Summer International Relations Study Abroad Programs in London

My time at Richmond has been the best 3 weeks of my life. I've never felt freer and happier. I have made so many friends along the way that I will never forget, friends that I laughed with until we were all out of breath and crying. The history that London has is almost unreal, walking by churches that are older than America. Everyone was unbelievably kind, at concerts we were upgraded to front row seats, and in class we were given opportunities to see Oxford and York - both of which were some of the best moments I had with the friends I made. Our professor was always willing to answer two million questions, before Richmond I had never had fun learning. I'll never forget my time in London with Richmond and every opportunity it's given me.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

I had such a great time at Lite Regal Education Summer School 2025 The Intensive English course really helped my English improve a lot in such a short time. I also met so many new friends from different countries everyone was super kind and friendly.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that combined strong academic support with cultural experiences. I joined the London program, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The pre-departure team guided me through each step, answering questions quickly and making me feel prepared before leaving. In London, the staff were welcoming and approachable, always checking in to make sure we were doing well. The housing was safe and well-located, which made daily life so much easier. I especially loved the excursions and cultural activities—they helped me explore London and other parts of the UK in ways I wouldn’t have managed on my own. What stood out most was the community I built. I met people who became close friends, and the experience gave me more independence and confidence. Professionally, I gained skills in adaptability and communication that I know will help me in the future. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a program that balances academics, culture, and support in a truly meaningful way.

Before my study abroad journey, I was filled with excitement, mostly about the idea of being in a new country and soaking in a different culture. I had high hopes, but honestly, both London and the IES Abroad program exceeded every expectation I had. Of course, I got to experience all the iconic London attractions you dream about: the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace—every postcard landmark was just as magical in real life. But what really surprised me was how much more there was beyond the tourist side. One of the most unforgettable experiences was a trip organised by IES to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not a place I would’ve ever put on my personal travel itinerary, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my entire time abroad. That trip showed me a completely different side of the UK, natural, historical, and deeply beautiful. While most people think of study abroad as all about travel and adventure (which it definitely is), I have to highlight how incredible the academic side was, too. The classes were intellectually engaging, and the professors brought a whole new perspective to learning. What I loved most was how they incorporated the city and our experiences into the classroom. We went to art galleries, had community volunteering placements, and brought real-life news to discuss in class that made learning feel holistic and alive. If I had the chance, I would absolutely do it all over again.

If I had to describe my study abroad experience in one word, it would be extraordinary. It was no question that I wanted to study abroad. Ever since my mom told me endless stories about her experience in college, I knew I needed to follow in her footsteps and become worldly. When it came to making a decision on where I wanted to go, London was my top choice. I had been to Europe before but never England. London always fascinated me with its dynamic cultural backgrounds and its plethora of entertainment. Once the location was settled, I then chose to go with API. During my application process, API was extremely helpful in assisting me with any questions or concerns I had. They helped make the application process easier and less stressful. API made my arrival to London very easy as they gave me clear instructions prior to my flight over. My Resident Director was also extremely approachable which made my adjustment to London seamless. I made amazing friends from API who I was fortunate enough to travel with during the semester. I also made great friends in my classes and am so glad they got to expose me to their ways of life in London. I went to London with an open mind and am extremely fortunate that I was able to expand my horizons. Going abroad taught me that it is so much more than attending classes and doing school work. I learned self reliance and gained so much confidence within myself. I cannot wait to bring back the knowledge I have obtained and share it with other students who want to go abroad and have the experience of a lifetime.

I did my study abroad with API in 2021 as regular covid was dying down and before omicron kicked in. There were some things changed because of the pandemic but they took a lot of precautions and I felt very safe doing my study abroad with them. I loved every second of it. They have a good amount of group activities where you can get to know other people but a great balance of free time outside of your courses to explore. I was able to do so much in the few months I was there and as soon as I left decided I needed to move back. I was accepted into grad school in London this year. This program gave me the opportunity to feel out a new place and learn to love it while having a support system of people familiar with the area. It absolutely changed my life for the better.

I did the London College of Fashion study abroad experience and it was the best summer of my life!!! API was extremely helpful in everything from getting off the plane at Heathrow to my last week in London, API made England feel like my home away from home!!!! I loved every second of it and was able to fully immerse myself into the new culture in England. API was there every step of the way planning fun events and making sure I was taken care of the whole time! They showed us the ropes of the tube and took us on tours all over London and even cities and towns outside of London! I seriously could not have asked for a better summer!

I had a great time studying abroad in London! My program was theater focused and my professors were very knowledgeable. My program planned many fun weekend trips and the admin made sure to also host small events too. I felt supported throughout it all. I would highly recommend IES Abroad.

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

Studying abroad was an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. It brought on many trials, but I am proud of overcoming my hesitations and facing them head-on. I benefitted from international travel by learning to become more independent and self-reliant. I’ve commuted to college every year, so it was my first time living away from home. It challenged me to be more decisive and outgoing. Because of this, I made great relationships and became more self-assured. Even navigating public transportation helped me to be more vigilant and mindful. Although I saw significant self-improvement, other aspects caused some difficulties. Before going to London, I had frequent contact with ISA to ensure I would have consistent therapy and someone to administer my allergy shots. I was confident and felt at ease knowing there would be support for my mental health and physical health. However, there were complications with my therapy and shots, which hindered me from receiving treatment until the end of the semester. Ultimately, I advise incoming study abroad students to ensure specific measures are in place before traveling to their designated country. Hence, they are guaranteed support for their mental and physical health. Despite these setbacks, I am thankful for my experience studying abroad and the chance to live in London. The city is full of activities and opportunities, so I encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and meet people from different backgrounds. It broadens your perspective and truly changes your life!

ISA was an amazing program which made my transition easy and smooth! I loved my time in London studying at Kingston University. The program offered so many amazing day trips, and great traveling tips! I will always remember my time with ISA and in London!

Studying abroad was an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. It brought on many trials, but I am proud of overcoming my hesitations and facing them head-on. I benefitted from international travel by learning to become more independent and self-reliant. I’ve commuted to college every year, so it was my first time living away from home. It challenged me to be more decisive and outgoing. Because of this, I made great relationships and became more self-assured. Even navigating public transportation helped me to be more vigilant and mindful. Although I saw significant self-improvement, other aspects caused some difficulties. Before going to London, I had frequent contact with ISA to ensure I would have consistent therapy and someone to administer my allergy shots. I was confident and felt at ease knowing there would be support for my mental health and physical health. However, there were complications with my therapy and shots, which hindered me from receiving treatment until the end of the semester. Ultimately, I advise incoming study abroad students to ensure specific measures are in place before traveling to their designated country. Hence, they are guaranteed support for their mental and physical health. Despite these setbacks, I am thankful for my experience studying abroad and the chance to live in London. The city is full of activities and opportunities, so I encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and meet people from different backgrounds. It broadens your perspective and truly changes your life!

Studying abroad was an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. It brought on many trials, but I am proud of overcoming my hesitations and facing them head-on. I benefitted from international travel by learning to become more independent and self-reliant. I’ve commuted to college every year, so it was my first time living away from home. It challenged me to be more decisive and outgoing. Because of this, I made great relationships and became more self-assured. Even navigating public transportation helped me to be more vigilant and mindful. Although I saw significant self-improvement, other aspects caused some difficulties. Before going to London, I had frequent contact with ISA to ensure I would have consistent therapy and someone to administer my allergy shots. I was confident and felt at ease knowing there would be support for my mental health and physical health. However, there were complications with my therapy and shots, which hindered me from receiving treatment until the end of the semester. Ultimately, I advise incoming study abroad students to ensure specific measures are in place before traveling to their designated country. Hence, they are guaranteed support for their mental and physical health. Despite these setbacks, I am thankful for my experience studying abroad and the chance to live in London. The city is full of activities and opportunities, so I encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and meet people from different backgrounds. It broadens your perspective and truly changes your life!

It was a great study abroad experience for anyone whose interested in going to the UK to pursue their education. Nice weather, good Turkish, chicken shops and convenient stores to buy essentials. Exploring the multiple sites that the UK has to offer and meet a lot of great people and made some connections. Using public transportations like the underground tube, double decker busses, riding Lime bikes around the city and walking around the area. Overall, I really enjoy spending time in the country and hope to explore outside of London, besides Brighton and Windsor Castle.

I loved studying abroad in London. It's a city full of history, experiences, and views that I can't wait to go back and see! I took classes that were associated with my degree and ones that were not, which was nice because I was able to have a varied educational experience and understand how their education system compared to the one I was used to. ISA hosted excursions to places such as Windsor Castle that were a lot of fun. They also held orientation and pre-arrival information sessions which made the transition much easier. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad!

Going abroad to London with CEA CAPA was an amazing experience! All the staff was very helpful and effective, they had everything ready for your arrival and they kept in touch during the whole program. The classes I took were amazing, most of them had a lot of field trips related to class content so it was very fun and engaging. I also did an internship abroad which helped me immerse in the culture and grow professionally and personally. London is an awesome multicultural city full of things to do and learn. My experience abroad with this program was amazing!

Interning while in London was wonderful. The internship team was helpful and supportive. Navigating a new country is extremely difficult, especially when you also take on an internship, but the team at CEA CAPA made it a breeze. I had a different internship placement originally but it conflicted with my class schedule and luckily the team in London was able to re-assign me. It was a life-changing experience and extremely rewarding, one that I am so grateful to have added to my résumé. I can’t recommend this program enough!

CEA responded to this reviewMay 16, 2024

Hi Kyra! Thanks for reviewing and recommending your internship abroad from London.

Studying abroad with IES allowed me to have an unforgettable semester in London! I was a part of the Direct Enrollment program at University College London (UCL), and IES helped me through all parts of the process, from the application, my arrival, and during my time in London.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the CIS Abroad program with Westminster in the Summer of 2023. I was there for two sessions, taking one class in each that focused on Criminal Justice topics. One of my favorite courses that was exclusive to the University of Westminster was Jack the Ripper, which focused on the aspects of the myth and story of Jack the Ripper and Victorian London. Overall, academics thoughout this program were intersting and not time consuming. The location of the campus is also so central within London, allowing you to travel from place to place with ease. The dorms at the Marylebone campus were very nice and I enjoyed having my own space to reside in. I loved CIS's program and HIGHLY recommend anyone who is traveling abroad for study or for internship to look into their programs!