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The First-Year Experience in London

This fall, 36 students from Skidmore’s Class of 2013 will have the opportunity to spend their first semester of college in London, one of the world’s great cities. In addition to allowing students to enjoy the historical and cultural riches of England’s capital, the First-Year Experience in London enables them to begin working toward their Skidmore degrees; helps prepare them for Skidmore’s academic challenges and opportunities; and builds strong connections and friendships among the participants. This unique program is in its seventh year.

TowerStudents will study under the guidance of two Skidmore faculty directors who will oversee the academic program, serve as advisors and mentors for the students, and organize a variety of group cultural excursions and activities. The directors, Robert Turner, Associate Professor of Government, and Paul Sattler, Associate Professor of Art, will each teach a required Scribner Seminar. These courses have been specifically designed for the program and take full advantage of London's resources. Students will take additional classes at the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) at its London Center. All courses are considered Skidmore courses; grades will appear on the Skidmore transcript and will count toward the Skidmore GPA. A number of courses may also count toward core-curriculum requirements. At the conclusion of the program, students will join their classmates in Saratoga Springs for their second semester.

Why the FYE in London?

  • Receive academic credit that counts toward your Skidmore degree.
  • Enjoy the historical and cultural riches of London under the guidance of Skidmore faculty members.
  • Gain maturity and independence
  • Make lifelong friends.
"Students who come to the FYE London program with a sense of adventure and a willingness to exercise initiative are rewarded with an extraordinary opportunity to grow both academically and personally."
— Sue Bender, Professor of Anthropology,
Co-director, First-Year Experience in London,
Fall 2006
The Eye

Why London?

The River Thames meandering through the city center; the trendy West End with Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square; the cultural melting pot of the East End; and the world-famous theaters—all combine to form today’s London. Students can explore artistic treasures at the National and Tate galleries, visit the resting place of the royals at Westminster Abbey, watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, or pick through antiques at Portobello Market. It’s easy to see why London attracts visitors from around the world. It’s also easy to see why so many students find this to be a fantastic study abroad destination.

Fall 2009 Program Calendar

24 August Arrive at Skidmore for Pre-Departure Orientation
26 August Group flight departs from New York City
27 August Arrive in London
28 August General Orientation
29 August Optional Orientation activities
30 August
 Orientation day-trip
31 August
 Start of the Academic Programme/classes
12-16 October Mid-term exams & Break (No Skidmore classes)
19 October
 Second teaching period begins
2 November Registration begins for spring 2010 Skidmore classes
30 Nov - 3 Dec Final exam period (No Skidmore classes)
5 December Group flight return to New York City
16 January 2010 Students arrive at Skidmore
16-17 January 2010 Orientation for students returning to Skidmore

Please contact Kendra Nelson, Skidmore’s London FYE Program Manager, for program information if you have any questions at +1-518-580-5355 or knelson1@skidmore.edu.

Questions regarding the admissions process should be directed to Jane Reisman, Associate Director of Admissions, at +1-518-580-5681.

Questions regarding Skidmore on campus housing should be directed to the staff of the Office of Residence Life at reslife@skidmore.edu.