Academic Program

In this class, we’ll get out into the streets, museums, theaters, and even forests of London to see the way the city inspired and continues to inspire some of the greatest writing in English.  As we’ll see, London is still unlike anything else: a teeming, diverse, international metropolis, built on the bones of a Roman and medieval village. It is a center of a modern film industry, a capital of international finance and technology, and yet Shakespeare and Chaucer would still be able to recognize the shape of many of its winding streets.  In addition to readings and writing that will fill the standard requirements for an undergraduate Shakespeare course, this class will offer a study abroad experience in which we get to know Shakespeare’s England through performances, readings, and lectures.

Credit for this course can be applied to the University of Iowa’s Medieval and Early Modern Literature and Culture and Early Literatures Through 17th Century requirements of the of the English major.

The syllabus for the summer 2024 session is provided below. A syllabus for the 2025 session will be available by mid-January 2025.

• Syllabus- Shakespeare's England
  

Program Director

Jonathan Wilcox is a Professor of English and CLAS Collegiate Fellow at the University of Iowa, where he teaches and researches pre-modern English literature. My most recent book, Humour in Old English Literature: Communities of Laughter in Early Medieval England (University of Toronto Press, 2023) not only investigates the funny bits in early writings but also navigates the perilous differences between US and UK spelling by conforming to a Canadian publishing house’s style-sheet. I am a dual citizen of the US and UK, long-time resident of Iowa City, but born and bred in London, to which I return with some frequency. I look forward to introducing a group of Iowa students to the historical and cultural delights of London, to the performance of Shakespeare on the London and Stratford stage, and to the study of Shakespeare in his home country.

Transcripts and Grading

Participants are awarded a University of Iowa transcript, and are graded using U.S. letter grades.

The course provides 3 semester hours of UI credit.

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course.

If you plan to apply the credit you receive for your program course to a major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, contact your UI study abroad advisor for details on the process. 

Cultural Activities

A welcome meal and farewell dinner will be provided as part of the course fee, and the program allows for a variety of opportunities to get acquainted with London. The course includes admission to several theatrical performances, as well as a variety of excursions in and around London.

Program Dates

Dates for the Summer 2024 session were June 6 - June 30. Dates for the summer 2025 session are expected to be similar to the 2024 session, and will be finalized by mid-January 2025.

Program dates vary by session. Dates for future sessions are expected to be similar to previous sessions, and will be finalized in early spring prior to the start of the program.

For More Information

For more details about this course please contact Faculty Director Jonathan Wilcox or Study Abroad Program Coordinator Cory Petersen.

London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, and the largest city in the UK. London is a leading global city in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, research, tourism, and transportation. It is a tremendously diverse city of 8.6 million people, representing dozens of cultures and hundreds of languages.

London holds something for everyone- as the saying goes, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

England

England is a member of the United Kingdom, which also includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It features a diverse landscape, friendly people, and a rich history.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) refers to the four countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This is in contrast to another common name, Great Britain, which excludes Northern Ireland. Each part of the UK has a distinct culture and history. Experiencing these rich traditions is what studying in the UK is all about!

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations are arranged by our partners in London prior to departure. Amenities vary by session, but typically include a fully furnished apartment with private bedrooms, and a shared kitchen and living area. The accommodations include wireless internet service and access to paid washing machines. Students are expected to keep their apartments clean and in the order they were during move-in. Any fees to cover damage will be assessed at the end of the program.

Accommodations are provided for the duration of the program only. It is not possible to get into the apartments before the official start of the program.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

UI Study Abroad will designate a suggested group flight by early spring. Participants will make their own travel arrangements to London with guidance from UI Study Abroad and are advised to take part in this suggested itinerary.

The cost of travel is not included in the course fee.

Arrival arrangements at the airport in London and transportation to the program site will be based on the suggested flight. Alternative arrangements for transportation from the airport to the program site for students who do not participate in the suggested flight can be made with guidance from UI Study Abroad.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from UI Study Abroad.

If you need advice on making travel arrangements, contact your UI study abroad advisor.

Local Transportation

London has an excellent public transportation system comprised of the world-famous 'Tube' system, buses, and taxis. London's modern, international airport provides a hub to all major European capital cities, as well as other major cities around the world.

Eligibility

The Shakespeare's England program is open to students attending U.S. institutions, and who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA: Students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa, or at another U.S. college or university where the applicant is enrolled in a degree program. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• Completion of at least one semester of college-level study: First-year student applicants should be prepared to provide at least two academic references when submitting their application materials. All applicants must be a degree-seeking student at an U.S.-accredited university of college.
  
• Approval by faculty director and UI Study Abroad: Applications will be reviewed by the program’s faculty director, and students will be accepted based on their eligibility, a review of a writing sample, a grade report, and a statement of purpose.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.
  
• Clear interest and commitment: This program is open to students of all academic backgrounds. Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  

In addition to the requirements above, preference is given to applicants who:

• Have completed at least two prior semesters of college-level study: Preference is given to students who have already completed at least two semesters of college-level study at the time they submit their application.

Participants who are enrolled at institutions other than the University of Iowa

Students who attend institutions other than the University of Iowa must also contact their home school study abroad office to review any additional study abroad requirements.

Costs

Students will be responsible for paying many of their program costs through their University of Iowa U-Bill, while other costs will be out-of-pocket costs paid by the student directly to vendors before and after going abroad. Refer to the cost sheets below for details on the costs associated with this program.

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.

Cost Sheets

The following cost sheet applies to the Summer 2024 session. A cost sheet for summer 2025 will be available by early spring 2025.

Cost Sheet- Shakespeare's England- Summer 2024

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fees
• University of Iowa’s CISI health insurance
• Program course fees, housing, flight, and other costs of attendance

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

The cost of personal travel depends entirely on each student’s individual travel plans and spending habits. Estimates for personal travel costs provided by past students on this program vary significantly from $300 to as much as $3,000 or more per session.

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fees Includes host university tuition (charged shortly before departure)
• Study Abroad Fees (charged shortly before departure)
• CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Food (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Round trip airfare from Cedar Rapids (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Local transportation (paid at student’s discretion while abroad)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Cell phone (paid as needed while abroad)
• Textbooks (paid as needed while abroad)
• Personal travel expenses (paid as needed while abroad)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

You can find information about options for funding your study abroad experience, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc., on UI Study Abroad’s Finances page.

The University of Iowa’s English department also offers scholarships that English majors can apply to this program. You can find more information about these options on the UI’s Scholarship Portal website.

How to Apply

Students Attending the University of Iowa

• Meet with your academic advisor(s) to discuss how this program might fit your graduation plans, and to ensure that it meets your academic and personal goals.
• If you and your academic advisor agree that this program is a good match for you, complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• The faculty director and your study abroad advisor will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status within several weeks.

Students Attending Other Institutions

• Contact the study abroad office at your home institution and ensure you follow all of the policies and procedures required for you to participate in this program.
• Contact UI study abroad advisor Cory Petersen by email at cory-petersen@uiowa.edu to request an application for the program.
• Complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• Shortly after submitting your application materials, you will be contacted by Iowa’s partner institution in the UK with additional materials that must be submitted directly to them.
• The faculty director and your study abroad advisor will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status within several weeks.

Post-Acceptance

Confirmation

If you are accepted to the program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form by mid-March.

After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work both with UI Study Abroad and our partner institution abroad. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI study abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Summer 2024 was February 24. The deadline for summer 2025 will be available by early January 2025.

Health & Safety Planning

Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

Prepare for Departure

Health and Safety

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the UI Study Abroad Travel Documentation website for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your UI study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu