London Programs

The Penn English Program in London

The Penn English Program in London (PEPL) offers students the chance to study abroad in one of the most diverse and exciting urban centers in the world. Living at King's College in the heart of the UK capital, English majors and minors also travel around the country together and attend world-class performances (weekly!) in London's theater district, all while earning four credits towards the major or minor back at Penn.

Because PEPL boasts a Penn Faculty Director—an English professor who joins the group—and a budget for travel, the program dramatically enhances the typical study-abroad experience, building expeditions into its infrastucture, all organized and sponsored by Penn. The centerpiece of the program is the Theater in London course (ENGL 0137), open only to PEPL participants and taught by a renowned English theater critic who brings students to live theater productions in West End every week.

The program has been running for more than two decades and, unlike other study-abroad opportunties, PEPL is fully integrated into the curriculum at Penn. This means that all the courses you take at King's are guaranteeed to count toward your English Major or English Minor. You will work closely with the Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to ensure that your curriculum fits with your requirements.

Want to hear what the PEPL experience is like from someone who attended? Watch Alan Zhang (C'25) describe his time abroad in this YouTube video!

Quick facts:

• The Penn London Program is open to all third years and fourth years who are declared English majors or minors
• Penn students live in university residence halls, and are full-fledged members of King's College London, thus welcome to participate in all university activities
• A faculty member from Penn's English Department serves as Resident Director in London and arranges excursions and cultural outings (sponsored by Penn!) specifically for PEPL participants
• Students receive full credit for the courses they take when they return to Penn
• Participants pay the usual Penn tuition (living costs like room and board, etc. do fluctuate according to the exchange rate), and usual financial aid packages  apply to this semester abroad experience
• Applications are due in mid-January!

Applying:

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. This program is open to declared and prospective English majors and minors.
2. You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. If you are an English Major, you need a GPA of at least 3.3 in the major.
3. You must have taken at least three English Department courses (not including Creative Writing). Your selection should emphasize standard British and American literature.  Note to sophomores:  you are eligible to apply in December or January if you are a) considering an ENGL major or minor and b) planning to take your third ENGL class during the spring of your sophomore year.   Declaration of a major or minor can be formalized in February or March, after your application to the London Program has been initiated (usually by mid-January).
4. 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. 

In Fall 2024, we are hosting info sessions in Fisher-Bennett Hall 135 on the following dates:

1. Thursday, October 24th, 12:15-1:15pm
2. Wednesday, November 13th, 10:15-11:15am
3. Friday, December 6th, 9:00-10:00am

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.

Studying Abroad Elsewhere

English Majors may study abroad in many different countries. Information and planning for opportunities beyond the Penn English Program in London should be arranged 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.