British Life & Cultures
2008 Fall Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The British Life & Cultures program in London focuses on familiarizing students with life and culture in Britain and its capital city, London, first-hand. The program provides an intensive and profound exploration of subjects relating to the past, present and future of Britain while also giving you the chance to fully integrate into London life by completing either an internship or service learning experience. All courses focus on providing direct access to British life & culture through site visits, field trips, and guest lecturers, thus extending the coursework beyond the classroom. You will gain priceless knowledge and insight from this unique academic experience.

The British Life & Cultures course will take you beyond the initial aspects of cultural difference and offers insights as to what makes British cultures distinct. The International Internship Course (IIC) and the International Service Learning Course (ISLC) offer an intensive immersion experience into British culture and London life through a workplace or service learning experience supported by faculty-led seminars. You attend class meetings throughout the experience discussing relevant topics such as cultural differences, organizational culture and learning from challenges. Your experience forms the basis for reflective and analytical course assessments.

In addition to these required course components, you also have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of elective courses ranging from Ethnic History of Modern Britain to International Trade and Media in Britain.

As a student in the British Life & Cultures Program you will take the British Life & Cultures course, 2 elective courses and you will also participate in one internship or service learning experience. Each of the courses will meet for 42 contact hours and will be worth 3 semester credits. The Internship or Service Learning Experience typically consists of 178 hours and is also worth 3 credits. Students taking 4 courses at FIE will typically earn 12 credits within the U.S. semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your home school’s registrar how many credits will be awarded.

Schedule Summary

FIE's semester is divided into two phases. During Phase 1 you will complete your two elective courses, a 7-week Internship or Service Learning seminar and commence coursework in the British Life & Cultures course. You will be in class or on course-related visits and trips 4-5 days. During Phase 2 of the program you will conclude the British Life & Cultures course and complete a 7-week Internship or Service Learning placement plus seminars.

Course Registration

You will be required to submit your elective course selections and choice of internship or service learning experience along with support documentation to the CEA headquarter office prior to departure for London. The British Life & Cultures course is mandatory and you will be automatically registered. For your electives, we strongly encourage you to take care in choosing courses and alternates as, if you decide to make changes upon arrival, you must complete this approval process on your own. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.

To learn more about course requirements for your particular session as well as information regarding your host institution, you may click on the appropriate links above.