Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Co-sponsored by Hansard Society and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Hansard Scholars program offers an outstanding opportunity for you to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy. You will study British politics, attend seminars with politicians and participate in an internship which corresponds with your interests, expertise and career aspirations. Past internship placements have been at the heart of the British political establishment: with a Member of Parliament, a Member of the House of Lords (Peer), a departmental Select Committee, Government ministry, media organisation, law firm, public affairs or government relations consultancy, NGO, think tank or pressure group.
The Hansard Society is the UK’s leading research and education think tank. The program is arranged in association with the world renowned London School of Economics.
When not hard at work, you are available to explore all of the historic and cultural treasures of London. London, the capital city of England, is the most populous city in the European Union. The city is an international leader in finance, and its involvement in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, media, and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. London is an international transport hub and a major tourist destination, counting iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery.
Getting to Your Program
You must arrange your own transportation to London but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times.
Visa
U.S. citizens participating in an internship require a student visa prior to entering the United Kingdom. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the program is required. Hansard will assist you with UK student visa application.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
An on-site orientation also takes place in London prior to beginning the internship. You will be provided with a Welcome Packet and a week long orientation when you arrive. Orientation week will cover aspects of the program including introductory sessions from all of the classes. You will discuss the academic courses, your internship placement, and what is expected of you during your time in London. In addition, there will be tour of LSE, Parliament and a theatre visit.
Housing
The program provides accommodation in apartments (flats) in central London for all students. The apartments include kitchen facilities, furniture and bed linens. Accommodation is based on students sharing rooms. All apartments are cleaned regularly and are located close to shopping and entertainment facilities in central London. The cost of housing is included in the program fee, however you are required to pay a housing deposit before departure which is refundable should no damages occur. This housing deposit will be billed directly to you from Hansard.
Excursions and Activities
To insure that you experience the best that London and the UK have to offer, the program organizes a few study visits, day-trips, and theatre trips for all students. These include: a four-day political study visit to Edinburgh, Scotland; a day-trip to the historic city of Oxford and lectures in the world famous Oxford University Theatre; and trips to some of the top shows playing in London's famous West End.
Insurance
All participants in IAP programs are enrolled in health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
Hansard Scholars and staff
Returned Student Network
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Student Testimonials
"Living in London is an amazing experience-- It was the greatest time of my life!"
The Hansard Scholars Programme organises its own personalized courses in association with the London School of Economics (LSE)* and all Scholars are associate students of the LSE. This provides you with full access to the LSE Library, the largest collection of social science material in the world. You also will be given an LSE email address, use of LSE IT facilities and have full access to the Student Union services and facilities. Hansard lecturers are drawn from leading British institutions. All classes are held on the LSE campus.
*The Hansard Scholars Programme is run in association with the LSE; however, the Programme is separate from the LSE's own Parliamentary internship program.
All Hansard Scholars undertake an internship which is individually selected by the Hansard Society to match your interests, expertise and career aspirations. As a Hansard Scholar your internship may be with a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons or a Peer in the House of Lords, writing speeches, carrying out research and attending parliamentary meetings; you may be in the parliamentary clerks’ office – with unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes workings of Parliament; or with the BBC, researching articles and analysing the work of the Government; or with a campaign group, helping to devise and run media campaigns on key social and political issues. You may be based in the national headquarters of a political party or in one of the other many organisations and businesses which drive forward the policy agenda in the UK and beyond.
UW-Madison students will receive 8 credits for the summer program: 4 credits for the academic internship and 4 credits for the academic course.
Affiliate Institution(s)
Hansard Scholars Program
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
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