London BIS

More Information

Locations

LONDON

London is a cosmopolitan city that boasts some of the finest museums, libraries, theaters, and historic buildings. London can be defined as a microcosm of the world's cultures--home to European, African, Asian, and other immigrants. Traditional and international music, food, and sites, flavor London's culture--the city provides for a rich multicultural environment. London's climate in the summer is generally very pleasant with unpredictable moments. The highs and lows can vary considerably but the highs are typically in the 70s and lows in the 60s.

The program is offered through the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS) London center at the Kensington campus of the American International University whose facilities we'll use. AIFS provides quality student abroad programs and applied study opportunities. Students will gain valuable work experience in an international setting. AIFS personnel will conduct on-campus interviews in the Spring of 2008. Their superb administrative unit will also work closely with the BIS faculty to organize well-run student support services.

Eligibility

Open to those who are eligible for BIS 401 and BIS 402. All concentration areas are welcome. If you are interested in applying, please print out, fill out, and hand in the London BIS Student Ap Packet as per the instruction here which can also be found on the first page of the packet, the "Student Checklist". (There is both an online and a paper component to this process. You will need to access, save, modify, and e-mail the following document to Stephanie deLusé, "London BIS Internship Form", as part of the online portion.) Completed paper applications are due in the BIS Program Office on the Tempe Campus by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. You will be required to submit your $450 deposit (non-refundable, if you are selected) with the online portion of the application process by the same date. Participants will be chosen based on their application materials, references, and interview. Students are required to attend orientation sessions.

Academic Program

All students will enroll in the following courses:

BIS 401 (Applied Studies) is a non-paid internship with one of various organizations in London. You will experience a work place outside the U.S. where you will learn organizational differences and practice and/or learn skills. You will learn to resolve internal and interpersonal conflicts as you negotiate challenges and opportunities in a culture that is seemingly similar but is still different. The academic portion of the class will keep you mindful of the experience in asking you to engage in making disciplinary, interdisciplinary and/or personal connections.

BIS 402 (Senior Seminar) will combine lecture, learning exercises, and field trips to provide students with the framework and motivation to think about global and life issues with London as text. This will include thinking through different lenses (aesthetic, economic, cultural, etc.) with, for instance, a “describe, analyze, interpret” model. The urban space will be the starting point with the potential of moving deeper into personal, cultural, and global patterns as you consider any experience or place you visit while abroad. This will likely include increasing awareness in regard to topics such as immigration, slavery, war, education, family, work conditions, public health and sustainability while considering the common thread of money as well as historical and current perspectives.

Living Accommodations

Students may choose between staying in a British home (highly recommended for a richer cultural experience and you'll save $600.00 by doing so!) or staying in a dorm facility. Homestays typically have two AIFS students per room, the dorm two or three students per room. Both options have kitchen access.

Cost Information

The cost of $5,545 (subject to possible change) includes lodging, two day-trips, theatre trips, and local transportation. Remember, the homestay option is $600.00 less (so is $4,950) and includes five continental breakfasts per week and, typically, one load of laundry per week. Not included: ASU tuition and fees, airfare (approximately $1335), school books and supplies, etc., meals, personal travel, optional trips, optional personal effects insurance, and personal expenses.

The Program may allow for time which can be spent in non-Program or optional activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Director(s)

Dr. Stephanie deLusé
Interdisciplinary Studies Program (BIS)
School of Letters & Sciences
Arizona State University
PO Box 871901
Tempe, AZ 85287-1901
Tel: 480-965-1136
Fax: 480-727-6344
E-mail: Stephanie.deLuse@asu.edu (please put "London" in the subject line)

Applications are due by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Please turn them in to the front desk for the BIS Program, located at: ASU Tempe Campus; UAS Building, 2nd Floor; (open 8 to 5, M-F)

Support Faculty Member(s)

Dr. David Wells
Interdisciplinary Studies Program (BIS)
School of Letters & Sciences
Arizona State University
PO Box 870320
Tempe, AZ 85287-0320
Tel: 602-496-0615
Fax: 602-496-0655
E-mail: David.Wells@asu.edu