Preparing for International Careers in London

• Students will learn strategies that will allow them to create a job-search plan that matches their individual career goals
• Students will connect with KU alums, global businesses, universities, and international organizations to learn first-hand about international careers
• Students will have the opportunity to explore the Greater London area on days when events are not planned.  

The Preparing for International Careers-London course is designed for students interested in exploring international careers. An international career can be defined as either working abroad or living stateside and working with international partners. This eight-week long course will give students an excellent overview of the resources, opportunities and steps involved in researching international employment. Students will learn strategies that will allow them to create a job-search plan that matches their individual career goals. While in London, students will connect with KU alums, global businesses, universities, and international organizations to learn first-hand about international careers. In addition, students will have the opportunity to visit various sites of interest within London, such as: the Tower of London, the British Museum, the Tate Modern Museum, Big Ben, Parliament, and London’s Financial District.

The historic city of London is a global center for commerce, the arts, fashion, media, education, research and professional services and is one of the world’s leading financial centers.  Diverse and rich in culture, over 300 languages are spoken within the Greater London area.  The extensive London Underground is recognized as the best subway in the world, making travel easy and efficient to famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey, West End theaters, Tower of London, Greenwich and the Prime Meridian and numerous other museums, theatres, and sporting events.  KU has active alumni employed in a variety of industries in the Greater London area.  

All students will receive credit for:

LA&S 480/GIST 480 Preparing for International Careers-London (1-3 hours of credit).

This will be taught as a hybrid seminar course. Students will be responsible for participating in class discussions as well as activities outside the normal class time. Students and faculty will meet four times for two hours on the University of Kansas, Lawrence campus during the Spring 2025 semester. The other four weeks of class will be completed online. The course will cover diverse topics such as: global employment trends, researching career opportunities abroad, applying for jobs abroad, cultural awareness and adaptation, the cost of living around the world, and graduate study abroad. During the visit to London, students are encouraged to conduct informational interviews with representatives from international corporations, non-profit organizations and/or graduate schools to explore and learn about having an international career.

It is highly encouraged, but not required, that students have taken or will take concurrently a job search course such as LA&S 470: Job Search for Liberal Arts & Sciences Students. In addition, coursework and interest in international issues, cultures and language is encouraged.

Students and faculty will stay at a Bloomsbury neighborhood hotel near the British Museum in London. Accommodation is double or triple occupancy. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel each day.

Students will leave for London on Saturday, March 15, arriving on Sunday, March 16, and return on Sunday, March 23. Starting Monday, March 17 the students will meet as a group each morning and/or afternoon to visit a company, organization, or university to learn about different international career opportunities. Students will also have time allotted for visiting different cultural and historical sites in London. In the evenings, students will generally be free to visit different cafes and restaurants or attend sports events, musicals, or concerts. Additionally, the itinerary will include at least one group dinner with KU alumni that are living and working in London.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students 
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC

Students must meet the requirements of participating in KU Study Abroad and the consent of the instructor. Contact the Program Director for more detailed and specific information.

Program Cost for Preparing for International Careers in London