PROGRAM OVERVIEW
FIE London in Ten is an accelerated semester designed for students who want a full, academically rich study abroad experience in a focused timeframe. Over 10.5 weeks running September to November or January to March students earn 12 semester credits through FIE's signature British Life and Cultures course plus three elective courses drawn from a wide range of disciplines. The program is based at FIE's Kensington Campus in South Kensington, one of London's most storied and culturally vibrant neighborhoods, placing students at the intersection of world-class museums, universities, and a global city shaped by centuries of exchange and convergence.
London in Ten is ideal for students whose academic schedules, professional commitments, or personal goals call for a shorter program without sacrificing academic depth or immersive experience. At substantially less cost than a full semester abroad, it's one of the most accessible ways to study in London without cutting corners on the experience. A built-in break week gives students the opportunity to travel or explore London at their own pace and no visa is required for U.S. passport holders.
ELIGIBILITY
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Sufficient academic preparation for chosen electives
- NOTE: Your GPA requirement may differ depending on your home institution’s requirements and any additional prerequisites. Please contact your study abroad office to confirm the GPA requirement for your campus.
- If you attend an FIE partner institution, contact your study abroad advisor on campus for any additional requirements.
- If you do not attend one of our partner institutions,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns.
TERMS
Fall Term: September to November (10.5 weeks, including break week)
Application deadline: April 15 | Scholarship deadline: March 15
Spring Term: January to March (10.5 weeks, including break week)
Application deadline: October 15 | Scholarship deadline: September 15
Please visit our Program Dates page for the latest information on exact term dates.
ACADEMICS
At FIE's South Kensington Study Centre, Foundation House, all London in Ten students enroll in FIE's signature British Life and Cultures course, which explores British culture, history, politics, and society through an interdisciplinary and experiential lens. Courses are taught by expert faculty and are closely connected to London itself, incorporating site visits, local engagement, and real-world context. This approach encourages students to critically examine British life while developing intercultural competence and global awareness.
Students also choose three elective courses from FIE's broad curriculum, spanning business, marketing, communications, psychology, politics, theatre, art, international relations, and more. Courses are taught in FIE's small, discussion-oriented class environment by faculty with real-world expertise and deep ties to London's academic and professional communities. This wide range of options allows students to pursue coursework aligned with their major, explore an entirely new discipline, or build a tailored combination that supports their academic and career goals. Visit the FIE Courses webpage to browse available electives.
Together, London in Ten delivers a complete academic experience —12 semester credits across four courses — in a condensed, intensive format. FIE's comprehensive student support, including 24/7 emergency assistance, academic advising, and co-curricular programming, ensures students are fully supported from arrival to departure.
CREDIT AND TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
- Credits earned: 12 US semester credits or 18 US quarter credits, depending on your home institution’s credit system
- Courses: 1 British Life and Cultures course + 3 electives = 4 courses total
- Transcript: Based on your campus requirements, you may receive a transcript from your home institution or from Drexel University, FIE’s School of Record (additional fee applies for Drexel transcript)
- Check with your study abroad office for credit transfer, course equivalencies, and transcript options at your institution.
HOUSING
Living in FIE's student residences, you’ll be located just a short walk from our Foundation House Study Center in the heart of the historic Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. South Kensington is home to world-renowned museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and easy access to the rest of the city via Gloucester Road tube station. All housing and study facilities are well-served by London's 24-hour public transport system, making it straightforward for students to engage with everything the city has to offer — from galleries and markets to concerts and neighborhoods across all 32 boroughs.
Student residential buildings in the Kensington area are mid to late 19th-century converted townhouses. Housing is co-ed, arranged in both apartment and floor styles. Most students live in double, triple, or quad-occupancy single-gender, fully furnished bedrooms. Bathrooms are co-ed and shared by residents of assigned flats or floors. Common kitchens are equipped with cookware, silverware, and dishes. Students have access to app-operated laundry facilities. All residences feature common living areas for socializing and study.
For more information including images and virtual tours, visit our London Student Housing webpage.
STUDENT LIFE
FIE's Student Life team is here to help you make the most of your time abroad. We provide a comprehensive orientation program, organize activities and cultural events outside the classroom, offer travel advice, and support your health and well-being throughout the term. Whether you have questions about extra-curricular activities, the local area, the Tube, or where to find a gym — we have you covered. Find answers to common questions about life in London on our Student Life pages.
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SUPPORT
Your health, safety, and well-being are our highest priority at FIE. Through preparation, orientation, and an open-door support policy, we ensure you are fully supported throughout your study abroad experience. In addition to comprehensive, easy-to-use international travel insurance, FIE students also have access to professional counseling services if needed.
- No visa required for U.S. passport holders
- Travel insurance included
- 24/7 onsite support. Health, safety and emergency procedures found here.
For more information visit our Health & Safety Abroad webpage.
FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
London in Ten is an investment in an academically and personally transformative international experience, structured to deliver maximum impact in a focused timeframe. Program fees vary by term and include a range of academic and student support services. Full details and what’s included can be found on the FIE Program Fees webpage.
FIE is deeply committed to helping students access life-changing study abroad opportunities through a variety of Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, creativity, and community engagement. Additionally, as an Access Partner of the Fund for Education Abroad, FIE supports students pursuing broader scholarship opportunities that can help offset the cost of your program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding options and apply early.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
London in Ten gives you a complete study abroad experience — in a format built for your timeline:
- 12 credits in 10.5 weeks — a full academic semester’s worth of credit in an accelerated format, with no compromise on quality or depth
- FIE’s signature British Life and Cultures course — a place-based, interdisciplinary course taught by expert faculty that brings London’s culture, history, and society directly into the learning experience
- Three elective courses across a wide range of disciplines — from business and communications to politics, psychology, theatre, international relations, and more
- A built-in break week — time to travel, reflect, or explore London at your own pace
- Full FIE student support — housing in South Kensington, 24/7 on-site assistance, comprehensive orientation, and a dedicated student life team
- No visa required for U.S. passport holders
