Great Britain
Region: London & Edinburgh
Title: Art, Art History & Film in London & Edinburgh
Schedule: Summer, even years (2008, 2010, etc)
School: Art
Contact: Jody Lamb
Phone: 593-1811
E–mail: lambj@ohio.edu
For more information click here.
June 16 - July 12, 2012 Summer Program

PLEASE NOTE: The next time this program will be offered is during the summer of 2014. The dates will be mid-May to mid-June 2014. The activities and courses will be very similar to those listed below. The overall cost will increase somewhat due to higher apartment costs, etc.
Thank you for your interest in our Great Britain summer program. This is a unique opportunity to spend four fascinating and challenging weeks in the heart of London and Edinburgh. This program is also being offered at a great price considering that this is being held during the summer of the London Olympics.
As you know, OU moves to the semester system beginning Fall of 2012. For those of you who need or would prefer quarter system courses, this is your final opportunity to take a full quarter of courses.
The dates of the London Summer Olympics are July 27 - August 12 and, as you can see, our program ends before the Olympics begin. We have made this decision because we quite frankly cannot afford to offer this program during the time of the Olympics. The cost for London Hotel lodging alone is expected to increase up to ten times the normal rate. We have also had to consider the issue of offering classes while hundreds of thousands of additional visitors descend upon London. Galleries and museums will be packed, making it difficult if not impossible to teach our courses at these venues. Public transportation will also be a considerable challenge to use, as it is overcrowded even during a normal summer.
We would like to stress, however, that you will reap many of the benefits related to the Summer Olympics by living in London just before the games begin. Literally hundreds of special cultural events and activities are planned throughout the summer. There will be numerous once-in-a-lifetime special exhibitions, fantastic concerts in Hyde Park and other venues, and hundreds of other unique events and opportunities. As just one small example, there will be plays performed at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in 37 different languages in celebration of the international nature of the Olympics. You will also see central London at its finest, as millions of pounds have been spent to make the area we will live in more beautiful and more accessible to pedestrians.
There are an infinite number of stories to tell in a city. London, our host city and the focus of our research for this course, is gearing up to experience a huge event - the 2012 Summer Olympics. How is this world-encompassing event affecting the city? How has it affected individuals who call this city home?
We will hit the streets of London, visiting Olympics sites, London museums, galleries, and possibly the studios of local artists throughout the city to begin to process the magnitude of this event. We will consider the history of the Olympics and World's Fairs to put our research into context. Through personal writings, simple book arts and zine projects, we will process and share what we have learned with our fellow students and our London neighbors.
Dates: June 16- July 12, 2012
We depart from the USA on June 16 (arriving in London on June 17)and return to the USA on July 12. The official program flight itinerary is Columbus - London Heathrow - Columbus.
London & Edinburgh with day trips to Stonehenge, Avebury and Bath.
Program Sponsors: This program is sponsored by the School of Art, School of Film and the College of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Office of Education Abroad.
All majors are welcome. Over half the students who attend have no background in the visual arts. Students from other OU colleges are always some of the finest participants in this program, providing very different and invaluable insights into our experiences in the UK. No previous art history background is required for any of our art history courses or Art 300J. There is also one art studio course for those of you with no art background.
Participation is limited to the first 24 accepted students. Enrollment is on a rolling basis, meaning that the first 24 students who apply and are accepted will attend. We recommend you apply as soon as possible as all spaces may have been filled before we reach the official deadline application date of February 29, 2012.
Graduate students find this program extraordinarily useful. Most return to OU with many new ideas that enrich their own art making and transform their thesis show. Art History grad students find that viewing original works of art on a daily basis much improves their understanding of art history, and many conduct researchin London and Edinburgh directly related to their MA thesis.
Most graduate students qualify for a summer tuition waiver (Graduate Recruitment Scholarship). See the "Financial Aid and Scholarship" section below for details.
What makes our Great Britain courses so different than our courses taught on campus?
Unlike courses taught on campus, all classes in G.B. are taught directly on sites throughout London and Edinburgh. These cities are your classroom. Thinking about and studying art and art history directly from the object, and if possible within its proper context, is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Students find they learn art history much faster & gain new insights about already familiar art by studying original works.
Art students will explore London’s contemporary art world, which many critics feel is the most dynamic in the world. Students will also attend once in a lifetime special exhibitions. Previous exhibitions have included the art of Dali, Rembrandt, Magritte, the Impressionists, Orientalism, Art of the Aztecs, Star Wars, Warhol, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the Pre-Raphaelites, contemporary British art, and much, much more.
Our instructors know London and Edinburgh intimately, and are avid Anglophiles. You will love their enthusiasm and knowledge of British art and culture!
The cost of your roundtrip airfare for the official program itinerary is included in your program fee. The official program itinerary is Columbus – London Heathrow – Columbus, departing Columbus on 6/16/12 and returning from London Heathrow to Columbus on 7/12/12. Once you are enrolled in the program, the Office of Education Abroad (OEA) will request your passport information and will book your ticket for you. You will be provided with an e-ticket to carry with you when you fly.
If you want to fly from a different airport or on different dates you must inform the OEA and Program Director Jody Lamb as soon as possible. For example, you might prefer to depart for London from Cleveland, or you intend to travel in Europe after the program ends. The OEA will book your requested itinerary and if the cost is more than the cost of a ticket for the official program itinerary flight the difference will be billed to your OU account.
If you want to make any changes to your ticket once it has been booked you will be responsible for paying all costs involved.
We will reside in very nice apartments just off Russell Square and almost next door to the British Museum. Whether you decide to take the Underground train, a bus or walk, this is a perfect location in central London. Students will share these large furnished apartments (the British call them flats) with 4-6 other students. Each fully furnished flat has a fully equipped kitchen, a TV, dishwasher and large refrigerator. A laundry room with washers and driers are available for free in your building. These facilities enable you to cook your own meals and launder your clothes in the comfort of your apartment while in London.
You will have free WiFi access in your London flat.
We will travel to Edinburgh together by train in early July. We will stay in this fabulous city 4 days and 3 nights. Many students describe the visit to Edinburgh as one of the highlights of the program. This year we will stay at the very stately George Hotel, located at 19-21 George St. You will share your hotel room with one other person. This hotel is perfectly located, just a 5 minute walk from the train station and a single street away from Princes Street in the very center of downtown Edinburgh. For photos click here.
Each participant will be given a Great Britain cell phone while you are abroad. This phone can also be used to call the USA. This is a basic, pay-as-you-go type phone, meaning that while the phone is provided for you, you will need to pay for the cell phone minutes you use. The phone belongs to Ohio University, so you will be required to sign a contract agreeing to return the phone and all its accessories in full working order. If you fail to do so a $60 charge will be applied to your OU account. We will give you your phone several days before we depart for London, so you will be able to give your family and friends your UK cell phone number.
We will have our own private bus tour of London complete with professional guide on our first full day in London.
We will take 2 all day bus trips outside of London. A professional guide travels with us both days. Our first trip will take us to prehistoric Stonehenge and Avebury, and the 2nd adventure will be to the elegant Georgian and ancient Roman city of Bath.
You will attend a Shakespearean play at the famous outdoor New Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames. You will also attend one world class West End play, such as Billy Elliot or War Horse (the actual plays will be confirmed closer to departure for London).
Click here for the Globe Theatre
Click here for War Horse
At dusk we will take a London Eye ride on the world’s tallest ferris wheel. This is a great way to gain a sense of central London and beyond.
Click here for the London Eye
While most museums have free admission to their permanent collections, they all charge a fee for special exhibitions. The program will pay for some of these special admission fees.
We will share a group meal on our final evening in London. This will be held at the trendy and lively Brown's Restaurant, located in Covent Garden. You will have a three-course meal chosen from a special menu. For details about this restaurant, click here.
As a participant in an Ohio University study abroad program, you are automatically enrolled in a supplemental health insurance plan through HTH Worldwide Health Insurance Services prior to departure. HTH has an extensive network of providers around the world, and online services to help you plan for medical care before you leave and while you are in London and Edinburgh. Once enrolled in the program, you will receive a description of HTH benefits and covered medical expenses. In addition, you will receive an insurance card prior to your departure. Please carry this insurance card with you at all times while you are overseas. This insurance costs only $29.65/month/student, and is included in the program fee.
All students must pay for the cost of tuition, just as you would if you were attending summer classes on the Athens campus. All participants must enroll as a full time student (minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, or 9 credit hours for graduate students). The tuition fees for the 2011-12 academic year (including summer 2012) are:
Please note that these figures do not include the Technology fee, SIS or Network fee. The schedule for these fees can be found on the Bursar’s website by clicking here.
The cost of your tuition is NOT included in the program fee.
The kitchens in your apartments are fully equipped, so you will be able to cook all your meals there if you choose. There are two grocery stores at the Brunswick Centre just 3 minutes from our flats. We are also literally surrounded by restaurants, many of which are inexpensive due to the fact that the University of London is nearby, and there are several local pubs that serve good food.
This pass provides you with unlimited access to the London Undergraound or Tube and bus systems.
If you buy your train ticket to/from Edinburgh after arriving in London, this can cost you anywhere from $100-$300 or more depending upon the rate you are then able to book. Most students prefer to buy a Britrail Flexipass in advance while still in the USA. Keep in mind that you cannot purchase this in Great Britain.
The Britrail Flexipass or Flexible Pass will get you to and from Edinburgh and leave you with 1-2 additional day trips anywhere in Great Britain (although not Ireland) at no additional cost. You qualify for the Youth Britrail Flexipass if you are 25 years old or younger. The current cost of a standard class youth Britrail Flexipass pass for 3 days of travel within a 2-month period is $185, while 4 days of travel within 2 months is $229. For details & options click here.
Course related lists will be provided to you by your specific instructors.
You should order your passport ASAP. The estimated time to receive a passport is currently 10 weeks.
You can go on-line at www.travel.state.gov and download a copy of the DS 11 passport form. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you must apply in person, but you can download the appropriate paperwork.
You can also order your passport by going to the Athens County Courthouse, 4th floor (740-592-3242). The passport fee is $110, and there is ALSO a $25 processing fee, bringing the total cost to $137. When applying, you must bring a valid driver's license and an original birth certificate or a certified copy of it (this means with an official stamp which has left a raised seal imprint). For more information on accepted documentation, click here.
You must also bring 2 official passport photographs (from places like CVS, AAA, Kinko's or elsewhere); you cannot bring a snapshot because a passport photograph is a special heatproof photo. You will receive your passport in 2-3 weeks if it is expedited; the additional fee is $60 plus the cost of envelopes both ways, costing $27, bringing the cost of this service to $87 plus the $135 for the passport, or $222 total.
This is difficult to estimate, as it varies tremendously from student to student, depending upon how frugal you are. London is a very expensive city, so it is easy to spend a great deal of money if you are not careful.
Click here for a Student Budget Worksheet.
Participation is limited to the first 24 accepted students and enrollment in this program is on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, meaning that the first 24 students who apply and are accepted will participate. The program may be full before we reach the official application deadline so you are strongly recommended to apply early.
You must fill out the Office of Education Abroad (OEA) online application form to apply for the program. This form is available on the homepage of the OEA website by clicking here.
You need 2 letters of recommendation. The OEA will inform you by email whether or not you have been offered a place on the program a few days after Jody Lamb reviews your application.
You will not be officially accepted into the program until:
1. You have submitted the online program application form available at the OEA website;
2. You have received an official nomination email from the OEA and you have confirmed your acceptance;
3. You have paid your $500 deposit (see below). No one else will be accepted after 24 students make their deposit, but we will keep a waiting list in case someone drops out.
A $500 nonrefundable deposit will be due at the time you accept your nomination to the program. A deposit slip will be attached to your nomination email. You must print this out and take it to the cashier’s office in Chubb Hall along with your $500 deposit. You will be billed the remaining balance for the London program at the end of spring quarter.
The College of Fine Arts is able to once again offer need & merit based scholarships to participants in the Art, Art History and Film in London & Edinburgh Summer Program. These scholarship awards will range from $500 - $1,000. Please complete and return the 2012 Summer Travel Grant Application. Click here for the application.
Please also check the extensive Funding for Education Abroad page on the Education Abroad website. Click here for the Education Abroad website.
You can also use your financial aid package towards the cost of this program. If you want to know for sure exactly what and how your financial aid will work I recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible to meet with Julie Murphy (murphyj4@ohio.edu) in the Financial Aid office.You will need to email her to make an appointment. She does not do walk-ins. Take a copy of the student budget worksheet with you to the meeting. She can also advise you on options that may be available to you for paying for this program.
Graduate students can qualify for a Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) for this program. To qualify you need to have been a TA or GA either during the Spring quarter of 2012, OR will be during Fall quarter of the following academic year (Fall quarter 2012). You should contact your Graduate Advisor for details on how to enroll for this.
GSS travel scholarships of a maximum of $500 are available. Click here for details.
Our program offers you a to meet your specific wide variety of coursesneeds and interests. All participating students MUST be enrolled full time. Undergrads must take a minimum of 12 credit hours (the maximum allowed is 20 credit hours); graduate students must enroll for a minimum of 9 hours (18 credit hours maximum). This generally equates to 3 classes.
Most students sign up for a total of 3 courses. Keep in mind that taking more than 3 courses will mean that you have classes each morning and afternoon 5 days weekly, which means you won't have much spare time to explore London or to travel.
Students outside the College of Fine Arts are welcome and encouraged to attend. Over half the participating students come from majors outside the School of Art and College of Fine Arts. While most of you will take the Art, Art History and film courses we offer, you are strongly encouraged to work out an independent study course or project to complete in the U.K. with an OU professor from your own discipline or major. Please talk with us about this possibility if this interests you.
to see thClick heree current list of classes offered.
If you have any questions, please contact Jody Lamb, Director of this program, work phone 593-1811, email address lambj@ohio.edu. If you call the office number you can set up an appointment by speaking with the administrative assistant. Professor Lamb is located in Jennings House (College of Fine Arts Administrative building at the top of Jeff Hill).
Dr. Jody Lamb
Associate Dean
College of Fine Arts
Jennings House
54 East Union Street
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740-593-1811
At Education Abroad, please contact Laurence Tuccori at 740-597-2721 or tuccori@ohio.edu. His office is at the new Walter International Education Center, 15 Park Place (directly beside Baker Center).
Click here to go to the Office of Education Abroad website.