in the back of the logbook. Final grades are based on the student’s and supervisor’s comments in the logbook (50%), and the final paper that is written at the end of the semester (50%).

Language of Instruction

English

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty from the University of Westminster.

Course Description

Program Blog

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