There is something irresistible about London. Maybe it’s the sights like Big Ben or the Tower Bridge that already feel familiar. Or the international character that is evident in every neighborhood, where people of different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds live and work together. Whatever it is that has drawn you to London, don’t look back now—London awaits!
This is your chance to live and learn alongside students from the UK and around the world by directly enrolling at City, University of London.
IES Abroad London is dedicated to enhancing your study abroad experience with superior student services and opportunities to fully experience life in London. Our staff in London helps you make the most of your experience abroad.
London will be your classroom. Involvement in the local community or a student club enriches your learning experiences and provides excellent opportunities for cultural integration.
We want you to feel at home in England, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in London. Our housing options provide you opportunities to meet and make new friends, while our cultural events familiarize you with the city of London.
After you are admitted, refer to the Travel Dates section of the Predeparture Information in your MyIESabroad account before booking travel.
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with City, University of London.
City, University of LondonAs a large, urban university with a strong international community, City, University of London gained its charter in 1966 (formerly Northampton Polytechnic, established in 1894). City’s academic roots in industry and technology reflect its contemporary commitment to such disciplines as Business and Engineering. City enrolls approximately 24,000 students, and its large international student body (more than 50 percent) makes it reflective of London’s incredibly multicultural population.
CoursesYou are encouraged to enroll in one 300-level course, two 200-level courses and may only enroll in one 100-level course. Typically, you will need 2-3 classes in a specific subject area in order to enroll in a 200-level class, and 4-5 in order to enroll in a 300-level class.
For full course listings, visit the University's Academic Programme page, which lists all classes available to study abroad students.
City, University of London offers IES Abroad students particularly exciting opportunities in:
*Available only to Spring semester and Academic Year students. Students enrolled in these courses must stay to take finals in May/June, if applicable. **Students who wish to take Journalism courses must have already taken a least 1-2 Journalism courses. Please also note that course selections in the Fall semester are more limited than those in the Spring.
LocationCity, University of London derives its name from its location. The area of London known as “the City” was, in the Medieval Age, the extent of London. Today, the City geographically represents only a small portion of greater London, yet its name is synonymous with the financial heart of Britain. With a resident population of about 10,000 but a daily working population of about 350,000, the economic significance of the City cannot be underestimated.
Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, we’ll be there for you whenever you need us.
Advising Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in London, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.
Support The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is there for you.
On-Site Staff Whether you have questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety, our London-based IES Abroad staff is available to support you. Because of our close relationship with the universities in London, IES Abroad is also able to offer you unique academic, social, and cultural opportunities. Our staff in London accompanies you throughout orientation, as well as at the IES Abroad field trips and cultural events.
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave London, it will feel like home.
Residence Hall – You will live in an international student residence hall located in central London. You and another IES Abroad student share a room with an attached bathroom and will either have access to a common kitchen with others on your floor or a kitchenette in your room. No meals are included, but there are many affordable eateries nearby. There are laundry facilities and common areas with wireless Internet (and 24-hour Internet access in your room) on various floors of the residence hall. Enjoy 24-hour security and a short walk to public transportation.
Part of making you feel at home in London is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or field trips that take you off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
IES Abroad Orientation Upon arrival in London, you participate in an introductory orientation with the IES Abroad London staff. Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, the IES Abroad orientation program introduces you to your direct enrollment program, your fellow students, and to London.
Other highlights may include a bus tour of London and other cultural activities. In addition, you will learn about the teaching methods of British professors of your host institution.
University Orientation You also attend City’s orientation, where you get acquainted with the logistics of student life.
Redefine the way you live and learn in London through our cultural events, such as:
University Clubs & Events While you’re in London, getting involved in a social or sports club is a great way to meet local students. City’s student union is home to more than 40 clubs and societies, the university magazine, and a range of student services including the student advice centre, which provides confidential advice on financial, housing, and legal issues. City students may also take advantage of Saddlers Sports Centre, which offers a range of fitness opportunities including team sports, free weights, martial arts, yoga, aerobics, and Pilates.
Even though your adventure starts in London, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. These trips are subsidized by IES Abroad, though additional costs may apply. Past destinations are listed below. IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and length of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Stonehenge & Bath2 Days | Fall & SpringVisit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath.
Brighton1 Day | Fall & SpringExplore the historic maze of twisting alleyways and enjoy an optional visit to the royal pavilion, one of Europe’s most exotic royal palaces.
Liverpool1 Day | Fall & SpringSpend one Saturday experiencing Liverpool. Enjoy a guided tour around the city including a visit to the Beatles Museum.
Oxford or Cambridge1 Day | Fall & SpringVisit one of these historic university towns, with their picturesque colleges and punting on the river.
Stratford-Upon-Avon 1 Day | Fall & SpringVisit Shakespeare’s house, place of birth, and place of his burial, Holy Trinity Church.
About the Center
The IES Abroad London Center, situated in the central London neighborhood of Bloomsbury, is a two-minute walk from the British Museum.
Features include:
John brings over 15 years of experience with IES Abroad, including seven years with IES Abroad Milan and nearly three years with IES Abroad Siena before coming to IES Abroad London. During his time in Siena, John developed and implemented a banner program with a strong focus on cultural immersion and academic rigor. In Milan, he played a key role in improving and developing the Milan program, notably in the areas of student housing, student activities, orientation, and supervision of the student services staff. Prior to working for IES Abroad, John received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Italian Literature and Art History from Brigham Young University and worked in Geneva for the United Nations.
IES Abroad Staff
Kimberley Aparisio Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Sally HarrildAcademic Programmes Manager
Alice Kerby Direct Enrolment Programmes Coordinator
Dr. Diane AtkinsonAcademic Support
Simon CaustonSenior Student Affairs Manager
Natalie CrownStudent Affairs Coordinator
Beth LehlbachInternship Coordinator
Sachna Hanspal Internship Coordinator
Zosia RutkowskaAssistant Director of Customised Programmes
Emily BrownProgramme Assistant
Martin HannanOffice Manager
Elaine StauntonInternship Assistant
What is it really like to live in London? Check out our virtual tour of all the places you’ll come to know and love when you study abroad there—GO!
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