Study Abroad — London
Literature comes alive in London!
Join other ECU students and faculty in the summer as we study abroad in England! The Department of English offers a faculty-led summer program that lets you spend three weeks in beautiful central London. While immersed in the vibrant sights and sounds of this global city, students find that the stories they read, the theater they attend, and the historical sights they visit come alive with new meanings.
During this summer program, students can earn six (6) undergraduate or graduate credits in English coursework that has been designed for students from first-year to graduate school. Majors and non-majors find this trip equally appealing, and we’d love for you to join us!
What Will We Study?
In our program, “Monsters and Magic: The Literature and Folklore of London,” we explore the ways that monsters have always functioned as metaphors for understanding the parts of our lives that are scary, distant, or uncertain. Through classic and recent children’s stories, folklore and fairy tales, and a selection of contemporary plays, we explore how society makes sense of uncertainty and finds meaning in the misunderstood. Students can earn credit for up to 2 of the following ECU courses:
Undergraduate:
- English 2570: The Supernatural (HU), Kitta
- English 3340: Contemporary Drama (HU), Banks
- English 4951: Children’s and Young Adult Literature (WI), Banks
Graduate:
- English 6515: Adv Studies in Children’s Literature, Banks
- English 7465: Folklore, Kitta
What’s Included in the Program Fees?
Our program is one of the most affordable study abroad programs ECU offers each year. In addition to paying for the six (6) course credits, program fees cover the following for all students:
- Housing: three weeks lodging in apartments in Central London
- Travel: travel cards for unlimited public transportation around the city, as well as train tickets for multiple excursions
- Theater: four plays including shows at Shakespeare Globe Theatre and major west end shows
- Excursions: trips vary by year based on student interests and availability, but we always include at least one trip to tour Oxford or Cambridge, as well as excursions around London (e.g., ghost tours, Kew Gardens, Tower of London, London Dungeon, etc.)
- Faculty Guides: two expert faculty lead class discussions and excursions and support students throughout their trip.
*Air travel is not included in the program cost, but faculty leaders work to find the most affordable option each year for the group.
What Do Our Days and Weekends Look Like?
We typically meet Monday – Friday from 9:00 am until noon to discuss what we have read and the plays and excursions we go on as a group. Students have afternoons free to explore the city and make the trip their own based on their interests. We do not abandon you, though: faculty leaders work with students to make sure they are safe as they explore London!
On the weekends, students either explore the many pop-up markets, concerts, and cultural events happening in London, or they just as often leave town to explore other easy to reach locations. In the past, students have gone to Edinburgh, Scotland on the train, or hopped over to Dublin for a weekend; others have gone to Paris or Rome for a day or a weekend. Soccer fans have taken in a match at Wembley, and tennis afficionados have enjoyed days at Wimbledon. Students have lots of open time in the evenings and weekends to plan their own excursions both near and far — and faculty leaders are always eager to help with that, as well.
What Do ECU Students Say About Their Study Abroad Experiences in London?
London was more than I ever imagined. I knew I would love the experiences, the musicals, and the sites. However, I never anticipated the amazing friends and relationships I made along the way. It was one of the greatest adventures of my life!
-Logan Dupree (2023)
My time in London was one that I’ll always treasure. Having the freedom to partake in my own interest while still having group activities was the perfect blend for a three week trip. Moreover, having the option to select the plays that interested us made everyone feel included in the process instead of having someone decide for us. The instructors are first class, and they are willing to accompany you on your own excursions, as well as provide valuable advice and safety instructions. I highly recommend those interested in having an enriched international experience consider doing a London study abroad program through the Department of English.
– Jamal Alexander (2023)
Who Are the Faculty Leaders?
Program faculty have been leading summer study abroad trip to London for nearly two decades and their extensive travel experiences both in the United Kingdom and around Europe make them excellent guides for new and experienced travelers.
Dr. Will Banks (he/him) teaches children’s literature and contemporary drama as part of the London program and serves as the Director of the University Writing Program at ECU. He’s always eager to share stories about London adventures and to plan new ones with eager students!
Dr. Andrea Kitta (she/her) teaches folklore and the supernatural as part of the London program and is Professor of English at ECU. She has been an avid supporter of study abroad since her first college study abroad trip to Turkey, and she enjoys helping students to learn about a new place by exploring the stories locals tell about the area, both past and present.
Are There Scholarships or Other Financial Aid Available?
Absolutely! The ECU courses that undergraduate students take carry Humanities (HU) credit and Writing Intensive (WI) credit, which means that they should easily fit into your program of study whether you are English Majors or not. As such, they are available for financial aid. Graduate students who use financial aid can also use those funds to pay for study abroad.
Additionally, students can apply for a number of scholarships specific to study abroad through the ECU scholarship portal.
How Do I Apply for the Next Program?
Students should apply through ECU’s Pirates Abroad platform.
The staff in ECU’s Global Affairs Office is extremely knowledgeable about the process and about any paperwork students may need, including how to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Reach out to them and they will be eager to support you!
What if I Have More Questions?
Contact Dr. Banks (banksw@ecu.edu) and Dr. Kitta (kitaa@ecu.edu). They are always eager to talk with prospective study abroad students.