Learning Abroad Center
A group of students pose for a photo in front of Shakespeare's birthplace in London

Shakespeare in London & Stratford-upon-Avon

Europe
LAC Program

Explore Shakespeare’s world in London and Stratford-upon-Avon through lenses of the early modern period and English literary culture of today.

Program Details

Location
Location
London & Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Term
Term
Spring Break
Housing
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
No Requirement

About

Explore Shakespeare’s world in London and Stratford-upon-Avon through lenses of the early modern period and English literary culture of today. Spend your time exploring significant cultural sites through the eyes of Shakespeare. Attend performances of his famous plays while in London and enjoy walking tours of the Medieval village of Stratford-upon-Avon he once called home.

Program Model

Embedded
Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some additional meals are included in the program fee. We will eat additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants.

Excursions

Excursions in London may include:

  • Shakespeare walking tour: Shakespeare's London
  • Walking in Shakespeare’s footsteps: Shakespeare’s Theatre World, including visits to the Globe Theatre and Borough Market
  • Visit to the British Museum
  • Visit to the National Gallery
  • Visit to Tate Britain
  • Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
  • Visit to the Tower of London
  • Guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Multiple Theatre performances including a performance at the Globe Theatre complex

An overnight excursion to Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon may include:

  • Tour of Shakespeare’s birthplace
  • Visit to Holy Trinity Church (where Shakespeare and his family are buried)
  • Tour of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (Shakespeare's wife’s home)
  • Tour of Royal Shakespeare Company theaters

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

Learning Outcomes

  • Socialize as global professionals who understand that human interaction and culture are relevant to achieving professional goals
  • Discover and connect with the University of Minnesota campus and community
  • Think critically, analyze topics, and appreciate diverse perspectives through pre-departure coursework, studying abroad, and guided reflection
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing personal strengths in a group setting
  • Develop an understanding of the importance of future international and intercultural learning
  • Understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines
  • Acquire skills for effective citizenship and lifelong learning

Faculty & Staff

This seminar is taught by Dr. Katherine Scheil, a professor in the department of English in the College of Liberal Arts.

Program Structure

Program Level
3000-level course
Courseload

One 3-credit course

Course Schedule

This is an on-campus class during the spring semester that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30–3:45 p.m.

The course goes abroad Spring break 2025: March 7–16, 2025

Students from other UofM campuses

There is an option to participate in the on-campus portion remotely. Reach out to the program leaders to confirm. You will need to work with your academic adviser and campus enrollment office and do a Multi-I enrollment for this program. There may be additional or different tuition owed as part of the program fee.

Coursework

If you are interested in English culture and how Shakespeare influenced today’s art and literature, this program is ideal for you. Explore performing and literary arts, both historical and modern, to understand how they have impacted English identity. While on campus, your projects will include reading and elaborating on Shakespeare’s works. While abroad, you’ll apply course concepts and gain memorable experience with English literary culture.

Receive Credit for: ENGL 3032

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

TermProgram DatesApplication Deadline
Spring Break 2025March 7–March 16, 2025 (tentative)December 1, 2024

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 20 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our event webpage.

DateTimeLocation
TBDTBDTBD

On Campus Dates

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:30-3:45 p.m., on East Bank—Minneapolis Campus

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.

You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).

Fees

Spring Break 2025 cost of participation forthcoming

The cost of participation includes airfare, housing, program administration, welcome and farewell meals, some additional meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, airport transfers, and in-country transportation for all course related activities. Generally, program fees range between $5,000–$5,800. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, a few meals, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

If you are registered for less than 13 credits, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring Break 2023

Freshman Seminar Abroad: Shakespeare in London and Stratford-upon-Avon

Spring Break 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $2,814
International health insurance $26
Housing and/or mealsStudents will be housed in shared hotel rooms: breakfast included daily. Welcome and farewell meal also provided. $600
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)Group flight $1,330
Total Program Fee $5,170
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $5,170

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Visit your travel clinic and consult for any costs $50
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $200
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee$165 - $180/night of housing not included here, in case of the cost of required quarantine. Contact the LAC to have this added to your SACE. $250
Essential daily living expensesphone credit/charges, etc. $150
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $400

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $5,770
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

Register for On-Campus Course

Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.

You will also need to register for the on-campus course ENGL 3032.

Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Jemma Lund at [email protected], or call at 612.625.8827