CIEE Arts and Sciences Program at UCL in London, England

  England

• London: 
London

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 14 weeks: late Sept-mid-Dec; Spring 24 weeks: early Jan-mid-June; Academic Year 36 weeks: late Sept-mid-June

Description: The CIEE Arts and Sciences program at University College London (UCL) has two main goals: to provide a rigorous academic experience, and to provide a critical, in-depth appreciation of London through cultural and leisure activities. These goals are achieved by offering a wide range of courses through direct enrollment and activities coordinated by CIEE. Integration with students at UCL creates opportunities to become participants, rather than observers, in the economic and intellectual life of this dynamic and diverse city in Europe.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in London opened in 2000. University College London (UCL) was added as a host institution in 2006. The Arts and Sciences program is designed for students who are highly motivated, think creatively, and look forward to living in a different culture. Students who apply to study at University College London should be serious-minded and motivated to work hard in their chosen discipline. Cross registration among CIEE host institutions is not possible.

Academic Culture
CIEE participants will 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.

CIEE students take a series of lecture courses. Associated with each lecture course are seminars, tutorials, and possibly laboratory classes. Students are normally expected to prepare work in advance for seminars and tutorials and this can take the form of researching a topic for discussion, writing essays, or solving problems. Lectures, seminars, and tutorials are all one hour long, while laboratory classes usually last two to three hours. Much emphasis is put on the private study nature of the British system and students are expected to spend at least as much time studying by themselves as being taught. Each student has a UCL tutor whom he or she can consult on academic or personal matters.

The fall term at UCL 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 UCL for the spring and summer terms; there is a four-week break between terms. Students may not enroll for the UCL spring or summer term only.

Highlights:

• Ideal for students looking for a rigorous academic environment in their major
  
• Wide range of courses from art to mathematics, literature to physics, and anthropology to neuroscience
  
• In the heart of London, UCL occupies a compact area surrounded by academic and professional institutions with parks and museums on its doorstep
  
• Integrate with local students through UCL's large and diverse student union, a focus of student life at UCL that includes over 120 Union-affiliated clubs and societies and a Volunteering Services Unit

University Life
UCL has a large and diverse Union which forms the focus of student life at UCL. There are over 120 Union-affiliated clubs and societies; cultural, sports, arts, religious, media, and departmental. The groups have access to meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a resource center. The performing arts societies may have the opportunity to perform at UCL's own West End theatre. Sporting facilities include a well-equipped fitness center, and a sports ground for team sports. All UCL students are part of the University of London Union which is located a few minutes away and houses a swimming pool, gyms, and lounges. The Union's Volunteering Services Unit helps students get involved in a wide range of volunteering opportunities in community action projects around London.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes