UK: Literature of London: Imperial City

Overview 

Explore British imperial history, literature, and culture in London over Spring Break.

Through excursions and activities, discover how the history of British empire, involvement in the slave trade, and immigration have shaped 19th-21st century British literature and culture. Visit iconic sites and cultural venues to study the history of London’s Black and brown communities and the history of imperialism in relation to such writers as Olaudah Equiano, Mary Seacole, Joseph Conrad, Monica Ali, and Bernadine Evaristo.

Highlights and Excursions

• Begin your time in London with a "Hop-on, Hop-off" bus tour
• Visit famous destinations such as the British Museum; the Museum of London; and World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens and Palace
• Go "mudlarking" on the banks of the Thames, searching for artifacts of the empire (To be confirmed-weather permitting)
• Enjoy some of the best curry outside of India in London's Brick Lane district
• See a West End show related to course themes
• Free day in London

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: The program will require moderate to extensive walking and standing to participate in guided city tours, museum visits, and professional meetings
• Nomination Process: This program reviews and accepts students on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.
• Entry Requirements: US Passport Holders are required to obtain the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (~$27 as of 8/19/2026) prior to departure. 

Information Sessions

Join us to learn more on Tuesday, September 9th from 5:00-6:00 pm in Ellis.

Living Arrangements 

Students will be housed in shared accommodations (2 or 3 students per room) in a budget hotel. Daily breakfast and 2 dinners will be included. 

Program Dates 

March 7 - March 14, 2027
Students will need to depart the US one day early to arrive in the UK on the program start date. 

Academics  

This program offers all students ample opportunities to fulfill general education requirements. Students will earn a total of 3 credits, selected from the following options: 

• ENG 2010 (Pillars: Texts and Contexts | Tier II)
• ENG 2806 - (Foundations: Advanced Writing)
• ENG 3070J (Foundations: Advanced Writing)
• ENG 3150 (Humanities)
• ENG 4600 (Bridges: Speaking and Learning; Capstone | Tier III)

Cost

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.

The total estimated cost for 2027 (last updated 8/19/2026):

• Undergraduate estimate: $6,465 + 3 Credits of Spring Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Since this program collaborates with WorldStrides, all participants are eligible to apply for WorldStrides Higher Ed Custom Program Scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements 

This program is open to all undergraduate Ohio University students in good academic standing.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.  

This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.   

Participants must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements 

When applying, applicants will be required to submit:

• A statement of purpose: Please submit a 500 word personal statement describing your interest in the program and any requisite credentials: coursework in British literature and history, past travel experiences, current scholarly interests. 
• Contact information for 2 references (Name, email, phone)

Additionally, an interview with the director may be required. 

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport book when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now.

Entry and exit requirements can vary by destination and it is the traveler's responsibility to ensure that they meet these requirements. OGO has compiled general information about entry/exit requirements and you can review specific information for your destination on the U.S. Department of State website on international travel. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page 

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens 

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations