London Business Semester Pre-Departure Handbook

Spring 2022 Opus College of Business Office of Study Abroad Table of Contents

Program overview…………………..4 Health and Safety………………………..11 Housing Insurance

Business 200 Travel visit

Onsite Partner Getting Ready to Go……………………13 Excursions Important Documents

Academics Budgeting

Registration Communication Plan Academic Culture and Expectations Onsite phone Costs and Financial Aid………..…6 Packing

Billing Arriving Onsite………………………….15 Scholarships Flights Living in London…………………...7 Getting to Onsite Meeting Point Intercultural Learning First Week Learning to Adjust Getting Involved

History Coming Back……………………………16 Geography and Food Re-Entry Challenges Vocabulary Return Semester Housing Entertainment Career Resources Transportation On Campus and Local Involvement

Social & Cultural Adjustments Additional Information…………….…17 Identity Student testimonials

A Day in the Life Packing List Purpose of this Handbook

Prior to your term abroad, carefully review this handbook, Study Abroad Policies and Procedures, and attend all pre-departure and orientation meetings. The Office of Study Abroad has developed these materials and meetings to collectively help prepare you for a safe, informed, and successful study experience abroad. We also encourage you to use this handbook as a starting point for your own research and learning.

Program Contact Information

Pre-Departure Questions Contact:

Lauren Viner, Program Manager Phone: 651.962.6450 E-mail: [email protected]

University of St Thomas Office of Study Abroad Mail 5026 2115 Summit Avenue St Paul, MN 55105

Phone: 651.962.6450 E-mail: [email protected] Website: stthomas.edu/studyabroad

In the United Kingdom/Rome: American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS)

AIFS Student Centre Taylor House 2 Elvaston Place Kensington, London SW7 5QH

This address should be used for any mail you might receive while on the program.

3 Program Overview Business 200 This program is intentionally structured to All business majors are required to complete hours of service as part of their prioritize academics as well as integration degree. During your semester in London into the local culture. You will have classes you will volunteer at a local organization Monday through Thursday with other and complete the required corresponding students on the program, and a planned assignments. Service placements will be group excursion or site visit on many arranged on your behalf. During the Fridays. Business 200 is a required semester prior to departure you will component of the semester, and all prepare and submit a cover letter, housing is in homestays with British curriculum vitae (resume), and a families. In addition to having local onsite placement preference form. support, two faculty from St. Thomas serve as academic program directors. Onsite partner With over 50 years of experience in the field of study abroad, AIFS serves as the Homestay on-site staff and partner. AIFS coordinates All housing is in homestays academic and excursion logistics on in the residential London location in partnership with other local neighborhoods of Muswell Hill and entities and the St. Thomas Office of Study North Finchley. Students will with share a Abroad. You’ll get to know them quite well room with another student from the while in London! program. There are a wide range of homestay types, from families with Excursions children to a single host parent. Some You will have the opportunity to take homestays will welcome involvement in advantage of many organized programs their day to day life and you may celebrate and events focused on helping you holidays and events with them, others are explore the culture and learn more about more independent and resemble a your host country. Some of these student boarder arrangement. All are an experiences will be included in the opportunity to catch a glimpse of British program cost, others are available for an culture that would otherwise be difficult to often subsidized rate. The excursions capture. A light breakfast such as cereal or calendar changes from year to year; past toast is included and students have access examples include Hampton Court Palace, to laundry facilities. Stonehenge, Oxford, and many sites and events within London including Mail theatre performances, walking tours, and You should plan to receive any mail at the rugby games. AIFS Centre. See the front of this book for the address.

4 Academics

Registration you to embrace this! Pay attention to the Carefully review and follow course differences you encounter and be ready to registration instructions sent by the Office ask questions. Reach out to your of Study Abroad as the process is different professors if you have questions about from registering for classes on campus. courses. Your program directors and This information will be provided during onsite staff are also available if you need pre-departure meetings during the additional assistance. semester prior to your term abroad. Academic Expectations Stay on Track This program is designed to be Consider your four-year plan and talk to academically rigorous and you should your academic advisor about your expect to invest at least the same amount schedule. You may take between 12 and of time studying as you would on campus. 18 credits while abroad, and the program Attendance in class is required and cost will not change based on the number assignments must be completed; failure to of classes taken. submit assignments and unexcused absences will impact your grade. Grades Minnesota State Grant recipients should will count towards your GPA, and St be aware the grant is pro-rated if taking Thomas guidelines for S-D-R grading less than 15 credits. apply to classes taken abroad.

Academic Culture Keep in mind, academics are the primary While abroad you will take classes from focus of a study abroad program. Your both St Thomas and local faculty. Taking active engagement and participation are classes from local faculty is an opportunity part of what makes any course stimulating for you to experience a different academic and a good learning experience. system and teaching style. We encourage

5 Program Costs and Financial Aid

Where to Find Costs Billing A specific breakdown of program costs will Just as if you were in classes on campus, be available prior to departure on the grant and scholarship funds will credit to program page at your account before the start of the St. stthomas.edu/studyabroad. Thomas semester and loan funds will arrive about two weeks after the start of the Program costs are subject to change each semester. Be prepared to pay in advance year, and will be posted as soon as they or on-site for any out-of-pocket expenses. are available. You may use the prior year’s eRefunds are issued by the St. Thomas cost as a good estimate of program costs. Business Office approximately one month Application of Financial Aid after the start of the St. Thomas semester. For a semester program, you are typically Scholarship able to apply your financial aid package to There are a wide variety of scholarships the cost of the program. The usual process available for study abroad programs from applies: simply apply for financial aid in the various sources. The Office of Study required timeline for the upcoming year, Abroad offers scholarships for each term; typically by April 1. If you are a recipient of visit stthomas.edu/studyabroad > Money Veteran’s benefits, tuition remission, ROTC Matters for application process and or any full-tuition scholarship, please set deadlines. Individual departments, clubs, up an appointment with the Office of and organizations may also offer Financial Aid to discuss your options, as scholarships. We encourage you to apply they may differ from standard process. for any and all you may be eligible for.

6 Living in London things about a new place, such as different food, events, and language, are very easy Intercultural Learning to see and experience. Other things, such as values, manners, humor, and societal Studying and living abroad will bring many norms can be more difficult to see and opportunities to explore, see new things, understand, but you will still bump into and learn more about yourself. There will them. also be events or interactions that may seem very different as you are learning about your new environment. Learning about cultural differences is one of the fascinating things about living in a new place. We encourage you to explore, ask questions, be curious, and always ask for help if you need it.

People respond to cultural difference in many ways. The U-Curve Model below represents a common path for many students on semester or year-long programs.

Figure 2: Cultural Icebergs and What Makes Colombia Different Phoebegracegill globalinternshipscdes.wordpress.com/2019/01/14/cultural-icebergs-and- what-makes-colombia-different/

Learning to adjust

• On the surface, some things about London may not feel all that different. It is, after all, a major western capital city. However, be prepared for unexpected differences you will likely notice more

Figure 1: The U-curve of cross-cultural adjustment Black & the longer you live there. Mendenhall,...Trompetter et al. • Brush up on your English! U.K. researchgate.net/figure/The-U-curve-of-cross-cultural-adjustment-Black- Mendenhall-1991_fig1_305154858 English has some different slang, words, and sayings, have fun learning Another model for beginning to observe and embracing the new vocabulary. and seek understanding of cultural differences is the Iceberg Model. Some

7 “England and America are two period and saw the construction of the first countries separated by the same theatres, including The Globe of which language.” - George Bernard Shaw Shakespeare owned a share. • Read the news, some basic history, and seek out cultural information to 17th century Britain was an unsettled time help you orient yourself to new generally, but particularly for London. A surroundings. civil war raged in the 1640s pitting Charles • Learn about the customs and I and his army against Parliament led by culture and be respectful. Oliver Cromwell. The king lost and was • Notice assumptions beheaded, but Parliament’s victory was and expectations you might have, short lived as Charles II was crowned in and be open to reconsidering them. 1660. The Great Plague of 1665 and the Ready yourself to learn new things, Great Fire of 1666 brought further death and become more aware of your own and destruction. values and attitudes as well as those of the host country. London grew significantly and continued • Join student clubs or cultural to be a powerful trading and financial groups, meet people by maintaining a center in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many hobby you have in the U.S., or pick up famous buildings in London, including the a new one. Houses of Parliament were built during the • Maintain a routine with your 1800s, and London had the studies, social life, regular exercise, first underground railway – the Tube and healthy meals. opened in 1862! • Ask for help! Never hesitate to seek help or talk through what you’re From 1919 to 1939 London doubled in experiencing. size. Always a center of commerce this time period saw the construction of the famed Harrods and Selfridges. World War London History II brought a lot damage to London. Many Today’s London of 9 million people was buildings were damaged or destroyed, originally called Londinium, a name given and many children were sent away from by the Romans during the the city to live with families or strangers in st 1 century to a town of then around the country (The Lion, the Witch, and the 30,000. Today, a 1.75-mile walk follows the Wardrobe, anyone?). surviving fragments of the London Wall built by the Romans during this time. London hosted the Olympic Games for the second time in 1948 (the first time was in Following the collapse of the Roman 1908); They were dubbed the Austerity Empire and attacks by the Vikings, Angles, Games as war time rationing was still in Saxons and Jutes; the King of Wessex, place. Queen Elizabeth II began her Alfred the Great, began to rebuild the reign four years later; and in 1979 cities defensive structures. By the Margaret Thatcher became the first female th 11 century London was the largest town in prime minister. During the 50s and 60s England. During the Medieval Period, the London became the epicentre of cutting- Normans invaded from France, and edge music and fashion, and the 70s William the Conqueror built the Tower of ushered in the famous era of punk London as a stronghold guarding the city. rock. The final years of the 1900s saw the Channel Tunnel form a land link between Tudor London, from 1485-1603, had about 200,000 inhabitants towards the end of the

8 London and Paris, and the London Eye was takeaway takeout constructed to mark the new millennium. timetable schedule high street main street The 21st century in London has brought lift elevator several other milestones. The Olympics loo restroom took place in London for the third bin trash can time. Queen Elizabeth II became the mobile cell phone longest-reigning U.K. monarch in football soccer history and celebrated her Sapphire pitch field (sports) Jubilee. And in 2015 the UK narrowly zebra crossing crosswalk voted to leave the European Union (Brexit). Entertainment As you’d expect from any metropolitan Geography and Climate city, London offers entertainment for all London was built on the flood plain of the interests and budgets. Don’t River Thames, which cuts the city in two underestimate the number of free events, creating northern and southern halves. The museums, and attractions – timeout.com is city’s 1,579 square km (610 square miles) is a great resource. Of course, London is well generally quite flat. Fall weather generally known for the fine arts – the West End is tends to be overcast and wet, with weather home to many theatres where you can see ranging from 10 - 15°C (50 - 60°F). When the latest musical, or perhaps catch a packing, remember to bring good famous actor in a play. The O2 Arena and rainwear. Royal Albert Hall are two of many concert venues. There are also many opportunities Food to catch sporting events. Go to a rugby While you may immediately think of pubs, game at Twickenham Stadium, or catch a fish and chips, and bangers and mash, all Chelsea or Arsenal football (soccer to of which are not to be missed, London those of us from the U.S.) match. offers any type of cuisine you could hope to find. Street food markets are a popular Transportation place to hang out and choose from many London’s underground tube system is the different options – Borough and Camden oldest in the world and can take you Markets are two of the most throughout the city. Between the Tube and famous. Overall, the food scene is very extensive bus lines, public international. Indian food is recognized as transportation can get you anywhere and a British national dish, and Italian, Chinese, will be part of your daily life. Many Thai, and Japanese are also very popular. Londoners read on the Tube, and you’ll find people tend to be rather quiet – Some Vocabulary (just a starting point!) louder conversations often signal the British ------U.S. presence of tourists. On public trainers sneakers transportation maps Zone 1 represents jumper sweater Central London, and the zones work trousers pants outward in a circular pattern. The transit peckish hungry pass you will receive as part of the chips french fries program covers zones 1 – 4, which crisps chips represent a substantial part of the city. flat apartment You’ll get used to public transportation, chemist pharmacy and many students come to enjoy it. It’s queue line

9 definitely the least expensive, and often prepare for your program, we encourage the fastest, option. you to consider various aspects of your identity and be prepared for a different Social and Cultural Adjustments experience abroad than you may have in As a newcomer to London, it will be up to the U.S. Preparation and research is key. you to take the initiative to meet new people. It can be intimidating to introduce Consider consulting resources related yourself to others, especially since city to various intersecting student residents already have a group of friends identities abroad including, but not limited just as you do in the U.S. Don’t be afraid to to, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual get involved. Start with a social hobby you orientation, gender, and disabilities and already have and continue it in London studying abroad posted or explore a new interest. at stthomas.edu/studyabroad/students/ide ntity/. These identities may be viewed, Onsite staff and program directors will also defined, and perceived differently than in implement program excursions and social the U.S. and educational events to help ease this transition and help you acclimate to life in Please reach out to the Office of Study the U.K. Abroad or Student Diversity and Inclusion Services if you have questions or Identity would like additional assistance in St. Thomas strives to holistically support all exploring resources. students as they study abroad. As you

10 Health and Safety This includes the Sexual Misconduct Policy, which aims to promote and protect the personal dignity and well-being of every Mental Health member of the St. Thomas community. If Your mental health is as important as your you experience sexual harassment and/or physical health while you are abroad. The assault during your time abroad, you are change to your daily routine may impact able to report the incident. If you choose you more than you anticipate, so prepare to report, the university Title IX in advance by meeting with the Center for Coordinator will work with you to discuss Well-Being, your primary care physician, your options. If you are ever feeling unsafe and/or your therapist. In your pre- or would like to report an incident to departure orientation, we will discuss how someone on-site, your program staff will to best care for your mental health while be available to assist you 24/7. you are abroad. Safety Onsite Wellness Tips After arrival your onsite orientation will Overall, care for your physical, mental, and cover important safety tips and advice for emotional health as you would here on the living in your host country. Pay careful main campus. Drink lots of water, eat a attention during this orientation. During healthy diet, and get regular amounts of this time plans and protocols are covered sleep. Maintain any usual medication for handling emergency situations and dosages as recommended by your doctor. getting in touch quickly with onsite staff. Socialize with people in your new location while also keeping in touch with loved Alcohol and Drug Use ones at home. If you are ever feeling Students are subject to local laws of legal physically or mentally unwell, reach out to drinking age and may possess and the on-site program staff who are available participate in responsible consumption to assist you 24/7. per the local law. You are subject to the laws of your host country while abroad; Dietary concerns penalties for foreigners using or Depending on your personal dietary possessing drugs abroad are often very choices or restrictions, you may have to strict. You are also still subject to the St navigate your new host country food scene Thomas Code of Conduct. St. Thomas with care. Generally speaking, most does not tolerate the use, possession, or restaurants should be able to trafficking of illegal drugs. Students who accommodate your needs. However, it is violate university policies pertaining to best practice to investigate places you alcohol use or illegal drugs are subject to wish to eat before going out to ensure they the processes and procedures of the can meet your dietary needs. Be prepared university student conduct process. See to explain your dietary requirements as the St Thomas Study Abroad Policies and they may be less common or known to Procedures for more details. those in your host country. Insurance Sexual Harassment/Assault You will automatically be enrolled in an While abroad, you are still beholden to insurance policy through Cultural and protected by all university policies. Insurance Services International (CISI) in

11 accordance with university policy, which Travel visits requires this coverage for all study abroad The St. Thomas Center for Well-Being has students. The cost of this coverage is a Travel Clinic available for students and included in your program fee and will encourages you to schedule a meeting at provide coverage while you are onsite for least 4-6 weeks prior to your departure your program. The CISI policy functions as abroad. The staff there can advise on your primary health insurance and which preventative vaccinations, if any, that emergency evacuation coverage; are recommended or required for travelers however, it’s coverage for pre-existing is visiting that country. They can also advise more limited. You must maintain your you on other health concerns you may current U.S. health insurance policy at all need to be prepared for based on any times. individual pre-existing conditions or concerns.

12 Getting Ready To Go your priorities. Look at the costs of visiting specific sites or events, such as concerts or Important documents shows, you may want to attend. It is very Make copies of important documents such possible to study abroad frugally; there are as your passport and flight itinerary. Carry many free things to do and ways to eat a copy with you separate from the original, inexpensively. Look at the program budget leave another with someone in the U.S., online (stthomas.edu/studyabroad) and such as a parent or guardian, and have a the budgeting tips at the end of this book third copy saved electronically. Also make for a starting point. We recommend sure you can access your credit card developing a budget and tracking information in case of theft. expenses for the first month of the term, then take a minute to re-evaluate your Passport expenses compared to your budget to You will need a valid passport in order to help plan the remainder of the semester. leave the U.S. If you don’t have one, apply right away as processing can take at least Communication Plan 4-6 weeks. If you do have a passport check Work with your parents or guardians to the expiration date. It must be valid for at create a communication plan before least six months past your date of return. departing the U.S. Consider questions Renew your passport if necessary. such as how you will stay in contact and how often you’ll communicate. Be sure Embassy Information you’ve forwarded mail and ensured a plan Know the location of the nearest consulate to have important items opened. or embassy to your program location and for any trips you might take: We also suggest designating a parent or usembassy.gov. This will also be covered guardian as Power of Attorney for the during onsite orientation. If your passport duration of the term. Someone with Power is lost or stolen, contact local policy, the of Attorney can act on your behalf for legal U.S. Consulate or Embassy, and your matters such as tax or banking concerns. program directors/onsite staff. Onsite phone Non-U.S. Passport Holders Research your current cell phone plan to If you will be traveling with a passport from learn about international plan options and another country, you may need to follow rates. Determine with your provider if your different visa procedures. Contact the phone needs to be unlocked to either use Office of International Students and your plan internationally or to purchase a Scholars and the Office of Study Abroad. SIM card once onsite. You can also Research where your nearest consulate or purchase an inexpensive phone on arrival. embassy will be onsite. Major service providers in London include Vodafone (probably the most frequently Develop a budget used option), O2, EE, and Three. We Determine what you can spend for the suggest not purchasing SIM cards or semester and develop a budget that meets phones immediately at the airport on your needs. Visit xe.com for current arrival as prices are typically higher. exchange rates, and expatistan.com for cost-of-living information. Consider the cost of essentials, such as food not included in your program fee, as well as

13 Packing Pack or buy See the back of this book for a more One way to free up space for souvenirs is detailed packing list. Most important: pack to pack the toiletries you will need and lightly! You will need to be able to manage leave any unused items when you depart. everything yourself for at least a few Or you can bring a few days’ worth of blocks, as well as potentially navigating necessities and purchase items like stairs. Even after eliminating several items, shampoo once onsite. Of course, if there students often find they brought more are specific items you need (certain brands than they needed. We suggest leaving or types of product for hair and face care, valuable items and keepsakes at home and medicines, etc.), it’s probably best to buy remember to leave space to bring back in the U.S. and pack them. Do buy electric souvenirs. appliances such as hair dryers or shavers on arrival. Due to different voltage systems Clothing these types of appliances require a The U.S. tends to be on the more casual converter if taken from the U.S., and even side when it comes to clothing, so plan to then do not always work well. dress a bit more formally. Athletic wear, for example, is considered appropriate for the Adapters and Converters gym and is less commonly worn in public. Adapters are quite inexpensive and simply Bring versatile clothing of primarily dark allow you to plug a U.S. cord into a colors and low maintenance fabrics. You different type of outlet. They should be will have access to laundry; however, be sufficient for most needs and for most aware washing machines tend to be phone chargers and laptops. Converters smaller and dryers, if available, still often change the voltage from the U.S. system of necessitate at least some air-drying. 110 volts to another system. They are more expensive and are less commonly needed. Both adapters and converters are available at most travel or department stores, or online.

14 Arriving Onsite Your First Week The first several days of the program will Flights consist of an onsite orientation period A designated flight itinerary will be given covering safety in London, cultural to you during the semester prior to adjustments, and navigating the Tube and departure. You will book your own flight other resources you will utilize. The first and may choose this itinerary if you wish. weekend in London is also an activities- Transportation between the airport and filled few days acquainting you with the the AIFS Centre transportation will be city. You’ll begin getting to know your provided for students on this itinerary. fellow cohort members, program directors, AIFS staff, and your homestay If you choose to book a different flight family. Classes begin about a week after itinerary, that is perfectly fine. Be aware your arrival. your homestay in London is only available during program dates. If you arrive earlier Getting Involved or stay later, you will need to arrange other One of the best ways to adapt to a new accommodations. place and learn about the culture and daily Getting to the AIFS Centre life is to get involved in a group or activity. The AIFS Centre is in Kensington, near the This will help you meet new people, Gloucester Road and South Kensington develop a routine, and perhaps learn a new skill or hobby. Tube stations. See the front of this book for the address. All your classes will take place The Imperial College Union, in the AIFS Centre, which is also quite near imperialcollegeunion.org, near the AIFS the Imperial College Union where you will Centre, is a good place to start. ICU has have access to many facilities. everything from gym facilities to food Kensington is a beautiful, historic borough options and is also a starting point for home to Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, joining student clubs, social campaigns, Kensington Palace, the Victoria & Albert and events. Museum, and many consulates and Another resource is timeout/london. This embassies. site is a centralized listing for things happening in the city, many of which are free or low cost.

15 Coming Back announcements while you are away to avoid missing your registration window Re-entry challenges due to time zone differences. If you plan to live off campus upon return, your personal Upon arrival in your host country, you may timeline for arrangements may differ expect to feel homesick, confused, or depending on various policies among nervous and therefore prepare rental agencies. Regardless of where you accordingly. However, you may not plan to live upon return, plan ahead to anticipate feeling these types of ensure your preferred location is available. challenges again on coming home! After spending the semester getting familiar Career resources with a new place, you will likely come to One of many benefits of study abroad is feel comfortable there. You may broadening your academic and experience something called “reverse professional skills. Upon return, set up an culture shock” when returning to the U.S., appointment with Career Development to and it may feel initially challenging or workshop your resume and discuss how unsettling to get used to your home you can successfully integrate examples of culture and return to your normal routine lessons learned from abroad into your and schedule. interview tool kit.

Connecting with others from your Stay Connected – Opportunities for On program, or others who studied abroad Campus and Local Involvement elsewhere, can be a good way to process There are many ways to keep your study the re-entry experience. Do your best to abroad experience alive once you return. get back into a healthy routine. Of course, Get involved in internationally focused don’t hesitate to reach out with questions student clubs or community organizations, or for additional help. attend events focused on helping you translate what you learned to your resume. Return semester housing There are also opportunities to work for If you plan to live on campus during the the Office of Study Abroad as a Peer semester following your return, you will Advisor, and opportunities for you to need to register for your housing while you volunteer to share your knowledge with are abroad. Be sure that you are keeping other students. Visit the Alumni section of an eye on Residence Life deadlines and our website for more information.

16 Thoughts from past LBS participation. It was really cool hearing the professor's perspective on things. Overall, students… it was an extremely busy semester that was Here are some things students had to say filled with so many great experiences. I about Business 200 placements, classes, learned a ton from my academic classes homestays, budgeting, and life in and from the other experiences. -Matt London.

Classes Business 200 For my BUS 200 experience, I volunteered One of the most helpful things to maintain at St. Mary Magdalene Academy. It is a good academic standing while abroad was Church of England sponsored school that to keep the same work ethic as I did back was a middle and high school combined. I home. It was hard to balance school and three other UST students read with amongst all the fun things you are doing, kids that were falling behind in their but keeping a consistent schedule and reading level. We helped kids improve prioritizing school was a must. British their comprehension and vocabulary by professors are different than UST reading with them for about 15 minutes professors, and they may have different and asking them questions about their expectations than you’re used to. My reading. By the end of the semester, it was history professor didn’t use slideshows, really rewarding to see the kids reading but rather gave us handouts and used levels improve and how their attitude those as talking points. My COJO about reading changed. We also learned a professor did use slideshows, but really lot about their culture by asking them valued group and class discussions to questions and vice versa which was really guide the material. Overall, they both cool. -- Matt wanted to see that their students we’re active participants in class and are For my BUSN 200 I volunteered at AgeUK. engaged in the material. Study abroad is It is London, England’s biggest charity that unique in that you learn just as much, or supports the elderly in all realms of life. even arguably more through your There were a total of 6 of us who experiences in a different country, but it’s volunteered there, all doing different important to realize that your academics things! I worked with one other student are the foundation of your semester and and we were the head of the Painting without a strong foundation, it can be Club. Our main job was to socialize with harder to enjoy the festivities. –Priscilla the elderly members while painting. Throughout the three months spent with I was worried about balancing school with them I undoubtedly grew as an individual! all of the other wonderful things that come Talking with them about their childhoods, along with studying abroad, but it was travels, and culture made for great definitely manageable. I was nervous conversations I will cherish forever. Many about having professors from the U.K., but of these elderly live alone and face mental I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed health issues such as depression, so to see their teaching style. The professors I had their faces light up when they walked in focused less on PowerPoints and a lot the door was beyond rewarding. -- Katie more on discussions and student

17 For my BUS 200 experience, I volunteered prekindergarten through eighth grade. I at Age UK,an organization that provides and 5 other St. Thomas students social, technological, and financial volunteered in different classrooms. We resources to elderly members. I worked as assisted students with various subjects one of the accounting/finance department such as reading and writing for English, members and helped perform an analysis mathematics, and class projects. Alongside working with students, I also assisted of all of the organization's outstanding teachers with classroom activities and accounts payable and to begin creating preparing lessons. During my time the next year’s financial books. My work volunteering, my favorite part was getting contributed to continuity of roles, funding to know the students and learning British and jobs within the organization, and culture from the education perspective. – allowed others with the accounting system Erica to utilize their time for other tasks. I learned a lot about working overseas, the social culture of UK workers, accounting of non-profits and accounting rules of the UK. Homestays I was able to secure work in the accounting/finance role because of my I lived in a three-story home in Muswell past experience, which I made sure I Hill. I shared a room with one other highlighted in my Business 200 placement person. We had our own kitchenette along cover letter. -- Michael with a couch in the room. Our host parents were a couple in their mid 40’s. They had My Business 200 volunteering took place two kids in college and did not live in the at a nature conservation site for the house. They came back and stayed in the company Technology Crossover Ventures house for a couple of weekends. We also along with 2 other LBS students. had a host dog named Hugo which was Oftentimes other volunteers from around awesome. We shared a lot about our the community accompanied us. This was culture with our host parents and they did a great way to learn more about the the same. We interacted with our host culture, and it allowed us to interact with family often, but they respected our the community as we were helping first independence and busy schedules. I still hand. Although we were based at their keep in touch with my host family conservation site, we would frequently regularly. --Matt travel to nearby parks to clean up the ponds. We would clear the ponds of I lived in a 4-story house with a single mom leaves, excess algae, and overgrown who had two kids that did not live with her. reeds. Towards the end of the semester, We had the whole top floor to ourselves we spent our last few days planting trees (my roommate and I) with our own throughout the conservation site. This was bathroom and storage for all of our a cool experience because I know the belongings. We were in Frien Barnett trees we planted will be there for years to which was the farthest of all houses. It was come, leaving an everlasting impact. -- about an hour commute to class/central Matt London. We took a bus to the tube station, then took one train to class. My host mom I volunteered at Blessed Sacrament was super helpful and gave us tips about Catholic Primary School. Blessed commuting, traveling on the weekends, Sacrament is a primary school with grades

18 recommended great places to eat and go her allotment. I thoroughly enjoyed my out, etc. My host mom had different work homestay experience and still keep in hours throughout the week so sometimes touch with my host-mom. -- Ashley we did not see her every day. She was very I lived in a three-story home in Muswell Hill respectful about giving us our space and and shared a room with another UST making us feel comfortable in the house. -- student. We had our own bathroom and Daria Snidarich shared a living and eating space with a My roommate and I lived in Northern kind family of 4. The parents were in their London in an area called Hampstead, 40s and the children both about 10. They about a block away from Hampstead were very fun, and we became friendly and Heath. We lived with an older couple who even enjoyed a Christmas party with the were nice, had hosted many students over family and their friends! It was cool to hear the years, and let us have our stories from them as they had both lived all independence. We lived in a posh house, across Europe and we shared stories of in a safe neighborhood, and were given our travels. We were all busy enough that our necessities. As college students who for the most part we didn't interact a lot, were living abroad for the first time, that’s but they were a great family to stay with. I all we really needed. Breakfast was left on have written to them and received from the kitchen table for us in the mornings them once since returning to the US. – and we were able to come and go as we Charlie pleased. Now, I only look back at my time My homestay was in Muswell Hill, which is abroad with fond memories. - Alex about 50 minutes from the city center by My homestay was located in Crouch End. bus or tube. I lived with a host-mom, Meg, Jeanette, who was my host-mom is in her and the family dog in a three-story early 70’s and has opened up her home to Victorian home with my roommate. We hundreds of students over the years. Along had our own room to share and our host- with hosting students, she has welcomed mom gave us each a cabinet and fridge two girls into her house that moved to space to store food in the kitchen. Meg London to work. I lived in my homestay was a school teacher, so we saw her mostly with one other student from our program in the evening and on weekends. She and both Jeanette and the two girls made usually would ask us how our days went us feel at home instantly. She took a and if we needed anything, which was nice hands-on approach and loved to chat because she made us feel like a part of the about each day’s events, give us family. I enjoyed my homestay experience suggestions on places to visit while in because it allowed me to see a different London and on our weekend trips, and part of London I would not have been able even baked us food to eat that she grew in to see if I had stayed in a dorm. - Erin

19 Budgeting tips… straight from past LBS students. 1. Meal-Prep and bring snacks 6. Apple Pay also works! You can save so much money by The majority of places accept and bringing your lunch or dinner with encourage Apple Pay. you during the week. Eating out for 7. Make your own morning coffee. lunch every day adds up quickly in Avoid buying it every day. If you Central London. If you are traveling buy a single morning coffee every to a different country, bring Monday-Thursday, you will spend food/snacks to the airport to avoid nearly $300 on coffee alone! expensive airport food! 8. Airport Transfer 2. Student Discounts When budgeting for your weekend A ton of places offer student trips, don’t forget to include the discounts. Although they may only cost of transportation to and from be 10% off or so, these can add up the airports. Sometimes the tube over the semester! isn’t open if you have a really early 3. Always budget to spend more! flight, and you’ll have to use a More often than not, things will be ridesharing app. more expensive than you originally 9. Take Public Transportation planned on. Expenses you did not Always try to take public plan on come up a lot. transportation if you can. 5. Bring cash! Ridesharing apps and cabs are very Always bring some extra cash expensive and often slower than wherever you go in case your cards the London Tube. Do your research do not work. You do not want to be on what’s available if you’re visiting stuck somewhere with no money. a different country. 4. Get a credit card with no 10. Don’t Over-Shop international fees! It is tempting to go shopping a lot, Try to get a credit card that has no but be realistic about it and don’t international fees. Visa and buy unnecessary clothes or items. Mastercard are probably the most Odds are, you won’t be able to fit widely accepted cards. Most places everything in your luggage when don’t accept American Express, and you go home. even fewer accept Discover. If you cannot get a credit card, a Travelex card might be a good possibility.

20 Packing List

Packing varies significantly according to personal tastes and preferences. Vitamins and over-the-counter medicines We recommend starting with this list and Any prescription drugs for the length of referring to the guidelines in the stay (Keep pills in original bottles and Packing section of this book. bring prescription record. Know how you will get refills if needed.) MP3 Player/ iPod Clothing Travel tissues/toilet paper 2-3 pairs of pants/skirts 5 short sleeve shirts/tanks Other items 1-2 long sleeve shirts PASSPORT! 1-2 sweaters Printed copy of flight itinerary Suit for Lloyds of London visit Student ID (for discounts) Nice shirt for virtual interviews Cash in the local currency (or stop at ATM Dressier shoes or boots that are still good once onsite) for walking Purse/wallet and a money belt A belt Sunglasses 1-2 sets of workout clothes Umbrella Sneakers Cell phone (Check with your provider for Pajamas international plans, or get a SIM Undershirts card/phone onsite.) Socks and Underwear (two weeks’ worth) 1-2 outlet adapters for phone charger, Light, waterproof jacket laptop, etc. Warm coat Laptop and flash drive Scarf, hat and gloves Journal (You’ll be learning a lot; document Flip flops for hostel showers your experiences!) Watch (leave expensive jewelry at home) Backpack/daypack Travel water bottle Toiletries A few bags for dirty laundry TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit/1-quart bags Gifts for your host family – consider Shampoo/Conditioner bringing something from your Toothbrush/toothpaste hometown/state Soap/shower gel/Deodorant Feminine Products Buy onsite Brush/Comb Appliances such as hair dryers and Razors and shaving supplies straighteners or shavers. A voltage Glasses/Contact lenses and solution converter (significantly more expensive Nail clippers than outlet adapters) are required to Makeup operate U.S. appliances, and it is often cheaper to buy the new appliance.

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*Sample schedule. Weekends vary throughout the semester and from student to student