London

One of the World's Great Cities!

A Historic, Cultural Treasure

London is one of the foremost cultural and economic centers of the world. This dynamic city will provide a perfect platform for your study-abroad experience. You'll live and study near some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum. Convenient access to the Tube – London's iconic subway system – will make it easy for you to explore the city in your free time. (A Tube pass is included in your program fees.)

HOUSING

iCharleston participants will live in Foundation for International Education (FIE) housing near the Foundation House study center. The rooms here are large and have en-suite bathrooms. The facility is fully equipped and there are fully supplied kitchens on each floor. (The London venue of iCharleston does not offer a meal plan, so you'll be cooking on your own.)

Participants will have access to common rooms and washers and dryers. Also, a study lab equipped with computers and printers is available nearby where student classes are held.

Residence halls are secured 24/7 with front desk staff. In addition, FIE provides two live-in residence hall supervisors and an on-call supervisor in all residence halls. Your iCharleston site director lives close by as well.

In the past, iCharleston students in London have enjoyed extracurricular programming including group outings to the theatre, excursions to the London Eye, comedy clubs and sporting events. Membership in the Imperial College of London Student Union is also part of the program, offering an array of clubs and societies for iCharleston students to join during their fall semester.

Most Londoners use the Tube (the subway) and buses to get around. iCharleston participants will be given an Oyster Card to use for these purposes. With it, you will have unlimited Tube rides in Zones One and Two and bus rides all over the city.

ACADEMICS

All your classes will be held at the FIE Foundation House study center, located near the Gloucester Road Tube Station. The core of the FIE semester is a key course in British Life and Cultures. The field studies attached to this course will take you out of the classroom and into London's unique neighborhoods. Your site director will take the key course with you, learning the material at the same pace as you.

College Writing - Britain as a Text is also a required course at this venue. This course will fulfill your CofC English 110 freshman writing requirement. And, you'll select three additional courses to finalize your academic schedule. All the courses will transfer into the College of Charleston for full credit so long as you complete each of them with a grade of C or better. (See below for a Sample Class Schedule.)

If you're interested in a more in-depth look at FIE, watch this video.

EXPENSES

$19,995* includes:

15 transferable academic credits upon successful completion of the iCharleston program.
Shared residence hall living with 24-hour security.
Orientation program.
iCharleston site director supporting academic and social transition to college life in London.
iCharleston-specific programming such as cultural outings.
Associated tours for British Life and Cultures course.
London Underground (aka Tube) pass for Zones One and Two and city bus travel.

Note: All costs are subject to change. No financial aid is available for this location.

THE TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN LONDON:

1. The British Museum (Seriously, a must-see!)
2. Natural History Museum
3. Trafalgar Square
4. Battersea Park
5. Houses of Parliament
6. Museum of London
7. Harrods (department store)
8. Tate Modern
9. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
10. Victoria and Albert Museum

"Studying abroad in London my freshman year has allowed me to grow personally and academically. This program has various opportunities and resources that made my transition from high school to college easier for me."
— former iCharleston student

Program Dates 2023

Depart JFK International Airport: August 22
Arrival in London: August 23
Orientation: August 23 - 27
Classes begin: August 29
Fall Break: October 16-20
Housing check: December 8
Departure: December 9

Sample Class Schedule

Monday
Understanding Civilizations, Islam and the West: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday
Modern and Contemporary Fine Art in London: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
College Writing - Britain as a Text: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday
Passport to CofC: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Photojournalism: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday
British Life and Cultures: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Contemporary British Theatre: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday
Music in 20th-Century Britain: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
British History: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Note: FIE and iCharleston policy do not tolerate absences from class and participants can lose their study visa if they are not present for class.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a visa?

No visas are required for U.S. citizens. Foundation for International Education will provide an entrance letter in advance that you can present at UK Customs upon landing at London’s Heathrow Airport. Nothing else is needed and there are no costs associated with this process.

What facilities will be made available to iCharleston participants while in London?

You'll have access to a computer lab (open 24/7) with PCs where you can print your assignments and essays as well as around-the-clock access to study lounges. FIE has tutoring and writing support services available as part of your program fees. All buildings have wireless Internet.

What housing services are offered to iCharleston participants?

You will live in a shared, dormitory-style, self-catering accommodation. Each floor has a kitchen and ample lounge space. Furniture provided includes a single bed, bunk beds and wardrobes.

Linens, blankets, and pillows will be provided in addition to a weekly cleaning service that provides fresh linens. Staff members, including FIE Residence Life Supervisors, a Residence Life Coordinator and a Residence Life Manager are are assigned to each FIE residential building. There will always be a designated residence staff member on duty should issues arise. And, there is prominent security in the residence halls 24/7.

Will iCharleston participants have access to a meal plan?

There will be no meal plan options in London though full kitchens are provided for each participant.

What kitchen appliances will be available?

Each floor has a fully equipped kitchen, which includes microwaves, stoves, ovens and utensils such as pots, pans, plates, bowls, silverware, etc.

What laundry services will be available?

Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls for student use. Approximate cost is £3.00 per wash and £1.50 per dry. Local laundrette costs about £7.00 for a wash and dry (machines tend to be larger so you can wash more at one time).

What travel and insurance options are there for iCharleston participants?

Endsleigh travel insurance is included for all participants (paid for by program fees). Travel is covered by Endsleigh for up to 21 days during the program dates. Participants will receive policy documents via email a few weeks after they are enrolled with FIE.
A Zone 1 and 2 transportation pass for travel on the London Underground, city trains and buses will be provided to each iCharleston participant.

Will there be co-curricular trips made available for iCharleston participants?

Field trips through FIE vary depending on the course and faculty. All courses incorporate visits to sites and institutions around London. Guest speakers also participate where relevant.
In addition, iCharleston Site Directors complete programs throughout the semester specifically for the participants within this program. CofC faculty and/or staff may be involved in these programs.