Missouri London Program

University of Missouri-St. Louis Study Abroad Program in England

Missouri London Program

Study literature, politics, business, history, and a variety of other subjects in Central London. Spend a semester or a summer living, learning, and even interning in the the Capitol of the United Kingdom.

What is it like there?
London, of course, is the capital of England, and is very international and cosmopolitan. History comes alive in the government buildings and neighborhoods known throughout the world. A city of wonderful museums, impressive galleries and an international flavor reflected in the hundreds of ethnic restaurants and shops, London is easily explored by "tube" (the subway), red busses and black taxis. The Missouri London Program, run by CAPA, is an "island program:" students study with American professors from different Missouri universities and use the city as a resource and backdrop for coursework. More information available on the CAPA Missouri London Program website.

What will I study?
Each semester there is a list of courses approved by UM-St. Louis departments for credit in various fields, most often courses in the humanities and social sciences (Shakespeare, British literature, history, politics, etc.). Students take four courses and each course is three credits. The courses available change each semester. Course listings are available in 261 MSC or on this website.

All students will take the required "Understanding Britain Today" which is the showcase course of the program covering a different topic each week relating to British history, culture and civilization. Distinguished British and European lecturers provide detailed analysis of each subject followed by a full or half-day course related field trip. Excursions in and out of London are included in students’ fees to places such as: Parliament, Inns of Court, Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Dover, Canterbury, etc

Internship in London
Qualified junior, and senior students participating on the Missouri London Program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible for an integrated 12 semester hour program composed of 3 to 6 hrs of course work 3 to 6 hrs. of internship experience and 3 hrs. Understanding Britain Today. A wide variety of internship possibilities are available to suit the field of study, background and interests of qualified students and are arranged on an individual basis. All internships are non-paying positions. Students will spend approximately 15 to 20 hours per week on a full or part-time work experience directed by host organization supervisors in consultation with CAPA, the London faculty, and possibly your home campus department. Assessment will be determined in consultation with all parties involved.

An additional $500 will be added to the program fee for all interns, and additional application materials will be required.

What is the language of instruction?
English.

Where will I live?
CAPA housing is located in various areas throughout Greater London within a 45-minute commute via bus or Underground to the CAPA Center. Neighborhoods in London can vary in culture and flavor as though they were different countries. Take advantage of this, and get to know both your own neighborhood, as well as Kensington where the CAPA center is located. Student apartments/residences all meet the following standard requirements:

Located no more than a 45 minute commute via public transportation from the CAPA London Center
Single beds/bunk beds, an oven and/or stove, a refrigerator, and a heater
A kitchen equipped with basic cookware and utensils
A bathroom with shower
A place to store your clothes whether it be shelves or a closet
Bedrooms for a maximum of four students
Although all apartments will meet these criteria according to CAPA standards, please note that it is virtually impossible to find apartments exactly alike in every way. Some may have a television; others will be closer to the city center. Some may have a small terrace; others a larger kitchen.

As many buildings within London were built in previous centuries, there is also a great variety in terms of building exteriors as well as interiors. Some apartments will be in modern, purpose built blocks while others may be in apartments that have been carved out of large Victorian homes – these tend to have layouts that are a bit more quirky and less efficient, but with a bit of character! Bear in mind that London apartments are not as spacious as those of the United States and will definitely be smaller than what you are accustomed to. Students will be invoiced for a $200 refundable security deposit in addition to the program fees. The balance of your security deposit (less any charges for damages, missing items or utility overages) will be refunded to you within 45 days of the last day of the program

When can I go?
Students may attend the Missouri London program during the Fall or Spring semesters. MLP has two semesters, roughly at the same time as UMSL semesters.

What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. Students applying to the internship program must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

How can I learn more?
Stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to pick up a brochure or visit the CAPA Missouri London Program website for complete program details. You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study abroad advisor; call 516-5229. UMSL students participate in MLP each semester and many returnees would be happy to talk with you about the program.

How much does it cost?
There are three categories of expenses:

1. Academic fees (tuition). UM-St. Louis students pay UMSL educational fees. Financial aid can be used towards this program and Center for International Studies scholarships are available for UM-St. Louis students.

2. CAPA fees. A deposit and registration fee of $395 is due upon acceptance into the program. CAPA will bill students for the remainder of the fee. The CAPA program fee includes accommodation in London for the program period, classrooms, subsidized course related excursions, services of the faculty, CAPA support staff and CAPA Program Coordinator, and CAPA registration fee.

3. Personal expenses. You will need to budget for meals, independent travel, round-trip transportation to London, mandatory insurance, textbooks, personal expenses, passport fees, refundable damage deposit, internship fee, and optional tours and activities. Estimate approximately $100 per week for miscellaneous expenses.

Below are the 2009-2010 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at MLP compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in the Missouri London Program, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.

	MLP	UM-St. Louis
Educational Fees¹	$2,947.20	$2,947.20
Information Technology Fee	$146.40	$146.40
Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee	$0.00	$418.68
Housing/Program Fee²	$7,995.00	$2,805.00
Meals³	$2,100.00	$1,698.00
Airfare	$1,000.00
Books	$400.00	$400.00
Miscellaneous⁴	$1,000.00
Internship Placement Fee (if applicable)	$500.00
Damage and Activity Deposits	$500.00
Total Estimated Cost⁵	$16,188.60	$8,415.28

¹ Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
² UMSL housing cost based on single room. MLP Program fee includes accommodation, subsidized social and cultural activities, and services of CAPA staff.
³ UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
⁴ Includes local transportation and mandatory international insurance.
⁵Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.

Last modified September 16, 2009