Summary

Co-sponsored by UW-Madison, the London Internship program by Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies, offers students an opportunity to gain an understanding of the global workplace through the combination of a professional internship experience and university coursework in London, England, one of Europe's most dynamic and international cities.

Whether gaining financial experience in a commodities brokerage, working in an auction house or at an advertising agency, exploring non-profit management, or assisting a British member of parliament, the program arranges a wide variety of unpaid internships for students with previous coursework or direct experience in their proposed internship field. Students intern three days per week while engaging in a wide variety of professional work, including research, correspondence and general office responsibilities. Internships can be related to the fields of marketing, banking and finance, journalism and communications, community health and social work, law and politics, the arts, and many others.

Academics

Since 1965, Arcadia University's Center for Education Abroad has been providing opportunities for U.S. students to study abroad to London and many other destinations around the world. Arcadia University's unique internship programs allow students to develop and apply real-world skills within an academic context.

During the London Internship semester program, the internship experience is complemented with four academic courses: "Working in the UK and the EU," "Work in Thought and Action," and two courses from either Arcadia University's Contemporary British Studies offerings or City University, a university in central London where participants take courses alongside British students.

During the London Internship summer program, the internship experience is complemented with the two main academic courses: "Working in the UK and the EU" and "Work in Thought and Action."

Cost

Program cost information includes not only program fees, but out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Accepted students receive cost sheets with confirmed program fees in their acceptance packets.

Summer 2008-09 Cost Estimate Sheet Fall 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Spring 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Summer 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Fall 2010-11 Cost Estimate Sheet

Location

London and its extended suburbs have a population of 7.2 million people and it is one of Europe's most densely populated areas. There are a plethora of historical landmarks, world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens, and cutting edge entertainment venues from a hopping and eclectic club scene to renowned theaters and concert halls. And of course, there are endless shopping opportunities to be found in colorful, neighborhood street markets or large, fashionable department stores such as Harrod's and Harvey Nichols. You'll be able to explore famous attractions like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and the Houses of Parliament, as well as discover the many fascinating qualities that characterize London's variety of village-like neighborhoods such as Notting Hill, Islington, Chelsea, Shepherd's Bush or Kensington.

Student Life

Orientation:  A required orientation session held before departure at UW-Madison helps students prepare for studying abroad. Topics covered include academic, financial, administrative, cultural, and site-specific issues.

Once in London, both the semester program (15 weeks total) and the summer program (8 weeks total) begin with an orientation week that prepares students for the variety of credit bearing learning activities that get under way during Week 2. It includes a three-day homestay experience with a British family at the end of the orientation week, which provides an introduction to the fabric of British society. Prior to the beginning of students' internship assignments, a general orientation to the agency and to specific assignments is given. UW-Madison students are required to participate in all orientation activities for the program.

Housing:  Housing is included in the program fee. Students share rooms in flats (apartments) operated by Arcadia University. Housing is located in residential areas throughout London, near shopping and public transportation, and as close as possible to students' internship locations. Each housing unit has cooking facilities for students to prepare meals.

Excursions and Activities:  While working and studying, students will be able to explore the plethora of London's historical landmarks, world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens, and cutting edge entertainment venues, from a hopping and eclectic club scene to renowned theaters and concert halls.

During each semester and summer, Arcadia University hosts a number of social events, including day trips to southern England, musical, theater, and dance performances, football matches, horseback riding in Hyde Park, and weekend trips to Paris, Wales, and Dublin.