The Tippie College of Business sponsors a 14-day winter course in London designed to provide students with an international experience. Students explore business issues through class discussions, guest lecturers, and field trips.

Students also have free time to visit historic and cultural attractions and experience the many markets, shops, restaurants, theatre and entertainment venues that London has to offer. The course is memorable for both seasoned travelers and those who have not traveled abroad. It also provides an opportunity for students with demanding academic schedules who may not be able to study abroad during a year-long or semester-length program to gain a valuable international perspective.

Academic Program

Two different courses will be offered in winter 2024-2025, please read below to see which you are best suited for or most interested in. Course topics and faculty leaders vary from session to session, please check back if you are interested in a future session. Check with your academic advisor to see how each course could apply to your specific program of study.

ABRD:3025:0001 Topics in Finance - Crossing the Pond: Global Finance's Evolution from London to New York (FIN 4020)

Prerequisites: FIN:3000.

Course description:

This 3 s.h. course is taught by Tippie College of Business faculty member Dennis Hamilton. Financial markets affect everything, and they are global. But what do they do, how do they do it, and why did New York City replace London as the center of it all? We’ll answer these questions and more by exploring how markets evolved through wars, depressions, and technological breakthroughs to create the global financial system we have today.

ABRD:3025:0002 Strategic Brand Positioning  (MKTG:3605)

Prerequisites: MKTG:3000.

Course description:

This 3 s.h. course is taught by Tippie College of Business faculty member Dhananjay Nayakankuppam. More and more companies are realizing that brands are a source of sustainable competitive advantage and are treating them as one of their most valuable assets. Too often however, marketing decisions regarding pricing, advertising, or distribution are made in isolation without taking into account their impact on brand equity, causing the erosion of brand loyalty and failing to leverage brand equity.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this program is highly competitive and there is a possibility that both courses will fill up before the designated deadline. We recommend that you apply for the program after it opens as soon as possible. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as they will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.

Program Dates

Students will arrive in London on January 3, 2025 and depart London on January 16, 2025. With travel, the tentative program dates would be January 2-January 17, 2025.

For More Information

Sydney Johnson (sydney-johnson@uiowa.edu)
Undergraduate Program Office
C140 Pappajohn Business Building
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-1037

Lindsay Budde (lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu)
1111 University Capitol Centre
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-0353

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.

Accommodation

Students are housed in shared rooms in apartments in central London (15-20 minutes via tube). The apartments include a kitchen and will fit 2 to 3 students per room.

Travel Arrangements

Students will make their own travel arrangements with advice and information provided by the program coordinator.

Students are advised NOT to purchase tickets until the program's status is confirmed. In late September, students will be informed whether there is sufficient interest to offer the trip. Instructions for purchasing tickets will be shared with students via email.

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.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

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.

A special note to international students

Depending on your country of origin, it may be necessary for you to apply for a Student Visitor Visa before you can enter the United Kingdom for this winter's program. You can check on the U.K. Border Agency's web site to find out if you need to apply. If you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom, UI Study Abroad will supply you with documents to support your application.

To return to the United States after the class, you will need a valid form I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel abroad and an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is valid through the date that you plan to return to the United States. You can obtain a travel signature from an advisor at International Student and Scholar Services, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA: Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA.
• Major Requirements: This program is designed for Tippie College of Business students but is open to all majors. To learn about how this course could apply to your program of study, check with your academic advisor. In the case that this program reaches capacity, preference will be given to Tippie students.
• Prerequisites: To participate in FIN: 4020, students must have completed FIN:3000 or be enrolled in FIN:3000 in fall 2024. To participate in MKTG: 3605, students must have completed MKTG:3000 or be enrolled in MKTG:3000 in fall 2024.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. 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, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and 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.

Cost

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill ($50 application fee, course fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Course fee

The course fee includes academic instruction, guided tours in London, in-country transportation, some meals, and accommodations. It does not include the fees outlined above, flights, most meals, and personal expenses. See the cost sheets for an estimates of these expenses.

2024-2025 Cost Sheets

Topics in Finance Cost Sheet

Strategic Brand Positioning Cost Sheet

Key points to note are:

• The $50 application fee is billed to students' U-bills after submitting the online application.
• The Course Fee, Study Abroad Fee, and CISI Insurance fee are billed to confirmed students' U-bills after winter registration.  
• All other amounts are estimated out-of-pocket expenses and will vary for each participant.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to apply for Need-based, Merit, and Global Access Ambassador scholarships awarded by Study Abroad. More information is available on the Scholarships page.

Students who receive a Federal Pell Grant are eligible to apply for the Gilman International Scholarship, an external scholarship awarded by the Department of State. Learn more here.

Financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa (scholarships, grants, and loans) may be applied toward the program cost. Students are encouraged to speak with someone in Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

How to Apply

The application for the 2024-2025 program opens on August 1, 2024 and will close on September 2, 2024. The application process consists of the following steps:

• Applicants complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. The application form, along with a copy of the information page of your passport, should be submitted by the application deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Please note that this is a competitive program and that there is a possibility it will fill up before the application deadline. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as the will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.
• Once the application process is complete, application materials will be reviewed by the program leaders. All applicants will receive official notification of their acceptance status shortly after the final application deadline. Accepted students will also receive information about how to confirm their place in the course. Program admission decisions will be based on the following factors; course eligibility requirements met, submission date of application, and course selection.
• Details about flights and orientation will follow soon after accepted students confirm their place in the program in September.

  A special note to International students:

  Depending on your country of origin, it may be necessary for you to apply for a ‘Student Visitor Visa’ before you can enter the United Kingdom for this winter’s study abroad program. You can check on the U.K. Border Agency’s web site to find out if you need to apply:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/ it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa

  To return to the United States after the class, you will need a valid form I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel abroad and an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is valid through the date that you plan to return to the U.S. You can obtain a travel signature from an international student advisor in International Students and Scholars, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

Application Deadline

September 2, 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.

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

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Flights

Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the confirmation deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements. Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight.

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 informaiton under the Visa heading our Prepare for Departure page 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

A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the Faculty Leader and Study Abroad Coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.