Combined Arts and Humanities and Social Science in London

Spring Semester 2011

12 weeks – early January to early April

Not running in 2010

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The “Combined Arts and Humanities and Social Science” program is a cooperative venture between the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science to permit students to carry a full semester course load while completing their Integrative Studies requirements. This program involves more than simply moving the classroom from East Lansing to London.  Students, whatever their course and credit distribution, will be expected to participate in all aspects of this program, which will include field trips, participant observation, site and museum visits, and guest speakers.  Students will have a unique opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective of life and history in Britain.  The IAH and History courses will be taught by British professors who are accustomed to teaching American students and who bring local knowledge and a native perspective to bear on London and British society.

London is filled with the sights and sounds of 2,000 years of human history.  It was at the center of Britain’s worldwide empire for 300 years and has remained a major world city after the end of the empire, and is now a dynamic mixture of ethnicities and cultures from around the globe.  London is the cultural, political and artistic center of the United Kingdom and provides unparalleled opportunities for undergraduates to study liberal arts and social science abroad.  Juniors and seniors have the option of earning credit while participating in a limited number of unpaid internships at a London-based business, non-profit organization, or government institution.

What can I study?

Students will be required to enroll for a minimum of twelve (12) credits in the following courses:

The core curriculum is based on courses required to complete Integrative Studies requirements in Social Science and Arts and Humanities, but offers a variety of field study, independent study and internship opportunities for juniors and seniors as well.  Students who have not completed a prerequisite IAH course (numbered below 211) or a 200-level ISS course may enroll in IAH 241C or ISS 315 and complete the prerequisite course in a later term.  Students are strongly encouraged to discuss the courses offered on this program with their academic adviser to determine what courses will best meet their graduation requirements.  The four-credit internship offered through this program requires an additional application that must be completed before November 1st and an additional $500 placement fee.

To ensure that university contact hours are met, students whatever their course and credit distribution will be expected to participate in all aspects of this program.  The program schedule will be flexible to allow for field trips and guest speakers. Classes will generally be on a Monday through Thursday schedule to allow long weekends for personal travel and study.  Occasionally, a field trip or class may be scheduled on a Friday.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

For example, in order to enroll in IAH 241C in this study abroad program, students must have earned credit for their first IAH course requirement (IAH 201-210) prior to the beginning of their study abroad program.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will have centrally located apartments while in London. 

Who can tell me more about this program?

You can talk with a Peer Adviser at the Office of Study Abroad, attend an information meeting, or contact the professor by e-mail. 

Beth Laux
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-2686

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2008 was $5,995 and included the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs were estimated at $6,497 for 2008.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu