CIEE Arts and Humanities Program at Goldsmiths in London, England

  England

• London: 
London

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 14 weeks: mid-Sept-mid-Dec; Spring 23 weeks: early Jan-mid-June; Academic Year 36 weeks: mid-Sept-mid-June

Description: The CIEE Study Center at Goldsmiths has two main goals: to provide a rigorous and creative academic experience in London, and to provide a critical appreciation of London through cultural and leisure activities. These goals are achieved by offering a wide range of courses through direct enrollment and planned activities coordinated by CIEE throughout the semester. Integration with other students at Goldsmiths creates opportunities to become participants, in the economic and intellectual life of perhaps the most dynamic and diverse city in Europe.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in London opened in 2000 and is designed for students who are highly motivated, think creatively, and look forward to living in a different culture. CIEE students at Goldsmiths focus their studies in one of fifteen academic departments. Goldsmiths provides excellence in teaching and research, particularly in the humanities, art and design, and social sciences, and is known for its interdisciplinary approach. CIEE students may register for all courses available to study abroad students for which they meet the prerequisites. Students normally take four courses per semester and eight to ten courses for the academic year. Cross registration among CIEE host institutions is not possible.

Academic Culture
CIEE participants may notice a striking difference between the educational system in the United States and Britain. The British educational system allows students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. The CIEE 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 Academic Advisor will cover these differences during orientation and will be available throughout the semester.

Learning takes place through a coherent blend of lectures, group seminars, tutorials, workshops, studios, and laboratory work, depending on the subject. Key concepts and topics are usually introduced in lectures, sometimes involving the entire group, and then might be discussed in depth with a smaller group in seminars. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students and a tutorial system ensures academic support. Students will find that the number of classroom hours is less than they are accustomed to. This does not imply there is less material to cover but that more independent study is expected.

Goldsmiths fall term 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 Goldsmiths for the spring and summer terms; there is a four-week break between terms. Students studying in London during the spring term earn slightly more credits than students studying during the fall term. Students may not enroll in the Goldsmiths spring or summer term only.

Highlights:

• Ideal for students interested in the arts, humanities, and social sciences
  
• Live on a diverse and unique campus with a strong sense of community
  
• Participate in Goldsmiths university life, including its student union, club sports, cultural and political societies, and musical, theatrical, and cultural events
  
• Opportunity to be involved in University social and cultural life including: film viewings, concerts, student union entertainment, and theater
  
• Personalized attention from faculty and student services alike
  
• Weekend excursions out of the country to Wales, Scotland, Ireland, or France

University Life
Goldsmiths has a thriving Students' Union, which is a hub for social life, with frequent entertainment and outings. There are many opportunities to participate in club sports - from rugby and football to aerobics and aikido. Cultural and political societies thrive at Goldsmiths, organizing plenty of events. The Department of Music promotes a wide range of concerts, from classical to contemporary to world music. At the Composer's Forum, presentations are made by Goldsmiths students and staff. Goldsmiths is also known for its arts, textiles, and design shows. There is a training field with cricket nets and open air tennis courts at the College.

Goldsmiths has a state-of- the-art fitness facility on campus. With a large range of exercise equipment and regular fitness classes, it provides students with first-class fitness facilities at affordable prices. As part of the University of London system, Goldsmiths students can also access a gym, swimming pool, weight room, and sports hall at the Malet Street building near Russell Square, about a 30-minute journey from New Cross.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes