London May Term

This interdisciplinary course explores the economy, culture and management practices of the British along with their values and attitudes toward business. The London May Term (a 40+ year program) utilizes an experiential-based learning environment that includes seminars with business and community leaders, site visits and numerous cultural activities conducted in and around London. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow while surrounded by a small, supportive community of Hope faculty and peers.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Enroll for either a college senior seminar (IDS 492), or business/economics elective course (BUS/ECON 358).

• BUS/ECON 358 (Management in the British Economy) will focus on differences in business mindset, practices and cultural norms between the U.S. and the U.K. The primary aim of this elective is to provide you with a framework to compare how the economy, working life, management, politics and business practices beyond people management function similarly and differently across the two countries. The overarching aim is for you to generate a framework for comparing any culture to the U.S., with the expectation that this will serve you well as your career progresses at home or abroad.
• IDS 492 (Senior Seminar) class will examine the many ways we connect with one another, both face-to-face, and online. The primary aim of this seminar is to examine how to build community (in secular and Christian contexts), and to compare the practices for doing so in the US with those of the UK, both in business and personal contexts. You will write and reflect on your individual and the group's learning about literature, culture and community in our host country.

COURSE ACTIVITIES 

• Visit a rich variety of businesses and other organizations across multiple industries and sectors
• Undertake relevant individual and team-based projects (on the ground)
• Attend seminar-style class sessions in the heart of the city
• Write and present openly and creatively about your experiences
• Participate in pre-travel class meetings, starting in late February

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES 

• Explore one of the most contemporary, historical and diverse cities in the world
• Enjoy hand-picked theater shows and day-trip experiences to famous locations
• Visit cultural gems, such as Wimbledon, Parliament and Kensington Palace

ARE YOU INTERESTED? 

• Email Professor Fila (fila@hope.edu) or Professor Hearit (hearit@hope.edu) to express your interest.
• Information meetings are held late October/early November with details on program fees and tuition. Watch the Hope calendar and department website for specific dates and times. If you are a declared department major, watch for an email in your inbox.
• Admission to the London May Term is on a competitive basis. Generally, a group of 14–16 students can participate each May.
• Let us know here if you are interested in learning more about the program 

Apply here by December 1

TESTIMONIALS 

“The London May term is a transformative experience that enabled me to grow as both a student and an individual. I received a wonderfully well-rounded formation that deepened my understanding of the British economy, differing worldviews and personal calling.”
—Madeline Kenney, London May Term 2023

“This trip changed my life for the better. The exposure to a new culture combined with the education of a different economy made the perfect combination for this experience. Every single person I met through this trip holds a special place in my heart, and the three weeks I spent in London were the best three weeks of my life.”
—Kaitlyn Oviatt, London May Term 2023

“The London May Term contains the perfect blend of coursework, business exposure and cultural exploration. Exploring cultural differences expanded my worldview and enabled me to think critically about my values. I highly recommend participating in this incredible experience.”

—Brendan VerLee, London May Term 2023

“Going to London was my first time out of the country. When I signed up, I had a lot of stereotypes and assumptions about not only London, but also everywhere else outside of the US. I ended up being wrong about almost all of them, and it was a healthy adjustment. My advice: Do it! Take chances — life is about learning about this beautiful world and all the incredible people in it, and this trip was the perfect first stepping stone in that lesson.”
—Madison Franklin, London May Term 2023

“Studying abroad in London was an incredibly important experience for me. It serves as a huge opportunity for growth and development because it removes you from your typical comfort zone, forcing you to take a step back and truly analyze yourself. Submerging yourself in British culture broadens your knowledge and will teach you to think and live differently within your own culture.”
—Devin Cheaney, London May Term 2022 

“Through experiences with local business leaders, purposeful course work and candid conversations with classmates, I was able to interact with the British economy and culture firsthand in a way that would not have been possible in the normal classroom environment. Coming away from my experience, I am a more well-rounded and informed individual thanks to my experience on the London trip.”
—Eli Meder, London May Term 2022 

“After a lot of the self-reflection that takes place on the trip, I left with a better sense of who I wanted to be and the kind of impact I want to make.”
—Mitch Sambaer, London May Term 2022 

“It was a privilege to travel with classmates and professors and learn in an environment that is drastically different from the classroom we are used to. I learned so much from the business professionals we were introduced to and it expanded my understanding of what it means to find your calling in a business environment.”
—Madison Brechbuhler, London May Term 2019