ENGLAND - ISEP University of Roehampton

To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Good academic and judicial standing during time of application AND time of participation in program
• Undergraduates must have completed at least two semesters of study at Lake Forest College AND have second-semester sophomore status or higher before participation. 
• At least 18 years of age by the program’s departure date. 
• Be able to stay at the host program for the duration of the semester, including through the exam and travel periods
• Minimum GPA of 2.8.

Students applying to ISEP must apply for an Exchange option (in any country) as a first choice but may apply to a Direct option as a back-up. Direct options may have an additional cost (see a financial section for more information).

The University of Roehampton has been providing education through its colleges for more than 170 years. They are known for their rich educational history, traditional campus experience, high-quality teaching and world-class research, and a strong focus on student support. 

Roehampton believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities, they are committed to driving the integrity and potential of individuals, and they have a passion for the highest standards of education and scholarship. 

The UK education system generally emphasizes independent, self-directed study over class time, attendance, and participation. Coursework may be less structured than you are used to in your country and students may be assigned significant outside reading that they will not be tested on until their final exam. Required readings and definite assignments are given throughout the semester are less common. Students can expect an extensive reading list covering all topics to be discussed to be distributed at the start of the course. This will be used for independent research. British students typically consult a large number of sources from the library rather than intensively studying a few books purchased by everyone taking a course. In addition, students are required to write more essays and take fewer objective tests. Because there are usually fewer assignments counting towards the final grade, a final exam or paper carries much more weight. For these reasons, self-discipline, self-motivation, and good time management are very important in keeping up academically.

Modules (remember that in Britain “course” refers to a degree program) often take the following forms: lectures, which are sometimes completely optional; tutorials, in which a small number of students meet with the lecturer; and seminars, larger discussion classes often based upon seminar essays. Students should be aware that there is often less face time with professors, and that tutors are often your most hands-on academic contact. You will have to be self-motivated and proactive.

British students often sit for final exams in May or June that cover the full year’s work and determine the grades for the class. With the growth of modularization, however, there has been an increase in the number and variety of modules offered on a semester basis.

The University of Roehampton is delighted to offer a wide variety of modules to students on the Study Abroad Programme. You can choose your modules by going to the Study Abroad Module Catalogue. You can take modules that relate to your major, minor or general education, as long as you meet any pre- or corequisites.

If you are coming in the fall, you should choose modules that end in an A (Autumn).

If you are coming in the spring, you should choose modules that end in an S (Spring).

Modules can be selected up to a maximum of 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year. 

A full time student in the United Kingdom will normally carry 60 credits/semester, which is usually equivalent to 15 US credits/semester or 30 ECTS credits/semester.

To Earn 4 Lake Forest credits, students must take 60 credit points.

To Earn 3 Lake Forest credits, students must take 45 credit points.

The number of credits listed here is estimated, and GEO will work with you, your advisor, and the registrar to ensure you are earning enough credits to keep you on track for graduation.

Unless otherwise stated, all modules will be taken alongside full degree students at Roehampton, to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to meet local students and fully integrate into campus and university life.

London Studies modules have been developed for Study Abroad students. Modules in the London Studies portfolio make the most of Roehampton’s close proximity to central London. London is used as the classroom and you are offered the chance to experience London from an exciting academic perspective. Students may only take 2 London Studies modules each semester.  

Academic Environment and Teaching Style

Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm.  Professors are often more formal than those in the United States.

All courses/modules may have prerequisites.  Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it.  Be aware of these limitations.

Please review the ISEP country handbook for more information on the education system.

Roehampton is proud of their international community which includes students from more than 110 countries and they believe their internationally ranked academics and research, a strong commitment to employability and stunning location on London’s only traditional campus are just some of the reasons that studying at Roehampton will be a very positive investment in your future.

ORIENTATION

New international students receive a warm and friendly welcome to Roehampton each year with our orientation program. Students benefit from program inductions, campus tours, London orientation and the opportunity to join clubs and societies at the ‘Freshers Fair’. This is an excellent opportunity for new students to meet new friends and get to know the staff at the University at the beginning of their program.

ARRIVAL DETAILS

A free Meet and Greet service from London Heathrow Airport is offered on a designated day each semester. For more information please click here. 

Roehampton will provide additional arrival information with acceptance letters.

SOCIAL LIFE

In order to help you immerse yourself in London and the UK during your time with us, we organize the Study Abroad Social Programme. The program is updated every semester and full details will be sent to you in the pre-departure information we send to you once you have been accepted on to the Study Abroad Programme.

In Spring 2014, students took part in trips to Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, a weekend trip to York and the North of England, Cambridge plus a walking tour and theatre performance in London.  

The University provides standard accommodation on campus comprising single bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen. Private bathrooms may be requested at an additional cost, subject to availability. There are some rooms suitable for students with a disability. 

Students can use their kitchen for cooking meals or purchase meals from a variety of cafeteria, dining halls and snack bars on campus. 

Exchange students receive a stipend to cover expenses for groceries and/or meals. The stipend does not apply to ISEP Direct students.

For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee.  For ISEP Exchange, the program fee includes housing and meals.

For students that participate in ISEP Direct to Roehampton, the program fee includes housing and insurance, but no meals.

ISEP costs for Exchange are usually the most cost-effective, as it is intended to promote mobility of students around the world. Direct options are available for those students that prefer to attend a school with limited availability for Exchange, though costs may be different as they are set by the host school. For students that participate in ISEP Direct, the program fee includes all of the above plus insurance. However, the program fee may be different than that of Exchange.

Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2019/Spring 2020 programs:

Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2019. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change.

You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution.

Deposits to other programs, if required, are paid by the student to the host program, and will appear as a credit on your study abroad term bill from the College.

Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices.  

Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here.