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 in a London university. With seven prestigious institutions to choose from, you’ll find a partner school and program that matches your needs.
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 will help 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 Queen Mary, University of London.
Queen Mary, University of LondonQueen Mary offers you the best of two worlds: the bustling city of London and a self-contained, thriving campus. Located in the diverse East End, QM maintains its own identity and community, and yet you are never more than a convenient Tube ride to the center of London.
As a large institution (more than 16,000 students), QM offers an extensive range of challenging academic options. In addition, the college has a long history of internationalism: 20 percent of the student body comes from outside the United Kingdom, with more than 100 countries represented in the international student population.
CoursesAcademic life at QM involves a range of instructional styles (lectures, seminars, tutorials) as well as assessment methods (exams, essays, projects.). The college is widely recognized for excellence in both research and teaching, and you are expected to contribute to the lively learning environment.
You are welcome to enroll in classes in any academic department, although certain classes may have prerequisites. Current course listings are available on the University's Directory of Modules.
When you filter the course selections in the Directory of Modules, please refer to the following guidelines. More information can be found under the “guidance notes” link on the main page, as well.
You enroll in four 4-credit courses per semester. There is an impressive range of academic options at QMUL, including but not limited to:
LocationEast of central London, QM’s campus is located in Mile End, one of London’s most ethnically and socially diverse neighborhoods. The campus is self-contained, but students take full advantage of the many opportunities to experience the incredible variety of local cultural offerings.
Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, we’ll be there for you whenever you need us.
AdvisingChoosing 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.
SupportThe 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 StaffWhether 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.
As part of our direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options meet our safety and security standards.
Queen Mary Student Village - While attending Queen Mary, you stay in the modern, award-winning Queen Mary Student Village. You and five other students (international and British students) share a secure, self-contained co-ed flat. You have your own furnished single room and en-suite bathroom. The kitchen and dining areas are shared among the six students. You have the option to prepare your meals or dine out.
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 Queen Mary’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 Volunteering, Clubs & Events Getting involved in the local community enriches your learning experience and creates excellent opportunities for cultural integration, especially when volunteering with Provide, the volunteering community at QM. You can give as much time as you like working with charities or volunteer groups all over London. Learn more at www.qmsu.org/provide.
The QM student union also hosts more than 100 clubs and sponsors a wide range of social and sporting activities. The facilities include gathering spaces (eating areas, several pubs, and a nightclub), fitness resources (a gym, saunas, and squash courts), a convenience store, and computing, binding, and photocopying services. Learn more at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/studentlife/studentunion/index.html.
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 (like a gondola) 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 Internships Assistant
Zosia RutkowskaAssistant Director of Customised Programmes
Emily BrownProgramme Assistant
Martin HannanOffice Manager
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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