Civ in London

Civ in London is a competitive program for students in the traditional Development of Western Civilization (DWC) track. Admitted students will go abroad spring semester of sophomore year as a cohort of 30-40 students, accompanied by two Providence College faculty leaders. In addition to completing the DWC requirement, several core and major courses are available to keep students on track. The program includes several day trips and site visits included in the tuition cost, including a seven-day group excursion to Athens, Greece. Interested students will apply by December 1st of their freshman year.

A unique opportunity for students from the class of 2023 to complete the Development of Western Civilization requirement abroad, during their sophomore year
Be part of a community of PC students and faculty
Broaden your learning through customized excursions around England, as well as seven days in Athens, Greece
Course offerings fulfill a variety of core proficiencies and major requirements

This program is offered in partnership with IES Abroad, an international education partner with more than 60 years of experience. The IES London Center is centrally located in the Bloomsbury neighborhood, just a two-minute walk from the British Museum. The Center, an 18th-century Georgian building with a library, classrooms, lounge, and patio is where students will take most or all of their courses. They also have the option to take one course at two local universities: City, University of London and Queen Mary University.

Working with IES, PC is able to offer enhanced on-the-ground support made available by the twelve IES staff who work at the London Center. This support includes 24/7 emergency support, student housing, course administration, field trips, and cultural activities. An on-site programs coordinator in London will be designated specifically as the point of contact for students and faculty on the program. This coordinator will also handle on-site emergencies and manage student academic, health, and discipline issues in conjunction with the IES Abroad and Providence College.

Academics

All students will take DWC 202. In addition, students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of other courses including:

courses offered by PC faculty that fulfill PC core requirements or proficiencies
courses offered by IES at their London Center
students can take up to one course at Queen Mary University or City, University of London

Note: City, University London has a 3.0 GPA requirement for course registration. Prior to departure, students will work with advisors to identify courses that fulfill major requirements, core requirements, or general electives.

Sample Course Schedule:

Development of Western Civilization (DWC 202) Temple of Olympic Zeus at Night
A seven-day excursion to Athens is included as part of the program
PC Core Course Taken with PC Faculty
PC Core Course Taken with PC Faculty
PC Core Course Taken with IES London
Major Elective Taken at Queen Mary University or City University London

In total, students will earn 15 credits over the course of the semester. Many of the courses offered make location-specific connections to London and include day-trips and site visits so that students can make the most of their experience in this major European capital.

FAQs

How does admission into the program work?

Admission into the program will be competitive, as there is a strict limit of 40 students due to course size constraints. The program will run only if it meets the minimum enrollment of 30 students. As part of the application process, students will request recommendations from a member of their DWC team, as well as from another PC faculty member, and these will factor into admissions decisions. As much as possible, the selection committee will seek to admit a diverse array of students from a variety of academic majors. Students’ personal statements should provide evidence of maturity and ability to benefit from this study abroad program. All admitted students will meet the Providence College Study Abroad Eligibility Requirements, including having a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 by the time first-semester grades have posted and up until their departure for London.

What support is available to prepare students for their experience abroad

Because participants will be going abroad as sophomores, additional pre-departure components will be required as part of participating in this program. This includes group dinners, meetings with faculty leaders, and participating in a Civ in London Living/Learning Residential Community during the fall semester of sophomore year.

What is the timeline for participation?

December 1st of freshman year: apply to the program
January of freshman year: admissions decisions are released
March of freshman year: admitted students make a program deposit to secure their place
March of freshman year: admitted students make roommate selections for the Civ in London Living/Learning Residential Community, which they will move into during the fall semester
Fall of sophomore year: participants move into the Civ in London Living/Learning Residential Community
Fall of sophomore year: a group orientation and other pre-departure preparation activities take place
Spring of sophomore year: students travel to London. Program dates will be early January to late April, 2021.