london photo
I've been on most of the program trips, including a weekend to Shakespeare's hometown in Stratford-upon-Avon with a stop at a castle on the way up and in Oxford on the way back. It's hard to take in sometimes, seeing things like the round table from King Arthur's Court or Shakespeare's house in Stratford. All are memories I'll never forget.
– Kelly Goetz
Buena Vista University

academic program/courses

The Central College Abroad program in London includes:

Just like their home institutions, students can choose the right combination of courses to complete their academic schedule. Students normally enroll in 12-17 semester hours, including optional internship or service-learning credits. Most courses carry three or four semester hour credits.

Required courses

These required courses are taught by the resident director and a local faculty member. They are the foundation on which your academic program is built, providing the cultural and historical context for a broader understanding of your overall experience. Many of the Central College Abroad excursions, which happen frequently, are made in coordination with the required British Experience Seminar course.

British Experience Seminar
This course is designed to help students examine and discuss their experiences in Britain and discover the aspects of British life and culture that underlie them. Group and individual excursions are included that explore various aspects of British culture including politics, royalty, education, the city and the media.

Topics in British Social History: Contemporary Britain
This course focuses on contemporary debates in Britain and explores some of the key historical and cultural influences that have shaped contemporary British society, including controversial issues such as the British ‘problem family,’ the meaning of British identity and the relevance of the monarchy.

Central College Abroad courses

Central College Abroad elective courses are taught by local faculty and range in areas from advertising to art. These courses were designed not only to provide relevant coursework, but also provide further insight to various aspects of British culture.

Course offerings include:

  • Advertising from a Cross-Cultural Perspective
  • Art in London
  • Introduction to British Theatre (spring only)
  • Shakespeare on Stage (fall only)

Please see our course catalog for credits and course descriptions.

Affiliate university electives

Students have a very unique immersion opportunity, with the ability to enroll in up to two courses alongside British and international students at local universities. Choose from London Metropolitan University, the London College of Fashion, City Lit or Morley College. Please see our affiliate universities information to find out which program would best fit you.

Internship and Service-learning

On Central’s study abroad programs, learning begins in the classroom, but continues in many different settings outside the traditional educational environment — offering you a more in-depth cross-cultural experience. Students can choose from either an internship or a service-learning option, both for academic credit. Central College Abroad programs offer these experiences as a way to more fully immerse yourself in the culture. Please see our section on internships and service-learning to discover your hands-on options.