Faculty-Led Study Abroad in London
While an assistant professor of English and Women's Studies at Texas A&M International University, I had the life-changing opportunity to take students abroad to London, England, not once, but three times. The program was organized by myself with the help of the university's International Engagement office, as well as the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), whose on-site offices in London helped keep the program running smoothly for four weeks at a time. With the help of a faculty assistant, I taught several classes abroad to groups of students ranging in size from 6 to 16.
I can safely say that leading study abroad was one of my most fulfilling experiences as a faculty member that I have ever had. Getting to know my students in this new and intimate way and showing them everything I love about travel and London was a delight and a learning experience all around. I look forward to having such an opportunity again in the future. |
Immersive Learning
Students don't just read and write about British literature during study abroad--they are fully immersed in British culture from day 1. I hold classes in public spaces such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Hyde Park. Class activities include day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford as well as Stonehenge and Bath, trips to Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, and walking tours focused on London's literary past. Some of the most memorable experiences are also going to the Globe theater and other theaters in London to watch professional productions of Shakespeare's plays.
Here you can see some of my students getting literally hands-on experience with archival materials at the National Archives in Kew, London. |
Course Work
In order to get credit for courses at their home institution, students had to sign up for at least one class. Some chose to sign up for two. Students had regularly-assigned readings, homework questions to turn in, and papers and exams. Final papers and exams were turned in electronically during the final week of summer session I, once students were back in the United States.
Classes that I have taught abroad include:
Classes that I have taught abroad include:
- Survey of British Literature from Beowulf to Neoclassicism
- Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Literature
- Shakespeare in Popular Culture
- Shakespeare in Performance
- Literary London
- Myth and Magic in British Literature