London Programs

English Majors may study abroad in many different countries. Information and planning for these opportunities should be done through the Penn Abroad office. When you apply and are asked to provide an English department contact to recommend you to a program, please enter the email address for Dr. Becky S. Friedman, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies (beckysf@english.upenn.edu). If you have questions about how your coursework will fulfill English major requirements, you may also set up a time to speak with Dr. Friedman by scheduling an appointment through Calendly.

Students may also study in London through a program unique to Penn. For more than two decades, the Penn London Program has provided its participants with a chance to live and study in London. Unlike other study-abroad programs at Penn, the Penn English Program in London is fully integrated into the English program. All courses you take at King's College count toward your English Major or English Minor. You work closely with the Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to ensure that your curriculum fits with your Major at Penn.

Because the program boasts a Penn Faculty Director and a budget for theater and travel, the program dramatically enhances students' typical study-abroad experience. The centerpiece of the program is the Penn theater course (ENGL 0137). Participants study with a renowned theater critic and visit the theater weekly as part of this course.

Students take three classes in addition to the theater course. These courses are typically chosen in advance with the help of a faculty member or other advisor. Students also have the option of doing a fifth course by taking an independent study.

Of course, the other celebrated highlights of Penn English Program in London are its excursions -- both in London and to places like Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath -- all sponsored by the program.

Quick facts:

• The Penn London Program is open to all third years and fourth years who are declared English majors and minors.
• Students live in university residence halls with British students, are full-fledged members of their respective colleges and of the University of London, and are thus welcome to participate in all student activities.
• A faculty member from Penn's English Department serves as Resident Director in London and arranges other excursions and cultural events for Penn English students only.
• Students receive full credit for the courses they take when they return to Penn.
• Students' usual financial aid package will continue to apply to the term they are abroad.
• Participants pay the usual Penn tuition (living costs like room and board, etc. do fluctuate according to the exchange rate).

Applying:

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. If you are an English major, you need a GPA of at least 3.5 in the Major.
2. You must have taken at least three English courses (not including Critical Writing). Your selection should emphasize standard British and American literature.

You will also need a recommendation from a Penn professor who knows you well. This will be requested directly by King's College London via auto-generated email to the professor once you input the information as part of your application. Since the email will only be generated after you do the application, we strongly suggest you complete the application at least three weeks before the due date, to give the professor enough time to write the recommendation.

You should plan to attend one of the English Department's information sessions about the program (complete with tea and scones)! Information sessions are held every September, October, November, December, and January, with Loretta M. Witham Turner, the Department Administrator. You can schedule an appointment with Loretta by emailing Loretta@english.upenn.edu. 

Once you have attended an information session, you should make an appointment with the Penn Abroad Office. They will work with you to open your application and help you navigate all necessary documentation and deadlines.

Your final step should be scheduling an appointment with Dr. Srilata Gangulee in the College Advising Office, 120 Cohen Hall, by emailing gangulee@sas.upenn.edu. She will ensure you are in good academic standing and approved to study abroad.

Past Penn London Program Faculty Directors and Graduate Students:

Penn-In-London: Five-Week Summer Session 

The Summer Abroad Program in London is hosted through Penn Summer. For more information, visit their website: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/summer/programs/abroad/london.