Living Abroad - January Term 2022
AIFS in London Resident Director, January Term Program
Gerrard McAteer
Phone: (44) 207 636 0761
Email: gmcateer@aifs.co.uk
For almost twenty years I have been directing programs in the four most popular locations for U.S. study abroad students (France, Spain, Italy and the UK). I have been lucky enough to live in Paris, Barcelona and Florence but London is my capital city. I was brought up on the outskirts of Manchester in England before leaving to study engineering in the Midlands. During my college years I spent the summer months working with foreign students in rural France and Massachusetts, U.S. It was during my travels I discovered all about the world of studying and working abroad and that led to my career with AIFS. Only two out of every ten American students study abroad, so simply being on this program makes you stand out. Myself and my team 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.
Housing and Meals
Student Residence
You will live in Kensington, one of the most picturesque areas of central London. The AIFS office, computer labs and coffee shops are clustered in a residential area of the borough. The student residence includes:
- Double rooms with shared bathrooms
- A daily meal allowance of £12 Monday through Friday is provided in the form of a debit card for use in local grocery stores and restaurants
Cultural Activities
Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of British life the AIFS staff organizes an active social and cultural program. Activities will include:
- Guided city tour with a professional guide See Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
- Performance at a West End theater London is renowned for its vibrant theater scene. See a show in the famous West End theater district and find out for yourself why it has the reputation of being the center of the theatrical world.
- Afternoon tea - tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes; nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London. Enjoy the most English of institutions in a charming tearoom.
- Visit to the Design Museum
- Street art walking tour to experience London’s vibrant alternative art scene
- Visit to The Shard Located 800 feet above the ground, the view from the Shard offers the highest views of London, providing spectacular 360° views of the city.
- Curry night in Brick Lane, the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. Sample what has become the U.K.’s national cuisine - curry! Enjoy a meal with new friends in a hip neighborhood of the city.
Besides these arranged activities and visits you will undertake as part of the course you select, there is always something going on in and around London. Your Resident Director will give you all the information you need to find events and activities that interest you.
