ARCH in London

Explore the world with your fellow ARCH scholars.

Join members of your ARCH scholars cohort for an exclusive, semester-long study abroad experience.

Honors College students explore London, England. Accent Image

ARCH in London

Expand your horizons with an exclusive ARCH scholars study abroad program.

Accent Image

What is ARCH in London?

Each year, a group of approximately 30 freshman/sophomore ARCH scholars travel to London, England and study together during the spring semester. The program is based in the South Kensington area of London.

The experience is administered in partnership with the Foundation for International Education (FIE), a London-based nonprofit with over 25 years of experience coordinating study abroad programs. Over the course of the semester, you’ll enjoy classes on British life and culture, a global leadership and service-learning course, tours of London landmarks, and much more.

Watch our recent ARCH London Study Abroad Information Session to learn more from those who created this program!

How to Participate

Access to the program is available to incoming ARCH scholars on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’ve received an invitation to join the ARCH Scholars Program, you can now register for the ARCH in London program scheduled for Spring semester 2025.

Once you’ve completed the interest form, you’ll receive an email from the Honors College within 10-14 business days either confirming your spot in the program or placing you on a waitlist. Once your spot is confirmed, we’ll share more details about the trip with you in summer 2024.

Join ARCH in London

FIE Kensington Campus

A map of the FIE Kensington campus layout

FIE London uses the entire area as their campus. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most attractive and desirable locations, provides a beautiful and historic living and learning environment for students. Within walking distance are some of the world’s greatest cultural institutions such as Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum. The hustle and bustle of High Street Kensington combined with laid back independent shops and restaurants make up the friendly local neighborhood. South Kensington is well connected to the rest of the city in Zone 1, with Gloucester Road and South Kensington London Underground (Tube) stations serving the majority of campus locations.

Program Details

Learn more about the ARCH London program and what FIE has in store for students such as program structure, classes, London immersion, students services, and more!
  • Cost

    South Carolina resident students will be able to use state and federal aid to pay for this program. Non-resident students will be able to use any federal aid. The following anticipated costs are for the 2024-2025 academic year; those going to London in Spring 2025. 

    South Carolina resident anticipated cost: $13,500

    Non-South Carolina resident anticipated cost: $23,500 

    Fees include:

    • FIE tuition, fees, and student housing
    • Service learning placement experience
    • Co- and extra- curricular activities throughout London with the FIE Student Life team
    • 24-hour on-call site staff
    • Health monitoring and medical referral service; FIE staff presence for all serious illness or injuries
    • Student support and advice through the full complement of the FIE London team
    • Attendance and an opportunity for student presentations at the FIE Student Global Leadership Conference in London, held annually in April
    • Extended group orientation from before departure and upon arrival in London with thorough health and safety briefings and city tours before classes start
    • Oyster Card - students are provided with a Transport for London pass for the duration of their time on the program. The pass covers Zones 1 and 2 of the underground tube and all above-ground bus service. FIE will "top up" the passes of any students who have service learning placements outside of Zone 2 during the placement period.

    Fees exclude:

    • Center for International Education Application Processing
    • Transatlantic airfare, passport and visa fees (service learning placements require a Tier 4 visa for most students)
    • Meals
    • Textbooks, lab fees, and academic materials
    • Optional FIE extracurricular activities
    • Personal expenses and independent travel and expenses
  • Program Details & Class Structure

    FIE's academic and administrative hub is Foundation House, a five-story Edwardian mansion housing modern classrooms, staff offices, and a student lounge. The Administration, Academic & Experiential Education, Communications & IT, Facilities, and Student Life teams are located in Foundation House.

    Metrogate House serves as the largest student residence with laundry facilities, mail pickup for all FIE residences, a 24 hour PC lab, and our dedicated Facilities Support Team. Metrogate House also accommodates three classrooms for FIE students as well as staff offices allowing our staff to be easily accessible to students. 

    Weeks 1 through 7: Students take FIE's Key courses in British Life and Cultures which runs the duration of the program. Students take 2-3 more elective courses which will start and finish in the first seven weeks of the program and meet twice a week for three hours per session. Students will also prepare for service-learning placements. 

    Week 8: Mid-semester break

    Weeks 9 through 15: Service-learning placements and continuing coursework. Students continue to participate in their key course and begin the experiential education seminar course: International Service and Leadership Course which includes participation in the Student Global Leadership Conference. Service-learning placements will take place for 8-10 hours a week engaging students with schools, libraries, community centers, and youth projects to realize creative projects such as performances and art work with various constituencies. Training for work within diverse audiences, awareness-raising and support in student development will be provided and offered as part of the placement and coursework. London is rich with registered charities and not-for-profit organizations that serve to deliver public services working to improve life in the city and beyond. 

    Classes

    Students can choose from a selection of course work in the following areas:

    classes coming soon!

  • Housing

    FIE's student residences are located in some of the most vibrant part of London, a short walk or tube ride from classes. Depending on the building, students live in double, triple, or quad occupancy rooms and each bedroom is fully furnished. Common kitchens are equipped with cookware, silverware, and dishes. Wireless internet access is available in all residences. Pay as you go laundry facilities and an 11-station PC Lab is open to FIE students 24/7 in Metrogate residence. All residences feature common living areas where students can interact. ARCH students would likely be paired up and rooming together and/or living in the same building near each other.

    Metrogate House is an essential part of your FIE London experience! It was created from three 19th-century townhouses and is located a short 10-minute walk from Foundation House and just three minutes from the amenities of Gloucester Road. Metrogate House is home to the Study Lounge and Quiet Study Area, open to FIE students from all residences. 

     

    Hyde Park Gate is an impressive townhouse is just a ten-minute walk from Foundation House. Hyde Park Gate is comprised of seven spacious apartments overlooking Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Not only is this superb residence conveniently located for students’ academic pursuits, but it is also close to High Street Kensington; a busy and bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and museums.

    Manson Place is a townhouse located in the heart of South Kensington. It has a variety of accommodations ranging from two bedrooms to large, multi-bedroom apartments. This residence is within easy walking distance to the Foundation House as well as other FIE residences.

     

    For complete details about each residence and some 360-degree virtual tours, please see here. 

  • London Immersion Opportunities

    FIE encourages students to proactively take advantage of and participate in the many opportunities to interact with local people and culture FIE offers. 

    • The FIE Student Life Team plans weekend or day trips for all FIE students to participate. They often have local activities to explore and enjoy London, but sometimes plan weekend trips for those who wish to travel outside London. The Student Life Team will also help in planning more elaborate trips around the UK and Europe for students who wish to travel more on their own time during weekends or break. 
    • London students have associate memberships in the Imperial College Student Union which offers more than 300 clubs and societies and access to Imperial's various student cafes and restaurants. Imperial also hosts a variety of social events like pub quiz nights, free concerts, and community fora, all of which are open to FIE students
    • In addition to joining a sports/fitness society through the Imperial College Union, FIE has a relationship with a local gym where students can join for a discounted fee
    • HOST is a voluntary UK organization that aims to help international students make the most of their time in the UK by bringing them together with friendly British families - FIE subsidizes the student participation fee
    • All FIE courses required 3-4 co-curricular trips (museums, walks, class outside, historical visits, etc.) so students are guaranteed to explore London using it as a classroom
  • Student Support Services

    Accessibility, Health, Counseling, Safety, Security, & Emergency Medical Support

    FIE prides itself on going above and beyond the typical offerings of a study abroad provider to ensure that students are well supported in every facet of their experience. Safety for program participants is FIE's highest priority.Their approach ensures participants are supported and well educated on issues that affect their physical safety, emotional well-being, and overall preparedness.

    • FIE works closely with its university partners, placement sites, and affiliated organizations to provide an accessible experience for all students. FIE Accessibility Manager will assist your students with their accessibility needs or queries, from pre-application through their entire study abroad experience
    • FIE London has a licensed counselor/psychotherapist who can meet with students who are exploring difficulties during their time abroad. Three counseling sessions and referral for ongoing counseling is a complimentary service offered by FIE
    • Health monitoring and medical referral service; FIE staff presence is offered for all serious illness or injuries and in cases of hospitalization
    • Emergency 24/7 support is available in person or via telephone from Metrogate Residence front desk staff
    • Providing program participants with critical pre-departure information on issues related ot health and safety preparedness
    • Training participants on potential health and safety issues that may arise during their stay, including situational analyses and ways to identify dangerous situations, along with culturally specific guidelines to acceptable behavior, clothing, and overall conduct
    • FIE staff and faculty are trained in US Title IX and Clery responsibilities and will coordinate with Title IX and Clery staff on the home campus as needed

    Student Life Team

    The FIE Student Life Team is responisble for student health and well-being. Throughout the semester, they offer ongoing help, information, and advice on a broad number of issues in a well-rounded 'drop-in' Student Life Office.

    Access

    Wireless Internet access is available in all residences. Pay as you go laundry facilities and a 11-station PC Lab is open to FIE students 24/7 in Metrogate Residence. All residences feature common living areas where students can interact.

    Residence Life Supervisors

    Residence Life Supervisors, or "RLS," live in all FIE residences and assist students with various residence life questions and concerns outside of standard hours. FIE RLSs draw on their experiences of living and working in the education sector in London to enhance residential experiences. 

    Transportation

    Students are provided with a Transport for London (Oyster Card) for the duration of their time in the program. The pass covers Zones 1 and 2 of the underground (tube) and all above-ground bus service.

  • FIE Scholarships

    Students are eligible to apply for FIE's Semester Scholarships, valued at $3,000 per award. Students choose a specific "route," which coincides with FIE's values: Diversity and Inclusivity, Environmental Responsibility, or Chairty and Community. Application details can be found here.

    FIE became a Fund for Education Abroad Access Partner in 2018 to provide additional funding. More information can be found here. 

  • More about FIE

    The Foundation for International Education (FIE) is a London-based non-profit educational organization established in 1998 to provide customized partnership programs and individual student enrollment programs in London, Dublin, and Amman. FIE's partner institutions find value in our expert staff, experienced faculty, sound infrastructure, unique curriculum, and global stewardship. They offer a varienty of ways to build and deliver academic programs rich in experiential learning. FIE's coursework spans a variety of disciplines, and emphasis is placed on academic rigor and the utilization of London as a classroom. FIE is a leader in academic internship provision, and over the years has developed a robust network of partner organizations trained to receive student interns from the United States. 

  • Who is eligible to participate?

    ARCH in London is an exclusive study abroad opportunity only for students in the ARCH Scholars Program. This program will run during the spring semester only. ARCH students are welcome to participate in this study abroad during their first or second year of the ARCH Program.