Semester Study + Intern in London - University of Westminster
Athlete Friendly
LGBTQIA+ Friendly
Quarter Friendly
Learn the ropes in this economic and cultural hotspot.
Live fully, learn intently, and grow professionally on this study and intern abroad combination program! Spend a semester in the heart of London, with icons like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the BBC a short walk or Tube ride away. Your academic base will be the historic yet modern University of Westminster, renowned for its student diversity and support. Choose from over 700 courses that take place across the University's four campus locations. The icing on the cake (and ultimate booster of your resume!) is the internship component, which will place you at a local host organization according to your academic background and career ambitions.
What to Expect
Language(s):
English
Average Courseload:
3-4 courses (12-16 U.S. credits)
GPA Requirement:
2.70
Visa Requirement:
YES - Pre-departure
Highlights:
Central campus location places you in the heart of London
Internship provides practical experience and exceptional resume content
Gain independence while moving through the city from your housing to class and work
Make new friends on campus and at work, with peers from around the world
At the University of Westminster, you'll experience high-quality education on a 165-year-old historic campus in the heart of bustling London. The University is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Situated in the center of London, you'll have easy access to explore the city and beyond. Plus, Westminster is famed for its international community of nearly 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The University recently received the Times Higher Education Award for "Outstanding Support for International Students." With the largest and longest-running U.S. study abroad programs, you'll be making the right choice.
The academic calendar follows the U.S. university calendar, so you can easily find a term that fits with your study abroad schedule. Three of the university's four campuses are superbly located in the center of London, near the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the BBC, and the British Museum. The fourth campus enjoys a tranquil, scenic location just 20 minutes away by public transportation, or the "Tube." Student services will help you transition to life in the big city. At the same time, you'll have all the freedom to explore London and make it your home.
The 2013 QS World University Rankings ranked the University's programs in media, communications, and journalism 1st (UK), 2nd (EU), and 19th (World). The Complete University Guide (CUG) ranked the university's art and design program within the top ten in the UK (6th) for 2014.
Accreditation(s): Privy Council of the United Kingdom and Ministry of State for Universities, Science and Cities
A hotspot for art, fashion, film, history, music, theater, and nightlife, London is an experience in itself. Explore the many diverse markets across the city, including the punk-rock-inspired Camden market and colorful Portobello Road. Visit the Globe Theatre to see some of Shakespeare’s most famous works performed live. Many of London’s museums are free and house some of the most renowned works of art and artifacts. Cruise down the River Thames or find a rooftop with a sweeping view of the spectacular city below. As the saying goes, coined by famous author Samuel Johnson, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
The London Underground makes navigating this big city easy. Also called "the Tube," it's the oldest underground railway in the world. Combined with London’s train and bus systems, the entire city is well connected and accessible. Walking is also a great way to see the sights. You'll glimpse contrasts between beautiful Victorian architecture situated next to some of the most modern buildings in the world. Stroll to one of the nearby well-preserved parks to enjoy green surroundings in the midst of a bustling city.
Feel like taking a weekend trip to the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool? Or checking out a Manchester United football match? Or taking a quick jaunt to a traditional seaside town? Thanks to England’s rail system, the whole country is easily accessible by train. And if you want to travel farther afield, London's international rail and air links make European excursions both easy and affordable!
Live the Local Life
West End Show
London's theater scene is second to none. Catch a musical or a play with your onsite staff!
Victoria & Albert Museum
This incredible museum houses over 4.5 million objects and spans over 5,000 years of art. No wonder it's one of the world's largest museums!
Afternoon Tea
Indulge in this fancy British tradition first introduced in 1840.
Portobello Road Market Walking Tour
Let your on-site staff take you on a tour of one of London's most famous neighborhoods and markets! (It's also where the movie Notting Hill was filmed.)
Evensong at Westminster Abbey
Hear the angelic voices of the Westminster Abbey choir during the traditional afternoon service that takes place every day in this famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
University of Westminster Housing - Semester
Location
While at the University of Westminster, students live in private rooms in apartment-style residence halls across the city. The residence halls are located within a half hour of the University campuses. London’s public transportation system allows for an easy commute. There are three residence halls you may be placed in during the semester: Alexander Fleming, Harrow, and Marylebone. All three have single rooms, and students living in Marylebone will also have en-suite bathrooms. Each hall is closely located to famous sites throughout London, as well as supermarkets, shops, and pubs. Check out the video and photo gallery to see what your housing may be like. The apartments pictured are ones that have been available in the past.
Meals
Each unit has a modern well-equipped kitchen that you can use to prepare your meals. Put your skills to the test and try making your own versions of local favorites!
NOTE:
Towels, toiletries, and kitchenware are NOT provided. We recommend waiting until you arrive in London to purchase these items. It may be possible to share the cost of kitchenware with other students living in the residence hall.
Inclusions and Amenities
24-Hour SecurityAir ConditioningCleaning ServiceCommute - Public TransportationDeskLaundryLaundry - OnsiteTelevisionWi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing (residence halls)
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
University of Westminster orientation
4+ day trips
On-site support
Student Union fees
University of Westminster official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival, take part in a comprehensive orientation program. Learn the "do's and don'ts" of living in London, like how to get around by public transportation, how to stay safe, what to do in case of an emergency, and who to contact if you have any questions. Your site director will also give you tips on how to budget in a city that is notorious for being one of the most expensive in Europe, if not the world. Also learn all about the favorite places in town (restaurants, museums, markets, and more). And join in on a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy (ever had fish and chips or a Sunday roast?) so that you can start to taste the local flavors.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
While you might expect British culture and language to feel familiar enough, re-entering home after living in such a lively city as London will certainly change the way you perceive the world. We'll prepare you for re-entry before you leave, walking you through some of the things to expect to help you reflect on your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights. We'll gather 'round over a tasty meal to share our favorite memories and impart some sage advice on what to expect from reverse culture shock.
Program Excursions
While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Windsor Castle and Eton
Windsor Castle has been the royal home and fortress for over 900 years, and along with the surrounding town demonstrates the essence if British life. The castle is the Queen’s official residence and is also used for state visits and other formal duties. In addition to the Castle, Windsor is home to St. Georges Chapel which has been used for hundreds of Royal weddings, christenings, and funerals. Eton College lies just across the peaceful River Thames, and the city is also a perfect place for nature lovers who can explore Windsor Great Park and weave their way around the castle.
Hampton Court Palace
Visit Henry VIII’s elaborate Tudor palace on the banks of the River Thames. See the Great Hall where he entertained hundreds of guests with sumptuous banquets and entertainment. Listen out for the cries of Catherine Howard’s ghost as we tour the Haunted Gallery. Then tour William and Mary’s apartments, designed by the great architect Christopher Wren before exploring the gardens and getting lost in Hampton Court's world famous maze.
Oxford and the Cotswolds
Explore Oxford, England's oldest university town, where historic colleges, museums, and quaint shops await. Pair your city adventure with a visit to the enchanting Cotswolds countryside, featuring charming villages and picturesque landscapes for a perfect blend of urban and rural experiences.
Site Director
Anna Bermani
Site Director in London
About:
Anna holds a B.A. in English and German from Ca'Foscari University of Venice. The Italian village where she was born was never enough for her, and from a young age she decided she wanted to see the world and meet a lot of people from different cultures. Fascinated by foreign languages and traveling, she first studied abroad in London when she was in high school and then at Humboldt Universitu00e4t in Berlin a few years after. New York City holds a special place in her heart, ever since he was an intern at the Italian Cultural Institute there. After volunteering and working for the not-for-profit association AFS Intercultural Program, helping hundreds of high school students enroll and prepare for their experience abroad, she moved to London and focused on working with university students. She has been part of the CIS Abroad on-site team in London for almost five years now and has extensive knowledge about all our London programs. She loves musicals, fashion, playing tennis, hiking, drinking green tea and matcha, and is an intrepid backpacker.
Travel Tip:
Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!
James Avison
Assistant Site Director - London
About:
Originally from Nottinghamshire, England, near Sherwood Forest, I moved to Wales in 2015 to study a BSc in Product Design at Bangor University. During my second year of study i discovered the possibilities of study abroad which led me to a year-long work placement in Amsterdam, Netherlands with DTT Multimedia, where I designed and tested mobile apps. This experience sparked my interest in international education and the great value it brings. When I returned to University, I served as Vice President for Education and then President of the Student's Union. Now based in London, for the past two years I have been supporting international students in study abroad programs.
Travel Tip:
Pack light for short trips, you'll save on luggage fees and have more freedom to explore when you reach your destination! Make use of rucksacks (backpacks), bum bags (fanny packs), and deep zipped pockets to keep your valuables safe!
Your Support Staff
Syd O'Wesney
Program Enrollment Coordinator - England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain
Travel Tip:
Make sure to explore the city that you're in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they're studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens' so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don't neglect what you have right in front of you!
Aubree Compton
Assistant Director of International Operations
Travel Tip:
Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood cafe/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can't miss places and exchange stories. Soon you'll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.
Kaylee Klinger
Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Travel Tip:
The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!
Serenah Quiroga
Advising & Communications Coordinator
Travel Tip:
Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.
Dates & Prices
Additional Information:
Price Range
Lower price is for standard housing at Alexander Fleming/Harrow
Higher price is for premium housing at Marylebone
Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
ADVISOR TIP:
Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
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