London Program

DMACC Spring Semester in England

DMACC offers students an opportunity to take selected classes during the Spring semester London Study Abroad Program. Students enjoy 8 weeks—yes, 8 weeks!—in London studying with DMACC professors.

The program is a regular DMACC Spring semester compressed into 10 weeks. Students will start taking classes at the end of January/beginning of February at the Ankeny Campus and then in mid February will travel to London to spend 8 weeks living with British families while continuing with their DMACC program.

In the past, students have taken classes in composition, speech, history, literature, and the humanities, but specific course offerings are announced once the lead professors are selected. Additionally, British professors offer "British Life and Culture," an essential lecture and field trip series, covering such topics as the Monarchy and the Royal Family, World War II and the Blitz, and the History of London.

Classes are held at the AIFS Student Center. In addition to lectures and class discussions, students tour museums, visit historic places, and attend live theatre performances in London and the surrounding area. For a real sense of living in London, students reside with British families.

Students enroll for twelve DMACC credits, which may include some independent study, one online course, and internships. Financial aid is available for study abroad. Program arrangements are made in conjunction with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), specializing in study abroad programs for colleges and universities, which has an office in London. Join us for a life-changing experience!

If you think you want to spend 8 weeks in the United Kingdom as a DMACC student, it's time to start planning! Come to one of our upcoming Zoom info meetings. You’ll learn about how the program is structured, how to pay for your trip, and what you can learn from studying in one of Europe’s most diverse, vibrant cities.  

To register, please email Aimee Langager, the Study Abroad Coordinator, at studyabroad@dmacc.edu with your name, pronouns, DMACC email address, your major/program of study, and the info session you’d like to attend. Dates and times are listed below. All info sessions will be held over Zoom unless otherwise noted, and you’ll receive an invitation to your session of choice once you email Aimee.

Zoom Info Sessions:

• Wednesday, January 28, 3:00-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 3, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
• Friday, February 13, 12:00-12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 19, 3:00-3:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 23, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, 12:00-12:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 23, 3:00-3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 1, 3:00-3:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 10, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, April 21, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 28, 12:00-12:30 p.m.

British Life & Culture Course

Every student that does London Study Abroad takes a course called British Life & Culture (HUM 249). This course features an interactive weekly lecture from a British instructor, combined with weekly guided trips to sites around London and the English countryside.

Lecture topics include: Introduction to the U.K.; The British Political System; Education and Social Class; Media & Gender; Multiculturalism, Immigration & Ethnicity; British Theatre; National Health Service; and Britain in the World.

Guided field trips include: The British Library, the Houses of Parliament, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, Shakespeare's Globe, the Imperial War Museum, and much more!!

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Homestays

When in London, students stay with the British families. This arrangement provides them with a first-hand experience of the new culture and an opportunity to make new friends.

Most homestays are located in West London in a residential neighborhood, 40-45 minutes commute from the AIFS Student Center, where most classes take place.

Details about homestays

• Twin room with another DMACC Student
• Shared bathroom and living space
• Breakfast provided on weekdays
• Kitchen access and space for groceries
• Free WiFi

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Optional AIFS Tour of Scotland

Visit Loch Ness, follow in the footsteps of Braveheart, explore the beautiful Isle of Skye and much, much more. This will be a trip to remember, so don't miss out!!

Included in the price you get…

• Professional bus tour with fantastically fun and knowledgeable local Scottish guide
• Round-trip train fare from London to Edinburgh (Departs Thursday PM, returns Sunday PM)
• 3 nights accommodation in hostels (One night in Edinburgh, one near Loch Ness, one on the Isle of Skye)
• Amazing sights, stunning scenery + hairy cooos!
• Home-cooked group evening meals (Friday and Saturday)
• Continental morning breakfasts

If you're planning to take a trip to Scotland, why not let AIFS take care of the arrangements for you? We use an Edinburgh based tour company who supply a nimble wee bus and superhuman tour guide who will add even more color — and plenty of unique Scottish humour — to a host of wonderful sights and scenery.

What they said about Haggis Last Year…

"An absolute blast…I loved the Haggis Guides, they were fantastic and truly made my trip memorable. I've a new found passion for Scotland, and definitely recommend the tours to everyone."

"The tour guide was awesome- full of fab stories and shocking jokes! The scenery was breathtaking and the group was fantastic. Scotland will always be one of my favourite places now."

The price of this trip is $745

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Top 10 Reasons to Spend a Semester in London

1. Make yourself more employable by adding a "study abroad" line to your resume.
2. Immerse yourself in one of the oldest and most modern European capitals.
3. Learn about European history and culture from British and DMACC professors.
4. Create a new self by living a life of a big-city dweller (if only for 8 weeks!) You will never completely go back to the old "you".
5. See the world you are learning about in books with your own eyes.
6. Visit world famous museums, historic sites and theaters: The Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, Stonehenge and many more.
7. Travel around Europe on weekends (Paris is within 3 hours by train; Florence, Rome, Madrid, Prague are within 2-3 hours by air).
8. Get adopted by a British family as you stay at their house for 8 weeks.
9. Make new British and American friends taking classes on the University of London campus.
10. Learn to speak British! Cheerio!

 

Contacts for General Information