The London Summer Semester Returns for CGS Freshmen

in Global Matters
October 5th, 2022

Enrollment in the program continues to climb 

After two years of being unable to run the London summer semester for College of General Studies (CGS) students due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 638 CGS students happily made their way to London – in two separate sessions during summer 2022 – to take part in experiential learning opportunities throughout the city and surrounding areas.

“We welcomed the opportunity to support the College of General Studies and offer students the unique educational opportunity of spending six weeks learning in London,” said Willis G. Wang, Vice President and Associate Provost for Global Programs. “Working with the thoughtful faculty and staff at CGS and with our team in London to line up excursions and day trips that are integral to the curriculum was especially rewarding after two years of unwanted hiatus.”

Day trips this summer included trips to Brighton, Bath (well-known for and named after its Roman-built baths), and Oxford. Students also visited Bletchley Park, including the National Museum of Computing, and took in the British countryside while visiting Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill) and the Cotswolds. Within and around London, field trips included visits to Buckingham Palace/The Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews, Highgate Cemetery, Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath, The Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms, Dr Johnson’s House, Street Art Tours, and more.

“I had the pleasure of accompanying students and faculty on several trips this summer in both summer 1 and summer 2 semesters: a tour of Chinatown followed by a delicious lunch at a neighborhood restaurant; an outing to see a revival of My Fair Lady; a day trip to Oxford; a trip to the Globe Theater to see a truly amazing production of King Lear,” said Natalie McKnight, Dean of the College of General Studies. “Students and faculty were so excited and grateful to be in London, and the trips together not only enhanced the classroom learning but also created a wonderful sense of community.”

Gaelle Pierre (CGS ‘25) says her time in London was eye-opening, in part, because of how diverse and multicultural the city is. “Something I didn’t expect to see in London was how many different places catered to different cultures,” she said. “Brick Lane, for instance, is a very diverse area that presents Indian culture. The marketplaces, clothing shops, and restaurants that line the streets are fantastic. There’s something everyone can enjoy, whether it’s a guided tour or going to the theater.”

During their excursions and trips, Pierre especially enjoyed visiting Soane’s Museum and Six the Musical. “The museum was filled with lots of interesting architecture and art that gave me chills,” she said. “I got to go to a secret room with tons of artwork, and it was amazing seeing the sunlight hit the gold detailing on different parts of the house. Six the Musical was fun because we learned the history behind King Henry VIII in class so following the plot through the wives’ point of view was entertaining.”

“These trips and cultural excursions are intrinsically related to the curriculum and its very global focus,” said Stacy Godnick, Associate Dean for Student Academic Life at the College of General Studies. “With this global experience in the first year, it means many students will end up having more than one global experience while at BU.”

And many do. Excluding during the COVID-19 pandemic when the program could not run, since 2014, 18 percent of students who participated in the CGS London semester went on to enroll in a Boston University Study Abroad program later in their academic career.

“The CGS summer semester in London is a uniquely positive introduction to experiences abroad and what the possibilities can be,” said Gareth McFeely, Executive Director of Boston University Study Abroad. “For many students this can set the foundation for studying topics and subjects that can be further explored in subsequent study abroad opportunities, whether in London or elsewhere.”

Pierre can attest to the CGS London semester piquing her interest in studying abroad again. “I think this experience helped me discover how much I love travelling, and I would love to study abroad again, possibly to other parts of Europe,” she said.

In addition to acting as a gateway to study abroad, the London summer semester for CGS students has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception. In 2014, 74 CGS students participated in the first London summer semester, and since then, enrollment has grown significantly, excluding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As enrollment trends have risen and each session now brings hundreds of students across the pond, the role Study Abroad plays is even more critical to help ensure the well-being and safety of all participants. Before students depart for their trip, they attend a pre-departure training with Study Abroad staff. This covers everything from health, safety, and security to logistics about passports, currency, housing and more. On the ground, BU Study Abroad provides housing in London as well as pastoral care and reinforces health and safety procedures with an on-site orientation.

“Being in London meant a lot to me since this was the longest I was away from home,” adds Pierre. “I got to really feel like an adult and make decisions about how I spent my time. I [also] learned how important it is to collaborate with peers and explore a big city together.”