Study Abroad at SOAS, University of London

  England

• London: 
London

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: September-December; January-June; September-June

Description: SOAS is the only university in the UK to focus on the languages, cultures and societies of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It was rated the 9th best university in the UK in 2008 and is consistently ranked among the top institutions for research.

SOAS offers more than 450 fully integrated Study Abroad courses in the social sciences, the arts and humanities and languages and cultures. Students are free to choose courses from across these different areas to create their own unique programme of study and are not limited to just one department or faculty. Popular subject areas include Development Studies, Politics, Law, Economics, History, Study of Religions and Music. The School also offers an unparalleled range of non-European languages including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, Thai and Swahili.

Founded in 1916, SOAS is an exceptionally cosmopolitan, diverse and vibrant university. Both of the SOAS campuses and the accommodation are based in the heart of London and are all within easy walking distance of each other. Students have all the advantages of living and studying in the centre of one of the world's most exciting cities but will also appreciate the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of this relatively small institution. There are just over 4,500 students enrolled at SOAS and so students will easily get to know many of their peers and have the chance to interact with world-class researchers and faculty. The student body is extraordinarily multi-cultural: over 40% of students are international and the student body represents over 130 countries. It is a mini United Nations in its own right!

Highlights: Study Abroad students are supported by a small but dedicated team before they arrive, during their studies and after they have left London. Regular pre-departure information is sent to all applicants and there are special orientation sessions at the start of each term as well as social events throughout the year. All students on the programme are appointed an academic advisor on arrival and can contact the Study Abroad team with any queries at all, whether they be about accommodation, course choices, transport and travel or where to find the nearest supermarket!
Study Abroad students have access to all of the university's facilties, including access to the prestigious SOAS library, which is the national resource for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Students are also encouraged to use the SOAS careers service, which is part of the largest careers service in the UK and can advise on volunteering opportunities, part-time work during term-time, vacation work, internships or graduate jobs. There are more than 100 societies to choose from within SOAS itself and students also have access to the University of London societies and clubs. Many Study Abroad students also take the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the UK, to Europe and even to North Africa during their Study Abroad experience.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 19, 500 Full Academic Year

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to England Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. Students are encouraged to apply for the BUTEX scholarship where they could receive USD 1000 to spend as they choose.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London's Mission Statement: SOAS has the largest concentration of academics concerned with Asia, Africa and the Middle East at any university in the world and many of these academics have won prestigious awards for their research and publications. It is a small and specialised college of the University of London and offers world class undergraduate, postgraduate, research and Study Abroad programmes in the social sciences, the arts and humanities and languages and cultures. SOAS is an exceptionally cosmopolitan and vibrant university, based in the heart of London. It receives students from over 130 countries but because of its relatively small size maintains a friendly and welcoming environment.

Year Founded: 1916