London
The SLU London Program places one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities at the center of your academic journey. London is often considered the quintessential global city—home to over 300 spoken languages and a population where one in three residents were born outside the UK. Its rich and complex identity has been shaped by centuries of migration, empire, and cultural exchange, stretching from ancient Roman Britain to its vibrant, multicultural present. Through a wide range of courses across eight academic departments, students explore the city’s global character from multiple perspectives. Every class draws on London’s unique resources—its neighborhoods, institutions, and communities—transforming the city itself into a living classroom.
- Based in London
- Fall or Spring semester
- Program can accommodate up to 25 students per semester.
- Pre-requisites: 2.75 GPA, prior course work with European content or a European Studies course
- 10 weeks of coursework.
- Please note: due to the abbreviated academic calendar, students requesting Pass/Fail in any course must do so within the first three weeks.
- Live in student accommodations in dual occupancy rooms.
- Students participate in a work placement.
- Explore estimated additional costs for this program and others.
- Apply Early Decision for this Program: SLU students who submit their applications to this program in full before December 6th will have their $50 application fee waived and will receive an automatic $100 in additional financial aid.
Apply to the London Program
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
London is a city where the past and present coexist at every turn. Ancient Roman walls stand beside modern art installations, the grand dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the National Theatre frequented by generations of playwrites and performers . As a global hub of finance, trade, and culture, London is both a city of deep historical roots and one facing the pressing challenges of contemporary urban life. Located in the heart of the city, the SLU London Program offers students direct access to the intellectual, artistic, and social fabric of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan capitals. From museums and markets to political institutions and performance venues, students are immersed in the rhythms and realities of London life.
Academics
Courses in the London Program are designed to immerse students fully in the city’s vibrant cultural and intellectual life. Students attend live theatre performances, observe debates at the Houses of Parliament, explore historic landmarks, study art firsthand in world-renowned galleries, and engage with the rich diversity of London’s neighborhoods. The courses are taught by professors from local universities and are offered exclusively for St. Lawrence University Program participants. Throughout the semester, all students engage in our core course, Encountering Global London, as well as three elective courses. For the final month of the program, students have the opportunity to take part in a work placement experience or will take a 0.5-unit course offering experiential learning opportunities. Please note: due to the abbreviated academic calendar, students requesting Pass/Fail in any course must do so within the first three weeks.
Required Courses:
- GS/SOC/GOVT 261: Encountering Global London, including a work placement experience for the final four weeks of the semester. Students will encounter global London firsthand by working with local companies and organizations. Previous placements have included schools, non-profit organizations, and organizations in the fields of finance, arts and theater, law, and more. (Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement) (1.25 units of credit)
Elective Courses: (1 unit of credit each: students select 3)
- FA 261L: The Arts and Creative Industries of London (Fulfills ARTS/EXPRESSION distribution requirement)
- HIST 245L: Britain in the 20th Century (Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
- GOVT 262L/ECON 262L: Economic Integration of the European Union
- GOVT 214L: Issues in British Government and Politics
- ENG 212L/PCA 237L: Theater in London: Introduction (Fulfills ARTS distribution requirement)
- ENG 312/PCA 337: Theater in London: Classic to Contemporary (Fulfills ARTS distribution requirement)
- GS205L/SOC205L/PH-205L: London's Urban Space
- Majors or minors in Fine Arts, Global Studies, Government, History, or Sociology may apply to take a 200-level course as a 300-level Advanced Study Option. This requires approval from the program director, course instructor, and department chair.
Students must apply before departure by meeting with the department chair to confirm they’ve met the 300-level prerequisites. In London, they’ll meet with the instructor to finalize their topic. If approved, the student will attend the 200-level course and complete additional independent work, including a research paper, in place of some regular assignments.
Students may pursue only one Advanced Study Option.
Co-curricular
This unique program includes excursions to various sites in London as well as opportunities to travel elsewhere in the UK. Courses feature weekly visits to sites including (but not limited to) the National Gallery, Borough Market, the British Museum, Kew Gardens, the West End, and Royal Opera House. Past cohorts have also had the opportunity to visit Stone Henge, Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath. The SLU London Program embraces co-curricular activities as an essential extension of classroom learning, enriching students’ academic experience through real-world engagement.
Housing
Students are accommodated in student residence halls at the Stay Club, offering a safe and comfortable living experience. Residences are well connected by public transportation, with an average commute of about 40 minutes to the program office and classrooms. To support independent living, students receive a meal stipend, allowing them to explore the city’s diverse offerings.
Calendar
The Fall semester typically begins in mid-August and ends in mid-December. The Spring semester typically begins in mid-January and ends in mid-May.
For a more detailed calendar for specific semesters, please contact the CIIS office.
Fall 2025
August
Friday 22
Depart the U.S.
Saturday 23
Arrive in London and transport to housing
Sunday 24 to Tuesday 26
Orientation
Wednesday 27
Classes begin
September
Thursday18 to Saturday 20
Program Study trip*
Monday 29 to Sunday Oct 5
Fall Break
October
Tuesday 1- Sunday 6 (continued)
Fall Break
Monday 7
Classes resume
November
Monday 10
Last day of classes
Tuesday 11 to Friday 14
Final exams
Monday 17
Work experience placements begin
December
Friday 12
Placements finish at end of the regular workday
Saturday 13
Move Out and flight home
Spring 2026
January
Saturday 17
Arrive in London and transport to housing
Sunday 18 to Tuesday 20
Orientation
Wednesday 21
Classes begin
March
Monday 2 to Sunday 8
Spring Break
Thursday 12 to Saturday 14
Study Tour
April
Thursday 2
Last day of classes
Friday 3 & Monday 6
Public Holidays
Tuesday 7 to Friday 10
Final Exams
Monday 13
Work experience placements begin
May
Monday 4
Public Holiday
Friday 8
Placements finish at end of the regular workday
Saturday 9
Move Out and flight home
*These are the anticipated dates for the Programme Study trip, and are subject to change. Students should refrain from scheduling independent travel during this time.
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in-depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the student's participation in the program. This includes a program-specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock, pre-departure preparation, as well as safety and security while abroad.
On-site: There is a three-day orientation in London at the beginning of the semester, featuring lectures, tours, and introductions to the courses. Students are required to attend all orientation meetings and activities.
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the London program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Caitlin Hatz, Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Cynthia Bansak - Questions about program academics.