UK: Storytelling in Education - Literature and Learning in England

Overview

Step into the pages of your favorite childhood stories as we journey through London and Oxford! Explore iconic literary landmarks, museums, and historic sites tied to beloved children’s authors, enhancing your knowledge of children’s literature.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise, expand your horizons, and bring literature to life!

Highlights and Excursions

2026-27 itinerary is still in development, but past visits included:

• Portobello Road Market: Wander through this iconic Notting Hill market, famous for antiques, vintage clothing, street food, and unique collectibles.
• The Story Museum: Celebrate the power of storytelling with a guided tour and specialized training sessions.
• The Kilns - C.S. Lewis House: Tour the historic home of C.S. Lewis, where he lived and worked for over 30 years.
• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Tour: Go behind the scenes of the iconic films with authentic sets, costumes, and production secrets.

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: The program will require moderate to extensive walking and standing to participate in activities such as guided city tours and museum visits.
• Entry Permit: The United Kingdom requires many travelers, including U.S. citizens to acquire an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for entry. This is typically less than $30 USD.

Upcoming Information Sessions

• March 26, 2026 from 2:00-3:00 PM on Teams
• March 31, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM on Teams
• April 8, 2026 7:00-8:00 PM on Teams

Living Arrangements

Participants will stay in twin rooms in hostels with private bathrooms. Some meals are provided throughout the program.

Program Dates

December 30, 2026 - January 9, 2027

*Students will need to depart the U.S. one day before the program start date in order to arrive in the UK on time.  

Academics 

Students will enroll in a 3-credit hour course depending on their major: 

• ECEE 4400: Actively Engaging and Teaching with Literature and Storytelling Across Content Areas (Early Childhood and Elementary Education)
  • This course introduces candidates to a wide variety of diverse literature appropriate for use with P-5 learners. Candidates learn how to actively engage students across grade levels and content areas with texts of various styles, genres, and purposes and develop instruction that meaningfully incorporates storytelling, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing.
• EDMC 3120: Children's Literature for Middle Childhood (Middle Childhood Education)
  • This course is designed for candidates in teacher education seeking licensure in middle childhood (4th-9th grades). The course content treats the body of literature by genre. Teacher candidates will be introduced to various techniques for utilizing children's literature in middle childhood school settings.

Students will participate in four virtual sessions prior to travel. Coursework will be completed upon return, in the first half of Spring semester (before Spring Break).

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 Winter Break 26-27 coming soon:

• Undergraduate estimate: $X,XXX + 3 Credits of Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees*

Tuition rates are based on participant's Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to Bursars for more information).

The credit hours offered for a Winter Break program are part of the spring semester course load. Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the spring semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours associated with this program. Students taking less or more than a full course load will see their tuition adjusted accordingly.

Funding Opportunities

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

Eligibility

This program is open to Education majors from all Ohio University campuses. 

Applicants must have Teacher Candidacy and be in good standing in their respective programs. Senior interns planning to participate must receive Credential Review Board approval to complete coursework concurrent with the internship. Program directors will assist with this process. 

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.

Participants must have a 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, students will be required to submit:

• a copy of their DARs,
• a 1-2 page personal statement that addresses how this experience will support your growth as an educator. Include discussion of what you hope to gain from a study abroad experience.

Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now. Some countries also require a visa and/or entry permit to legally enter or reside in the country.

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page or the U.S. Department of State page for this country.

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens

Resources

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations