UK: Literature of London: Imperial City

Overview 

Explore British imperial history, literature, and culture in London over Spring Break.

Through excursions and activities, discover how the history of British empire, involvement in the slave trade, and immigration have shaped 19th-21st century British literature and culture. Visit iconic sites and cultural venues to study the history of London’s Black and brown communities and the history of imperialism in relation to such writers as Olaudah Equiano, Mary Seacole, Joseph Conrad, Monica Ali, and Bernadine Evaristo.

Highlights and Excursions

• Begin your time in London with a "Hop-on, Hop-off" bus tour
• Visit famous destinations such as the British Museum; the Museum of London; and World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens and Palace
• Go "mudlarking" on the banks of the Thames, searching for artifacts of the empire (To be confirmed-weather permitting)
• Enjoy some of the best curry outside of India in London's Brick Lane district
• See a West End show related to course themes
• Free day in London

Good to Know

• Students should expect a moderate level of physical activity (walking) on this program. 
• This program reviews and accepts students on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.

Information Sessions

Join us to learn more on Tuesday, September 10th from 5:00-6:00 pm in Ellis 115.

Living Arrangements 

Students will be housed in shared accommodations (2 or 3 students per room) in a budget hotel. Daily breakfast and 2 dinners will be included. 

Program Dates 

March 9, 2025-March 16, 2025. Students will need to depart the US on March 8th to arrive in the UK on March 9th.

Academics  

This program offers all students ample opportunities to fulfill general education requirements. Students will earn a total of 3 credits, selected from the following options: 

• ENG 2010 (Pillars: Texts and Contexts | Tier II) 
• ENG 3060J (Foundations: Advanced Writing | J-Comp) 
• ENG 3070J (Foundations: Advanced Writing | J-Comp) 
• ENG 3150 (Humanities) 
• ENG 4600 (Bridges: Speaking and Learning; Capstone | Tier III)

Cost

The program fee for this program includes: Accommodations, daily breakfast, some meals, excursions, and in-country transportation. 

In addition to the program fee, students should plan for 3 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs. Below will be the student budget worksheet for this program, which outlines these costs.  

Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet 2025

Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

*Note: 

• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 
• For programs completed over winter-break and spring break, the credit-hours associated with the program are part of the spring semester. Students taking between 12 to 20 Athens campus hours, including those associated with the program, will not incur additional tuition costs for the spring semester. Students taking less than 12 or more than 20 Athens campus credits for the spring term will see their tuition charge adjusted accordingly.  

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility Requirements 

This program is open to all undergraduate Ohio University students in good academic standing.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy . 

This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page .   

Participants must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements 

When applying, applicants will be required to submit:

• A statement of purpose: Prompt: "How would this program help you to achieve your academic, personal and/or professional goals?”
• Contact information for 2 references(Name, email, phone)

Additionally, an interview with the director may be required. 

This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. Early applications is encouraged.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,   apply for your passport   now.

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s   Visa Information Page

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations