Castleton Logo

spacerCastleton Home > Academics > London
London Semester 2008 at 802-468-1244

Photo of frog

London has always been one of the most exciting of destinations. As Samuel Johnson famously said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.“ Not only is London home to millions and one of the great capitals of the world, it also stands out as a beacon of civilization. This eighth Castleton Semester in London will allow you to get to know London as your classroom, as an insider, helping you to appreciate and enjoy its great cultural and historical riches.

In the fall of 2008, Castleton students will once again be able to participate in a fifteen-week program of study in London. During breaks and long weekends, students will also have the opportunity to travel in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and on the continent. Use the links below to find out more details about the Castleton London Semester.

Interested students should contact:

Professor Harry McEnerny, Theatre Arts, 802-468-1260 harry.mcenerny@castleton.edu .    

Renny Harrigan, Associate Academic Dean, 802-468-1243 renny.harrigan@castleton.edu

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Where will I live in London?
Living arrangements are made with Acorn Academic Services, a London based educational exchange service that Castleton has been working with for the past eight years.  Students will reside in two (or three) bedroom apartments (“flats”) with full amenities--living room, kitchen, bath, color television, phone and high speed internet access. Flats will be in central London within walking distance of many major cultural and shopping districts.

What courses will I take in London?
Using London, Great Britain and Europe as our classroom, 15 to 18 credits can be earned. A tentative listing is as follows:

British Experience
British Theatre
Experience through Writing
Exploring Poetry Form and Style

Students also will be able to construct independent studies and internships (in any discipline) for credit while in London. 

While traditional classroom instruction will take up some part of your course work, the city of London, the nation of Great Britain and Europe will provide the primary learning experience for students--therefore, a great deal of your education and experiences will derive from field trips and tours to historic places and institutions, attending cultural events, and exploration and “participant observation” of the culture and society of Great Britain.

Where will I attend classes in London?
Florida State University, which runs its own London semester program, rents its space to other programs, including Castleton.  The Florida State Building contains your classrooms as well as a library, media center, and computer center, all of which are available for your personal use. Public lounges will also provide opportunities to mingle with students from Florida State and other universities; however, all of your classes will be with fellow students from Castleton. Some field trips may include students from other colleges.

What will the climate be like in London?
The winter months in London (January and February) are cloudy and rainy, but mostly mild, rarely hitting freezing temperatures. The spring (March and April) comes earlier and is warmer than in New England; in fact, spring in London is quite beautiful.

What kind of clothes should I take?
Casual clothes are appropriate everywhere for students, except that interns in business or professions should wear appropriate clothing. A raincoat, umbrella, and good walking shoes are a necessity. You should take a winter jacket.

How much additional money should I take beyond the basic cost of the program?
This will vary according to your individual lifestyle.  The biweekly food allowance (approx. $250) should be enough to cover the cost of food and toiletries. Public transportation is good if you cannot walk, and the purchase a London Underground pass on a monthly basis at a cut student rate gives you unlimited access to the city.

Additional costs:

  • Textbook costs are additional, just as they are on any college campus.
  • Independent travel in Britain and the Continent is also additional.

How about taking appliances such as hair dryers and electric shavers?
Britain runs on 220 current, not 110 as in the States; therefore, you must use adapters in London.  They can be purchased here in the States before departure.  Check appliance stores. Waiting to purchase such items there (particularly those that can be shared in the flats, like a radio or hair dryer) is also advisable.

How much free time will I have to travel independently?
You will have most weekends free  - Friday through Monday - as well as some vacation. Students need passports to travel to England or anywhere in Europe (although travel within Europe is easier and passports are not always required). In addition to passports, visas are required for travel in eastern European countries and the former Soviet Union. Usually such visas can be arranged on the ground through a local consulate or embassy. In the past, Ireland, Scotland, Paris and Amsterdam have been popular destinations.

How much luggage can I take to England?
Two suitcases that you can carry easily may be checked, plus a carry-on bag which will fit under the seat of the airplane or in the luggage rack. Airline regulations change and should be checked regularly before departure for exact dimensions and weight. We advise you to take a week’s clothing and lots of different layers that can be put into a backpack or two smaller bags that you can balance and handle on your own. A winter coat can be carried over your arm.

Should I buy a rail pass before leaving for London?
If you plan to travel continuously for two weeks or longer, you may wish to purchase a Eurail Youthpass (under age 26) which is available ONLY in the States. You have to travel quite a bit in a short period of time to make a rail pass worth even its reduced youth price.

What is the legal drinking age in England?
The legal drinking age is 18. While the British have a “pub culture”, they are not heavy drinkers, and you can just as easily enjoy cider or soft drinks on an evening out. Food known as “Pub grub” is an excellent value, particularly at lunch time.

Should I rent a car to travel in England?
This is economical only if three or more people travel together. Since the British drive on the left hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, driving can be an anxiety-producing experience for Americans, only complicated by  tricky “roundabouts” or traffic circles. Insurance costs also raise the cost of a rented car. Public transportation is so good, you are better advised to take the train or bus. Hitchhiking is not advised at all.

What are British laws like regarding controlled substances?
Possession of ANY amount of controlled substance (as defined by British law) will result in immediate deportation from the United Kingdom.

Will I have time to spend with my parents if they come to visit me in London?
Parents and family members may be invited to join any day trips or attend any performances as guests of the College if sufficient advance notice is given.  There will also be ample free time to show your visitors the sights of London independently.

What if I become ill during the London Semester?
Although you must be in residence for six months to qualify for the British health plan, all emergency treatment is free. Acorn Academic Services, the college cooperating agency in London, has a doctor on call at all times, and his fees can be reimbursed by your American health plan carrier just as if you were treated by a physician in the States. You will be required to purchase travel insurance, at the price of about $35/month. Regardless of what kind of insurance you have, travel insurance covers a couple of items that domestic plans do not.

What about the world situation?
The war in the Iraq has changed the way people think of the US and the threat of terrorism in the world is real but England, Great Britain, and Europe are among the safest societies in the world. We need to be attuned to world events and to what is going on in London itself.

 
Portal/VSC Web Services  |  Groupwise |  Library |  College Store | How to Apply |  Career Development | Resources  |  Contact Us