The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK for short) is made up of four separate and distinct countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England's incredibly rich history illustrated in sites such as Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, and the Tower of London, in addition to its deep roots in theatre, arts and literature makes England an obvious choice for individuals looking for a stimulating and educational international experience. London is considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and any visitor will immediately notice the great diversity found within the city. London residents, and visitors alike, hail from around the world and speak over 300 languages. ISA interns in England will easily notice the broad, international influences that contribute to England's unique culture.
The capital city has over 300 museums, 250 art galleries, 200 theaters, 6 full time symphony orchestras, and more than 600 cinema screens. Concerts, celebrities, movie premiers, theatre productions, sporting events, and world news headlines are constantly keeping London in the spotlight. Whatever your interests may be, the attractions and activities found within London are essentially endless, and simply cannot be tackled in a single visit.
Arts and Humanities
Encompassing a wide range of academic fields including history, philosophy, cultural studies, and sociology among many others, internships in the arts and humanities allow you to explore career options across many business sectors and industries while refining professional interests and strengths. Internships in these fields tend to be multi-disciplinary allowing you to gain a robust set of skills and knowledge.
Business and Marketing
Internships in business fields include a wide range of companies across all industries-—from small start-ups to large multinational corporations. Interns can focus on a specific area within business such as economics, finance, or marketing. Business internships provide valuable experience in understanding regional trade practices, international economies, and global marketing strategies from a new cultural perspective.
Communication, Media, and PR
Understanding the cultural climate of the times and the ways to effectively navigate it is a valuable skill. Working alongside international colleagues and within a new culture helps shape your worldview and ability to more effectively communicate with a wider audience. Work in an array of industries as communications, media and, PR jobs span all industries.
Fashion
A fashion internship abroad is a great stepping stone into the industry. Get hands-on experience in a truly global industry, learning about new aesthetics and understanding how business-to-business transactions between suppliers and distributors come to be. Placements focus on design, merchandising, PR, e-commerce, or a combination thereof. Portfolios are required for those participants interested in fashion design.
Film and TV
With a film or television internship abroad, you have the opportunity to work at a variety of companies, providing you with hands-on experience at every step in pre-production, production, and post-production. Exploring the field from a new cultural context while learning best practices will be an invaluable career stepping stone. A portfolio may be requested.
Legal Studies and Advocacy
Law and advocacy internships include a range of opportunities working at law firms and policy and advocacy centers. Internships in this field provide an inside view of the host country’s legal system and an understanding of how the community navigates within that system. Apply your knowledge to a real-world setting and learn how law and justice work in practice. A writing sample may be requested.
Performing and Visual Arts
With a focus on specific areas such as graphic design, photography, music, dance, or theater, internships in the performing and visual arts give you the opportunity to learn what type of creative projects you will likely work on in a professional setting. Gain valuable insight into the creative process and have a chance to apply your knowledge, channel your inner creativity, and network with industry professionals. A portfolio may be requested.
Political Science
Whether you are interested in American politics, international relations, or public policy and advocacy, an internship abroad allows you to gain valuable insight into how government policies, political parties, city councils, or governmental agencies work. Experience firsthand how these political bodies work with and against one another in the local and global arena.
Psychology and Social Work
A psychology or social work internship helps you understand the complicated social challenges facing global communities while learning how professionals respond. Placements are often research based or involve observing professionals and assisting with various tasks at non-profits. An internship abroad provides the opportunity to connect and integrate theory and practice into a real world setting. A background check may be requested.
London Highlights and Activities
Orientation, Excursions, and Cultural Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation in London where you will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in your internship abroad. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the United Kingdom (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Brighton
Brighton is known for several things, including being one the cultural and LGBTQ+ capitals of England, inspiration for famous artists and musicians, and its architecture. Some UK polls place it as the happiest and 'coolest' (not a reference to temperature!) city in England, and its name is undoubtedly among the world's most recognizable beach towns.
Windsor Castle
The town of Windsor is an unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Windsor Castle itself is the oldest continuously used royal residence in the world. Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
Cultural Activities in London
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore culture of England in and around your host city. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes England special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included visits to Camden Town, Windsor Castle, the British Museum, a Harry Potter walking tour, and a tour of the Tower of London.
Housing Details
ISA housing provides the opportunity for participants to experience aspects of the British lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in England and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Homestay
Homestays are encouraged by ISA for the best cultural experience and full immersion into England. ISA participants living in homestays will be provided with two meals per day (breakfast and dinner) and laundry facilities will be available. This is included in the ISA program cost. Students may share a bedroom with another ISA student, but have the option of paying extra to secure an individual room.
Student Residence
Students living in the residence halls will typically have a single room, but could possibly be assigned to a shared room. They will share a bathroom and kitchen facilities with 5-8 other students as well as a coin operated laundry room located within or near the dorm. Residence halls may also include additional facilities such as study and game rooms. The option to purchase a bedding pack is available for each session during the semester and summer. Each residence hall is equipped with DSL or wireless internet access. Meals and laundry service are not included.
Why Intern in London?
London’s rich history provides depth to every field—be it acting, journalism, or business—as well as an English speaking population that makes navigating the cultural difference of your internship dandy! Interning in England gives participants the opportunity to explore their field of interest from a new cultural perspective. Interning in England is a particularly good option for interns interested in Accounting, Business, Fashion, Film, Finance, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Marketing, Social Work, and Theater. Due to visa restrictions, those studying Hospitality and Tourism and Healthcare should consider other internship locations. All applicants should be aware that internships in England can be competitive and strong educational and experiental background are advised.
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from England.
U.S. Citizens
All U.S. citizens are required to apply for a Tier 5 Visa PRIOR to entry in the UK while you are still in the US, and allow participants to come to the UK for a short time for work experience. The Tier 5 visa application process takes approximately 4-6 weeks and costs approximately $1,300- $1,500. Participants in a full-time internship must apply for this visa.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to England without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.
