London May Term
Immerse yourself in British culture for a transformative, off-campus experience.
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 50+ 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鈥檒l 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 how Christian faith, working life, management and business practices, and the economy function across the two countries. The primary aim of the course is to provide you with a framework to understand and successfully navigate cross-cultural differences not only between the US and UK, but between any two countries; with the expectation that this will serve you well as your career progresses at home or abroad.
- IDS 492 (Senior Seminar) will invite you to grapple with moral questions about
work, calling, consumption habits and citizenship. We will explore Christian thinking about vocation and economic life and will compare how different callings are expressed and shaped by our cultural setting. The course will include regular reading, writing and group discussion.
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 McMullen (mcmullen@hope.edu) to express your interest.
- Information meetings with details on program fees and tuition will be held on Thursday, October 9; Thursday, October 23; and Tuesday, November 4 (all at 11鈥11:45 a.m. in VZN 151).
- Admission to the London May Term is on a competitive basis. Generally, a group of 14鈥16 students can participate each May.
- Partial scholarships available upon application.
TESTIMONIALS
鈥The London May Term was a life-changing experience. Over three weeks, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in London鈥檚 rich culture, explore historic landmarks and engage with professionals at top global Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. I connected with my peers and gained insights from industry leaders that will stay with me for years to come. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for academic and personal growth. It was the best three weeks of my life.鈥
鈥擯aige King, London May Term 2025
鈥淭he London May Term is a highlight of my college experience! The opportunity to learn and grow with my peers in a new culture was incredible. This trip taught me confidence traveling abroad, how to interact with new cultures, and broadened my view of business across the world.鈥
鈥擯eter Standaert, London May Term 2025
鈥淭he 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.鈥
鈥擬adeline Kenney, London May Term 2023
鈥淭his 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.鈥
鈥擪aitlyn Oviatt, London May Term 2023
鈥淭he 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.鈥
鈥擝rendan VerLee, London May Term 2023
鈥淕oing 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 鈥 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.鈥
鈥擬adison Franklin, London May Term 2023
鈥淭hrough 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.鈥
鈥擡li Meder, London May Term 2022
鈥淎fter 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.鈥
鈥擬itch Sambaer, London May Term 2022
鈥淚t 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.鈥
鈥擬adison Brechbuhler, London May Term 2019
workP. 616.395.7580
deb@hope.edu