Location
  • England
    • London
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Art History Business Communications Cultural Studies Economics Film Finance Health Sciences History International Business International Relations Literature Marketing Political Science Psychology Public Health Public Relations Sociology Theater Women's Studies +10

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Contact IES Abroad or see website for details: www.IESabroad.org/london
What's Included
Accommodation Classes Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Visa
May 09, 2021
Jan 25, 2023
74 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad in London and discover all that this world-class, multi-cultural city has to offer.

Choose from dozens of IES Abroad courses taught by expert local faculty at our Center, as well as a course at one of our prestigious local partner universities—City, University of London or Queen Mary, University of London. Not only are there hundreds of courses and disciplines available through our partner universities, but you also have the chance to make local British and international friends.

Take the tube to class, visit the food markets, attend a football match with your new friends, or enjoy a theatre performance in London’s historic West End. London has it all, making it one of the best places to study abroad.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Diverse culture and a large population only adds to the illustrious atmosphere of the city
  • Optional and unique field-trips included with almost every program to help each student increase their understanding of the subject in exciting ways
  • Travel freely around the city and visit locations like the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and so much more

Popular Programs

Group of students standing in front of Big Ben

Explore the global impact of Britain on Western culture, including art, literature, and financial and political systems. Visit some of the city’s many museums and art galleries, including the British Museum (a two-minute walk from our Center!), the National Gallery, and the Tate Galleries. Learn about the city’s history from your world-class professors and then visit London’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, and Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

students posing for a picture with health care workers at a Child Guidance Clinic

Don’t just learn about health care in a classroom—immerse yourself through theory and practice in compelling public health issues in London, Oxford, and Kingston, Jamaica, that are affecting local communities, countries, and the global population right now. Through our program, you discover the different perspectives, challenges, and needs of diverse populations in London and Kingston with a once-in-a-lifetime service learning and practicum opportunity.

students on stage rehearsing in London

Engage in Britain’s rich historical and contemporary theatrical tradition through theater and drama courses. In your core curriculum, you analyze the artistic, financial, and professional structures that influence theater in Britain, with an emphasis on London. You also examine key texts and performances within the relevant historical and cultural context and delve into theater criticism, reception theory, dramaturgy, and stage design.

student in a parade crowd holding two Union Jack flags

The IES Abroad UK Today Program provides you with the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture and rich heritage of contemporary London. We offer a unique academic experience, integrating field study into virtually all courses to maximize the many opportunities for learning that London presents.

Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial limitations shouldn't prevent you from studying abroad with us. That's why IES Abroad offers more than $6 million in scholarships and aid. IES Abroad offers a number of diversity scholarships and grants to provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 102 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.14%
  • 4 rating 6.86%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.45
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.65
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 102 reviews
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester Full of Memories

I am so glad I studied abroad through IES London. I had the opportunity to take classes both at the IES Center and at the City University of London, where I had a course with local students. My classes were just the right amount challenging while still being engaging and leaving time for exploring the city and having fun! I got to live in a flat with other study abroad students in a great location right next to a tube stop and multiple grocery stores and coffee shops. The public transportation in London allows you the freedom to explore the city without worrying about how to get back home, and the endless things to do mean that you will never be bored!

Pros
  • Great support from IES
  • Lots to do
  • Great classes with engaged professors
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bridget
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IES Abroad London

This abroad experience was unique for me because this was my first time traveling abroad. England could not have been a more welcoming experience and IES Abroad exceeded my expectations both connecting education with cultural exploration. For further students, I want it to be known how helpful and committed IES Abroad was at making sure you personally felt comfortable in every situation. They are there to help! IES Abroad staff is like a new little family away from your home. I would also give the advice to go on the organized trips with IES. It is a great way to see more of England with the trip already planned for you, so that it is not as stressful as it may seem to plan a trip solo while abroad. Overall, take advantage of all of the new and exciting aspects of this country.

Pros
  • New cultural exposure
  • Academic diversity that differs from the United States
  • Pushing myself to step outside of my comfort zone and gaining independence
Cons
  • Academic time management
  • At first, the time zone change
  • It can be expensive, but nothing you cannot manage
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Two Months of My Life!

Studying abroad with IES programs was truly the best decision I've made in my college career. From pre-departure information, to housing, to help with travel plans and more, IES was there every step of the way! I decided pretty last-minute to do the program, so I felt rushed and overwhelmed, but IES made things clear and simple for students. Once at the program, the staff and instructors were great. There were several course options, and all included many trips to museums and walking tours around London to bring our learning to life! I was able to take so many trips outside of London to explore England with friends that I made; I learned so much about myself in those short two months. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer! I cannot recommend IES programs enough!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack the right amount of clothing! I was so worried about over-packing that I didn't pack enough!
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Massa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying abroad was life-changing!

One of the most rewarding and exciting things I am proud to have done while in college is Study Abroad. In summer of 2021, I studied in London through IES Abroad for 6 weeks! This program was filled with so many great memories and opportunities for me! During this time I took two amazing classes that gave me more insight into London, England and more largely the United Kingdom.
I was also able to meet other college students just like myself and create beautiful memories with people and now close friends I will forever remember! From tea dates, to the portobello market, to the London eye, to watching the sunset at primrose hill and biking through the city of London, there were so many exciting venues to see! When you study abroad the possibilities are endless, you get to call a different city in another country your home for 6 weeks! 
While living in London, I also appreciated how diverse the city was and how open it was to cultures from all over the world! This was the most exciting part for me! In London, every neighborhood or borough was a touristy and niche with plenty of cultural boutiques and restaurants. I was also about 15 minutes away from Camden Market, a local market with clothing, art, food, and other vendors! 
At first I was very nervous and worried about adjusting to another city, and country. But, throughout my experience The IES staff was very helpful! They helped us students understand transportation, gave us safety tips, recommendations and also created events and opportunities for us to go outside of the city of London and visit other cultural locations within England! 

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One interesting thing about many cities like London is the public transportation system! Initially this was the most confusing part, because London is a large city, times can vary even when you're traveling to a place that seems nearby, in reality it may be a treacherous hike. But nonetheless once you get the hang of it you'll know how to travel any and everywhere :). I would recommend downloading apps such as google maps, apple maps, city mapper london, and the tfl app. Me and my friends would look up directions to a place prior to leaving just to make sure we'd get off on the right stops. As time goes on you'll eventually become familiar with the 'Transport for London system' or the 'tube' and get to travel without many worries! :)
45 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Timothy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing time at UK today IES

This summer I spent two months with IES Abroad through the UK today program and it was amazing! everything from our location in London, to our amazing classes with field trips to many famous locations, to our Friday trips to Cambridge, Canterbury, Hasting, and more it was all amazing. The only part I didn't enjoy was leaving because I knew I would miss the friends I made and the teachers and administration that went abroad with us. You'll have plenty of time to have fun and explore little known locations that the program heads will inform you about. This was my second time travelling in London, but learned so much about hidden gems in London from talking with everyone that ran the trip!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
When going on a field trip to the Spitalfields market, My class decided to get food there and there were Jian Bing there which is a Chinese crepe and it was one of the best things I've ever eaten.
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most amazing Summer!

I spent last summer in London with IES Abroad and I loved every single second of it! I was there for just under 2 months, and took 2 courses with IES, both for my majors. The teachers were so knowledgeable and kind, and I felt like I took a lot away from their classes. The IES staff was so helpful in planning trips, whether it was for our entire program to visit the Dover cliffs or giving us advice and contact information to help plan a trip to Warner Brother Studios. I was so nervous about going overseas alone for the first time, but everyone was so kind and helpful, I acclimated in no time. I miss my time abroad every day, and because of my experience with IES in London I am even pursuing international careers in other countries after graduation! I cannot recommend this program enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack light! There are so many things to buy there!
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Despite an Abrupt Leave due to COVID-19, THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE

I absolutely loved my time in the IES Study London program. We had a large group of students from so many different universities in the United States so we were able to make friends from all over the country with all different majors, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, passions, etc. If that scares you, the class sizes were nice and small where you could establish real relationships with fellow students and your professors. I absolutely loved the classes I took and the professors were truly so good at using your time in London to your advantage!

On top of that amazing aspect, we were in the hub of London and I personally stayed right up the street from Kings Cross Station at Chapter Kings Cross which I would recommend 10 out of 10 times to anyone doing this program. You could choose to take a quick tube ride to the IES Center (where classes were) or it was also an easy walk through some cute areas of London. I personally chose the walking route because that was more reliable in terms of time, plus I got to see the most adorable little streets. Chapter was such a great choice because so many other students in the program lived there (there are two other living options) and I loved seeing familiar faces in the lobby, elevators, halls and kitchens.

I have made some amazing friends through this program and I only got two months and had to leave somewhat abruptly due to COVID-19 shutting down the world. I wouldn't trade this experience or program for the world and mean it in the most sincere way that you should do IES Study London. From the super helpful staff to the amazing classes and professors and everything thing in between, DO IT and DO IT NOW!

What was your funniest moment?
I did IES Study London the year of the pandemic so that was fun! I would not regret a single moment of my time abroad, but man do I wish I had more time with this program because it was THAT life changing.
73 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Riley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

All the World's a Stage

My experience in the IES London Theatre Studies program was nothing short of life-changing. As a theatre student, I needed to make sure that wherever I studied abroad was preparing me for my future career. London was the place that I could live and work surrounded by the industry that I am studying and IES Abroad was the perfect way for me to do this. Academically, I got loads of hands-on practical experience by attending productions, going backstage and doing workshops with professional artists working in London. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the entertainment industry or the performing arts in general. On top of academics, the IES community will always hold a special place in my heart. The administrations genuinely cares about the well-being of their students and I felt like I could personally connect with them. I wasn't just a number in the program, I was treated as a complete human being and was given a community that helped me thrive and live up to the best of my potential. After returning home, I am confident that London is somewhereI would love to move to long-term after graduation, and I wouldn't have realized that if it weren't for my semester studying abroad with IES.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I saw 34 plays in London over the course of 3 months!
55 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

YES! I came in knowing about one person from my school going on this program and came out with so many new friends!