Sooooo in less than 2 months & 3 weeks I will be in LONDON! My program is taught by Missouri faculty and the students are from Missouri universities/colleges. The program has existed for over 25 years, but things are a little different this year. It was facilitated by International Enrichment, Inc. all of those years but for reasons unbeknownst to me this year it is now facilitated by CAPA International. Apparently, CAPA (The Centers for Academic Programs Abroad) only has the highest expectations when it comes to education, accomodation, et cetera & I have been told that this switch will be a huge improvement, and that I am very fortunate.



Here are the classes with descriptions I am going to be taking:

◘ Introduction to Shakespeare
Introductory course which surveys six plays in various genres, highlighting Shakespeare’s development over time. In addition to ordinary readings, discussing, amateur acting, and writing, students will attend several live productions of plays and visit Stratford on Avon.


◘ The Artist and the City: Paris and London
This course will explore how British and French artists working between 1860 and 1914 came to terms with the modern metropolis. Themes to be considered include the metamorphosis of the urban fabric of Paris and London, the artist as flaneur and observer of urban life; the forms and spaces of urban entertainment and leisure; working women and the importance of fashion; the railroad and suburban recreation. The course will draw on London collections as well as works in French museums during the term’s visit to Paris.


◘ Bach to Beatles
This course designed for surveying a wide spectrum of musical styles and genres in connection to a range of performances taking place in London during the semester. A major goal of this course is the development of engaged and active listening skills. Topics of study include musical forms, popular and elite types of urban entertainment, public versus private music, artists and their personal means of musical communication. Students will visit London music venues and concerts.


◘ Understanding Britain Today: Contemporary Britain
Its aim is to place the experience of study in London in a meaningful context so that students are provided with a sense of the historical and contemporary culture of the city and country in which they study. The course presents students with a series of lectures by distinguished British lecturers. The following day, British Life and Culture will explore sites reflecting the topic of the lecture the previous day.




There are a lot of things that I need to get done, but there are also a few things that I have accomplished so far:



One: I received my passport. Thankfully, everything was spelled correctly haha. Of course, this is super exciting. Now I am in the process of looking for a colorful leather passport holder.



Two: I booked my flight to/from London! One of the students going named Heather got the same flight as me. Her and I are going to be flying out of KCI together and coming back together. Also, a student from St. Louis named Lisl is connecting with us in Detroit. I am excited to be travelling with two other girls over a large body of water (you know I hate driving/flying over water).



Three: I got my ISIC card. Basically, this "International Student Identity Card" will get me discounts at places. The description says that with all of the money I will save, I can "live like a celebrity" hahahahaha! Riggggghhhht.



Those are the main things I have gotten done. Oh & making this blog. I found out I do not need a visa according to new UK policies which I am incredibly thankful for (that saved me approximately $90). Hopefully I get more things done, & I will try to write on here as much as possible!