Want to learn even more about this great program? Check out the Fall 2008 Program Presentation!

Program Description

The University of Wisconsin London Program Center, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and adjacent to Knightsbridge, combines the convenience of an academic program based on the United States semester model with the excitement of student life in London. Professors from the UW as well as British faculty teach courses specially designed for UW-Madison students at the program center.

The program is located in the heart of London within walking distance of both the Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods. Housed within these neighborhoods are excellent libraries, educational and cultural centers such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Royal College of Art, Royal College of Music, and Kensington Palace. World famous department stores such as Harrods and trendy boutiques are found next to convenience stores and supermarkets. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Holland Park are all close by the program center.

Academics

Students will earn 12-16 credits, choosing from several courses in the humanities, literature, or social sciences, with an emphasis on British themes, life in London, or British life and culture. Courses are only available to UW-Madison students and take advantage of London and its surroundings through various field trips and activities. Classes are offered on a four-day per week schedule with Fridays reserved for prearranged field trips and other cultural activities. A one-week break from classes is built in to the semester.

The London program director arranges orientation, housing, trips, and social activities. The London Director and program staff help students discover London as well as advise them on academic inquiries, adjustment issues, and travel around the U.K. In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, the program center provides student study space and a small library.

Representative course listing:
• Contemporary Britain
• Gender, Culture, and Literature
• History of London
• Interpreting Popular Culture
• Introduction to London Theatre
• London Roundtable

Housing

Students live in the Kensington neighborhood in the heart of London and share a flat (apartment) with other program participants. All housing is within walking distance to the program center. Every flat has its own bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Grocery stores and restaurants are located conveniently nearby.

Excursions and Activities

As part of the program fee, students will be able to participate in a variety of cultural activities and excursions. In a typical semester, activities may include local theatre, ballet, and music performances; tours of the Tower of London and the British Museum; day trips to nearby sites such as Oxford and Stonehenge; and excursions to local pubs and sporting events. A small deposit of £ 1 is required for participation in most activities. The program staff also provide students with great lists of other suggested activities for their free time in London.

As part of the program, participants are given an ID card that provides access to the Imperial College Student Union, which offers sports facilities, cafés and bars, travel, print and sports shops, special interest clubs, guest speakers and live music. This is also where students may join clubs and associations, which is one of the best ways to meet British students. In addition to the activities at the Imperial College Student Union, students can also get involved in volunteer activities.