Study Abroad in London: Living Abroad
Housing and Meals
Student Residence/Apartment
During your time abroad you will live in London, within easy travel of the AIFS Global Education Centre, the many museums, galleries, theatres and green open spaces of central London. Housing will be in shared rooms in a residence hall or student apartment building.
Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in London.
Cultural Activities
AIFS staff arrange a rich variety of activities to introduce students to life in the United Kingdom. There is an additional fee for some of these activities, but they offer an inexpensive way to experience London’s exciting cultural life and to see other parts of Britain. Professional guides escort trips to enhance the educational experience. Events may include:
- Performance at Shakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theatre
- Visit to the Tower of London
- Tour of the Houses of Parliament
- Visit to the Black Cultural Archives
- Film evenings
- Walking tour of Brick Lane
- Music concerts
- Trip to an English soccer game
- Visit to the ballet
- Visit to the Olympic Park
- Black History walking tour
- Traditional afternoon tea
- Visit to the London Mosque
- Day trips including Windsor, Stratford-upon-Avon and Brighton
- Facilitated discussions with guest speakers from London’s minoritized communities
Cultural Travel
With its extensive rail services and five international airports London is the perfect starting point from which to explore the U.K. and cities of Europe. You will find low-cost airlines offering inexpensive round-trip flights to mainland Europe along with train and bus options for travel around the U.K. The AIFS staff are always available to help you make plans and share practical travel and safety advice.
Volunteering
AIFS can arrange volunteering placements for students wishing to take an active role in the local community and make a meaningful contribution during their stay in London. Placements may be with schools, charities or NGOs - contact the Resident Director for more information. This is an excellent way to meet local people and gain a deeper insight into British culture and London life.
AIFS in London Resident Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs
Dr Elizabeth Wesner
Phone: (44) 20 7636 0761
Email: ewesner@aifs.co.uk
For over ten years I have been working in international education, across the US, UK and Asia. I have been lucky enough to live in Tianjin, Hong Kong and Liverpool but I look forward to welcoming you to my capital city, London. I was brought up in a small rural town in Central Virginia before leaving to study Education at the University of Virginia. During my college years, I spent the summer months working and studying with foreign students in China and South Korea. These experiences were life-changing, leading to my career in international education. Only one out of every ten American students studies abroad, so simply being on this program makes you stand out from the crowd. My team and I will make sure you make the most of your study abroad opportunity and look forward to welcoming you to London.
The Resident Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.AIFS Campus Staff with First Aid Training
Because health and safety are top priorities at AIFS, at least one member of the staff at this campus has taken a first aid course in order to be available to help any student until a doctor or nurse can provide help. This is just one of many services that we provide to our students.
