Crossing the Atlantic: Studying abroad in London

One of the greatest luxuries of attending UConn is having the opportunity to travel during your studies. UConn’s business and economics program in London is one of the more popular destinations.

The program is offered in the fall and spring and is open to third year and higher students. On Wednesday, January 30, Dorothea Hast, the assistant director of Global Affairs and Study Abroad at UConn, held a meeting for students interested in living in London this coming fall. 

Hast explained that there are two components to the program. First, students must attend mandatory classes in business ethics and global finance. Since London is considered a hub for banking and finance, these classes are crucial to the second component.

The second component is an internship where students are expected to participate in and learn about large business and how economics work on a global scale. Student interns work four days a week for globally known companies such as Citigroup, Viacom and JP Morgan.

Newly returned UConn student Andrew Butterworth completed his internship for Universal Pictures. During his internship, Butterworth gained experience in large-scale accounting, record keeping and financing for a large company.

According to Butterworth, all of the employees of the company were incredibly friendly and easy to work with.

Butterworth said, “The best part about London was that it was easy to get around, and there were no language barriers, which made working all the more practical.”

Thomas Hague, a resident assistant to the students, said, “Students are encouraged to stay in London because there are so many great things to see there, but many want to see the rest of Europe, and you only have so much time.”

According to Hague, “Florida University [where the program is based] is right in the center of London. So students have an easy time walking wherever they need to in the city.”

Sarah Harris, who has just returned from her second semester studying abroad in London, said she would highly recommend the program to anyone. Harris was a part of the education program, which is run through the same office as the business and economics program. She said the whole experience “prepared her for anything [she] would have to do in the future.”