The London Eye: Engaged Gazing for Social Justice Abroad in Britain

Program Type

SU Faculty-Led

Program Provider

Seattle University

Location

London, England

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About this Program

This is a three-week study abroad immersion experience with London serving as the intellectual, cultural, and social justice sight for classroom and excursion activities. The primary focus of this course centers on contemporary themes concerning immigration and human trafficking in Britain, with particular reference to issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, cultural challenges, exploitation, abuse, and more, faced by victims of these practices. Selected course content is drawn from readings, history, art, and activism, etc. Some content reaches back as far as William Shakespeare and includes information about the transatlantic trade in African slaves; however, the primary focus of the course is on contemporary texts (including novels, nonfiction prose, poetry, drama, secondary readings, local London newspapers, films/videos and more). Because of the intersectional and interdisciplinary content of this course, students from a wide range of majors are able to engage in this course in informative, meaningful, and transformative ways focused on developing them as agents of change in a world much in need of their passion and activism. SU Course(s): UCOR 3400 or ENGL 3910

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Program Highlights

Course(s):
  • UCOR 3400
  • ENGL 3910

Level of Immersion

Language(s) of Instruction:
  • English

Features

  • Courses with Study Abroad Students
  • Experiential Immersion
  • No Language Pre-Requisites

Housing Abroad

  • Residence Halls

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

  • Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
  • Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
  • Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

  • English
  • History
  • University Core

    • Courseload

    Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

    Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.

    • Credit Range: 5
    • Credit System: Quarter Credits
    • Typical Course load: 1
    • Credit Per Course: 5

    Credit Conversion

    • Transcript Issued By: Seattle University
    • Credit Conversion Rate: 1 Quarter Credit = 1 Quarter Credit
    • Quarter Range: 5
    EAO Historic Course Search

    Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

    • Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
    • For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
    • Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
    • Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

    Transfer Credits

    Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

    Placeholder Course

    The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

    Program Fees

    Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

    Fees not specified

    Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

    Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

    Budget Worksheets

    Short

    Participation Costs

    For Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will be billed Seattle University (1) Summer Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Wellness Fee, (4) Global Medical Insurance, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

    Payment

    For Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. In addition to a 1-3 credit Spring Quarter course, you will enroll in and be billed Seattle University tuition for a 2-4 credit summer course at the discounted summer rate. The remaining program fee that will be charged to student account once enrolled in the associated course(s), charged during Summer Quarter. Often includes most in-country expenses. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

    Insurance

    When you participate in an Faculty-Led Short Term program at Seattle University, you are enrolled in comprehensive travel and global medical insurance through On-Call International for the duration of your program. Seattle University bills the insurance cost to your MySeattleU account.

    Scholarships

    There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

    Scholarship OpportunitiesCost Comparison Calculator

    Student Journey

    Approximate TimelinePhaseMore details
    Sept-JanExplorationStudents will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
    Feb 1ApplyStudents will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
    Late Feb/Early MarNominationsEducation Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
    Mar-May (Fall)
    Sept-Dec (Winter)
    Jan-March (Spring)    		PreparationStudents will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

    Application Steps

    1. Contact Mary-Antoinette Smith (masmith@seattleu.edu) for application steps and deadline.
    2. For Short-Term Faculty Led programs, you will be enrolled in a Spring Course (1-3 credits) on-campus for pre-departure preparation and a Summer Course (2-4 credits) for immersive academic content abroad. Undergraduate students will receive institutional aid to fully offset the summer tuition for these programs.
    3. Questions? Email Mary-Antoinette Smith (masmith@seattleu.edu)

    If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

    Climate

    • Spring: Mild with frequent rain, temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Spring is ideal for exploring parks and gardens, as flowers begin to bloom, but an umbrella is recommended.
    • Summer: Summers in England are typically warm with occasional rain, with temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor festivals, but weather can change quickly, so pack light layers.
    • Autumn: Cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). The changing leaves make autumn a beautiful time to explore the countryside and historic landmarks.
    • Winter: Winters in England are generally cold and damp, with temperatures between 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F). Snowfall is rare but possible, especially in the north.

    Travel Resources

    • Air: England is served by several major airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering connections to global destinations. For more information, visit Heathrow Airport.
    • Train: England has an extensive rail network, making train travel a convenient option. Services like National Rail connect cities across the country, and Eurostar provides direct routes to mainland Europe. For schedules and ticket information, visit National Rail and Eurostar.
    • Public Transport: Cities like London offer a comprehensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and the famous London Underground (Tube). For more details, visit Transport for London.

    Cultural Resources

    • Historical Sites: England is home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks. Must-visit sites include the British Museum in London, home to world-famous artifacts, the Tower of London, and the prehistoric site of Stonehenge.
    • Language: English is the official language, and accents can vary across regions. Knowing British phrases like “queue” (line) and “cheers” (thank you) can be helpful.
    • Festivals: England hosts several world-renowned festivals, including the Glastonbury Festival (a famous music event), Notting Hill Carnival (celebrating Caribbean culture), and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which features a wide range of performances, including comedy, theater, and music.

    Food & Diet

    • Cuisine: Traditional English foods include fish and chips, roast dinners, and afternoon tea. England’s multicultural population means that you can also find a variety of global cuisines in most major cities.
    • Dietary Needs: England is very accommodating to dietary needs, with vegetarian and vegan options widely available in restaurants and supermarkets. Gluten-free and dairy-free choices are also common, especially in urban areas.

    Embassy/Consulate

    • U.S. Embassy in London: 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US (Phone: +44 20 7499 9000)

    Identity-Specific Considerations

    • Accessibility: Major cities in England, such as London, have made significant improvements in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities. However, older buildings and rural areas may pose challenges. It’s advisable to plan ahead and consult local resources like VisitEngland for accessible travel guides.
    • LGBTQ+: England is largely progressive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Most cities host LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride festivals, and there are legal protections in place. However, social attitudes may vary slightly in more rural or conservative areas.
    • Religion: England is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the largest faith, alongside growing Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and non-religious communities, reflecting its multicultural society.
    • Race & Ethnicity: England is ethnically diverse, particularly in urban areas, though racial minorities may experience disparities in social and economic opportunities.
    • Gender: England has strong legal protections for gender equality, but gaps in pay and leadership roles persist, and traditional gender norms may still influence societal expectations.

    Visa Requirements

    What is a Visa?

    A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

    Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by the UK Government.

    U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for programs shorter than 90 days in the United Kingdom (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates. Seattle University's Education Abroad can provide additional supporting visa application documents for Non-U.S. citizens, if applicable; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Seattle University's control.) Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

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