UMass Amherst Global Launch: London

Courses in London are taught by local instructors and meet UMass General Education requirements. Each course will present different opportunities to venture beyond the classroom to learn how to analyze and explore this dynamic global city, while building the skills and knowledge that will assist you throughout your academic career and beyond.  

All students enroll in: 

• First Year Seminar in London (1 credit): Designed to provide students with a structured foundation which addresses common goals focused through strategies proven to enhance success in college. Provide students with a professional and ethical framework which will enable them to reflect upon themselves as young professionals.

• London Museums (ATDG Gen Ed, 4 credits): This course is an introduction to museology and the history and development of museums. It will specifically consider the role of museums as reflections of British culture and examine what we mean by ‘Britishness’. 

Students choose from the following to complete their fall course load. Course offerings will be finalized before May 1, 2025. Courses below are subject to change. 

• Analyzing and Exploring the Global City: London, Modernity, Empire, and Globalization (SB Gen Ed, 4 credits): Focuses on the development of London from the 19th to 21st century; investigates the nature and implications of its ‘Globality’ for its built environment and social geography.

Global Launch in London students live in a student residence in Kentish Town, just north of the iconic Camden Market. Students will share a double room with an en suite bathroom and kitchenette. Laundry facilities, a small fitness room, and social spaces are on the lower levels. Room sizes and features vary, and not every room will look the same. Housing in London is at a premium

Two meals (breakfast and dinner) are provided each weekday on the main level of The Stay Club.  

 The commute from the student residence to the CEA CAPA Center takes 45 minutes to an hour, via public transport – a typical London commute! Kentish Town is well-connected via Underground, Overground, and bus to the rest of London.

A variety of cultural activities and excursions are also included in the program fee. Past activities have included a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath, an evening in London’s West End to see a theatre show, and many other exciting experiences! 

*Students must also budget for travel from their home to Boston; a group flight will be booked by OGA and paid by each student.  

** Students will need to provide their own lunch each weekday and meals on the weekend 

***Expenses of a personal nature, may include but are not limited to laundry, phone expenses, medical expenses. Personal travel is not included in this budget. 

You must have a passport that is valid through June 2026 in hand by June 1, 2025. If you need a passport or your passport needs to be renewed, please start that process ASAP.  

The United Kingdom (UK) requires that some travelers, including US citizens, obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival in the UK.   

Further information will be provided to committed students.