Winter Study Abroad Programs in England

I had a wonderful experience abroad. Roehampton University is located right outside the city of London, allowing students to experience slower everyday life while providing the fun city life of London. Beyond this, the town of Putney and Wimbledon are located very close to Roehampton, at a 45 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride. After classes, I was able to choose between exploring local areas and the city of London. London has so much to offer, from food, culture, and more. While abroad, I was able to get cheap flights to other places such as Spain, and take a train ride to Scottland.

The most valuable aspect of the curriculum was the incredible access to professionals from every aspect of the art market. Hearing from them directly about the challenges and projects they are dealing with was an invaluable tool to understand the evolving dynamics of the sector and have a better understanding of where opportunities lie.

The course was very helpful in laying the foundations of art valuation and learning what determines the success of an artist, as well as identifying the key players driving the direction of the market. On-site visits to galleries, museums, fairs, and the auction house were key to getting a hands-on experience of the different players in the art market. I attended the course during Frieze season, which meant tons of openings, shows, and initiatives provided me with countless learning opportunities, always guided by the wise commentary of our course leader Jeffrey Boloten.

My learning experience at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London can be described in three words: insightful, inspiring, and unique. The program appealed to me because it combines expert-led classroom teaching with on-site visits to London’s most exclusive museums, galleries, studios, and more. Specifically, the entrepreneurial spirit of the program’s research projects intrigued me, as they provide an innovative, collaborative, and lasting skill set often overlooked in other programs. One of my most memorable days in the program was spent learning about how conservation practices facilitate the preservation of artworks for future generations thanks to technological developments. This lecture was followed by a trip to a Chiswick-based conservation studio, where we observed outstanding craftsmanship and expertise.

Several elements drew me to the 12-week Art Business Certificate. Its intensive structure offered a focused yet comprehensive introduction to the art world, making it ideal for career development. The balance between in-classroom teaching and on-site visits was one of the most valuable aspects of the course. The classroom sessions gave me the critical frameworks and historical context, and then the visits really brought those ideas to life. One of the most valuable aspects of the curriculum was its strong emphasis on critical analysis and contextual thinking. Rather than focusing solely on objects or market trends, the course encouraged deeper inquiry into how the art world operates, particularly around power, representation, access, and institutional responsibility.

I had a wonderful time on this trip! The opportunity to experience so many new cultures through art was great! Being in foreign countries with new people also created the perfect opportunity to create new friendships, especially since you're all in the same boat! Travel is a great way to build bonds. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own and enjoy the cities we were in!

Though my time in London was short, every moment felt so special. London will forever hold a piece of my heart and I can't thank AIFS enough for such a life changing experience. I am so grateful for all that I learned and experienced.

Studying abroad with USAC made my experience in London a breeze. USAC offered a program that was ideal for me as it was during the summer for 3 weeks rather than a semester. Three weeks was the perfect length to explore London while offering enough time to study and focus on my class. USAC prepared me well for my time abroad and offered me the support I needed. USAC allowed me to connect with other students before depature making it easier to know everyone in the program before departing. Overall, the experience with USAC was fantastic and straightforward.

I would recommend studying abroad because you get to engage in a course you choose. You also have the liberty to explore the place you choose to stay in and the staff in the CIEE will support you if you have any concerns and you won't feel alone.

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!

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

I had an amazing expierence during my time in London! I cannot reccomend this program enough, if you are on the fence about it, JUST DO IT! I was only there for a short period of time but I feel like it was enough time to make frienships and see all the sights I wanted to see. Personally, any longer and i might have gotten homesick. Support staff at the university and through the program are great and will answer any questions you have! I will say the program could do a little better in facilitating communication between international students, so don’t be afraid to start group chats and ask people on your level to meet up. The accomadations were not as described in their initial description, its more like a hotel so better in my opinion. The campus is not in London its more out of the city but it wasn't hard or took a lot of time to get into the heart of London. I took history of London as a course and really enjoyed the expertise of the different tutors and every week we had 2-3 field trips where we would go to different places in London, that I don’t think I would have seen on my own. Overall, it was really great and I still talk to a lot of people that were in my program term. Advice I would give future students is take every medicine you can think of that you might need (tums, advil, tylonel, allieve, etc) because finding medicine was hard. I would also say food is expensive and not very good so do your reserach beforehand to make sure its something actually good (search tiktok best fish and chips or ask a local).

My time in London completely changed my life. I felt like I was truly free and on my own for the first time, and I was able to make my own decisions about what I did and where I went. My friends I made were amazing and I was able to get super immersed into the community. My class work was interesting, but left time for me to explore the city after class. I wish I could go back!

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

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!

For as long as I could remember I have dreamed of doing a semester abroad in England and I was absolutely thrilled that I was able to make that dream a reality through USAC! I had such an amazing time in England and learned so much from my History of London’s Museums class. The professor was absolutely wonderful and so knowledgeable. I also really appreciated the amount of independent time that we were given. I got to do and see so many things, and even got to travel to Wales while I was there! Getting to experience a different culture and make new friends while I did it truly was the best experience of my life. I can’t recommend using USAC enough! I loved England so much I have been inspired to go back for graduate school!

Traveling to Buenos Aires was an incredible experience! I was nervous initially since it was my first study-abroad experience. I was unfamiliar with the culture, environment, and language and did not know what to expect. The warm hospitality and generosity I received from on-site program staff and locals guided me through all the ups and downs of the experience. The program challenged me to come out of my comfort zone both academically and socially. We attended physics classes at a local university and a sports and contemporary culture class right after. We learned about the history of the country and experienced the Argentinians' passion for futbol firsthand by attending games. My friends and I explored the city after classes, trying out some of the many cafes and restaurants on every corner. Buenos Aires had a very reliable transportation system as well, so it was easy for us to travel from our apartment in Palermo to other neighborhoods in the city like Belgrano, La Boca, and Recoleta. Each neighborhood had something different and wonderful to offer. We often ran into cultural fairs, art festivals, fresh farmer markets, and live performances. There was something fun to discover every day. On the weekends, we traveled outside of the city to see the numerous natural landscapes in Argentina. We saw the falls at Iguazu, went horseback riding in Mendoza, went hiking at the Perito Moreno Glacier and El Chalten, and even visited a cute portside town in Uruguay. Although my time in Argentina was short, the incredible people, food, and music are a memory I will never forget.

London is a wonderful city with so much to explore! I was lucky to study at the University of Roehampton with people from all over the world. In London, I learned about so many different cultures and the ways of the locals. The program with CIS Abroad was so helpful in getting me acclimated with the school and city, and it was the perfect opportunity to explore new places in the span of 3 weeks. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and can’t wait to return in the future!

This was an amazing program and I am infinitely grateful that I picked this program. Since I chose to participate in a May term program, I knew I would not have much time to plan my own trips within my study abroad experience, so a traveling program was perfect for me. I got to see all of the cities I have been dreaming about seeing for years. I made amazing friendships so quickly, and was exposed to many different cultures. Even though we were only in each city for a few days, I felt like I learned a good amount about each city. I got to see the most famous artwork in each city and it was fun learning how to use the public transportation in each city. We also had good guides for the tours in each city who knew a lot about the history of their cities. The program tour guide was awesome about helping us figure out public transportation, and I got a hang of how to do it myself by the time we left each city. My class's professor was amazing. She got us to really think and the class was very interactive. She was very educated on art history and the three hour class sessions went by quickly. The classes made me appreciate the museums and sites that we visited much more than I would have without the knowledge I gained. The places I wanted to see in each city were built into the program, and tickets were taken care of. I still had time during most days to work in my own activities and sightseeing, but all of the main places that I wanted to see were built in and we visited them as a full group. If I could change one thing, it would be to meet more locals or interact with business owners in the countries we visited through the program. The majority of the hotels were pretty nice; a couple of them were super nice. The only complaint I had was the location in a few of the cities, but it was very doable to get around. Breakfast was always covered which was great because we had to wake up fairly early most of the days. My group got a few surprises that were so awesome as well!