Syracuse University
Summer in the United Kingdom
OVERVIEW
Interviews with former and future Cabinet members, scholars, diplomats, members of the Houses of Commons and Lords, the European Union, writers, editors, and producers from print media, television, radio, and the film industry are distinctive features of this program, now in its 25th year. Students gain a working knowledge of how the media cover politics and the interconnectedness between the makers and shapers of public policy and public opinion, in Britain and beyond. Other features include internship options after the program ends.
Students can elect to stay in London for an additional 5 weeks to intern for a political, public service, or media organization. Internships are competitive and specific placements cannot be guaranteed. In previous summers positions were arranged at the House of Commons, BBC Westminster, NBC News- London Bureau, National Campaign for the Arts, NHS Trust (health care), the London Towers (professional basketball team), the Theatre Museum, Raindance Film Festival, Flashback TV (documentary film), Compass (political think tank), Chuff Media (music promoter), Borkowski (public relations), Fox Kalomaski (marketing), Blackspring Press (publisher), Pace News (documentary film), 18 Doughty (Internet news TV), Childern's Heart Foundation (public interest group), and a law firm.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Students are responsible for completing all requirements of the five-week course, including a class presentation and writing assignments. Grades are based on participation in the class meetings and the interview sessions, as well as the written work. Students who commit themselves to the experience and participate diligently can expect to perform well in the course.
The optional internship program requires a minimum of five weeks of work in an organization. To qualify, students must submit a resume with their application. Grades are based on the organizational supervisor's evaluation and the student's written reflections. Students may not audit the internship.
TRAVEL/HOUSING
Students will arrange and pay for their own round-trip transportation to London. Local transportation within London is not covered by the program fee; students will have to cover the cost of transportation within London to various sites required by the course.
Advantage Travel has arranged a group flight for students on this program. We encourage students to travel on the group flight, which includes ground transportation upon arrival. More information will be provided soon.
Please note that while we encourage students to pursue flight arrangements, we would not encourage you to purchase your airline tickets before confirming that the program and courses you plan to take will be offered in 2009. Please request written notification from us that you can book your flight. You will have to present this notification if we cancel the program at a later date, and you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket.
Students are housed in shared rooms in furnished flats arranged by Syracuse University for the duration of the program. SU Abroad’s pre-arranged housing is located in the heart of the University district, the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London, and a short walk to our London Centre.
Students who choose to arrange and pay for their own housing must notify SU Abroad in writing. You can advise us of your housing intentions through an email to SU Abroad, suabroad@syr.edu. The program fee will be reduced for students who choose to live independently. These students should expect to pay about 160 British Pounds (about $305) per week for a shared apartment. They will also be responsible for their own hotel bookings and costs for the first few days of the program while they look for housing. They can contact the Royal National Hotel to pay the hotel directly for their accommodations.
Students in pre-arranged housing, who elect to stay in London for an internship, can remain in their flats after the program ends on July 4 and pay an additional housing fee. More information on the additional cost of housing will be provided.
COST
Estmated cost for the 6-credit program is $8,100 and $12,700 for the 9-credit course.
APPLYING
Undergraduate students in good academic standing at any accredited college or university are eligible for this program. Because enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early.
To be considered for admission to our programs, you should have at the time of application a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. Meeting or exceeding the minimum cumulative GPA requirement, however, does not guarantee admission to our programs. We make admissions decisions based on a full review of the file, including the academic recommendation, the personal statement, and any disciplinary sanctions. Once admitted to SU Abroad, you must remain a student in good standing (academic and judicial) to participate in our programs.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at 1-800-235-3472.