Semester in Britain
Basic information
- Location: Liverpool, England | Map
- Dates: Next scheduled for Spring 2025
- Class requirement: Sophomore
- GPA requirement: 2.50+
- Cost: $26,750 + round-trip airfare (estimate)
No matter what major you're pursuing—business, communication, education, English, film, history, information technology, sport and exercise, or religion—you'll find classes to take at Liverpool-Hope University.
Relatively close to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and named a European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool boasts a bustling downtown area and thriving arts scene second only to London’s, as well as quiet green suburban parks.
How to apply
If you're interested in participating in this off-campus program, click the button below for a checklist that will walk you through the application process.
this program
Liverpool, England
- History
- Founded in the thirteenth century, the city of Liverpool has long been one of England’s primary seaports, gateway to the British Empire, home to the Beatles, and port of registry to the Titanic.
- Population
- Approx. 494,814 in the city itself, with 2,241,000 in the wider metropolitan area
- Climate
- This area of England has warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 86 °F (30 °C). Winter is cold and wet, with temperature lows of around 36 °F (2 °C) and plenty of rain. In summer the sun rises and sets in about 17 hours, but winter days only experience about seven or eight hours of daylight.
Program Profile: Liverpool, England
In most cases students adapt well to their circumstances, but it is helpful to know what to expect as you prepare for a specific experience. If you have specific questions about a program, we would encourage you to speak directly to your off-campus instructor or director or, feel free to stop by the OCP Office at any time.
Social Expectations: By their nature, semesters and interims off-campus are inherently social experiences. Heavy emphasis is usually put on building a strong sense of community within the group, which requires openness, sociability, and a collaborative spirit from everyone involved. Acknowledging that having a diversity of personalities makes a group stronger, it is expected that all participants willfully agree to be an active part of the social community of their interim or semester program.
Physical Expectations
Low
These experiences require no more physical exertion than being on Calvin’s Campus. You don’t have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to. No physical preparation is required to make the most of this experience.
Moderate
Moderate physical activity is expected and an average level of fitness is required. You will be doing a great deal more walking then on campus, often over uneven surfaces and rough roads. Some physical preparation is recommended before departure to make the most of this experience.
High
Be prepared for some serious physical activity requiring an above average level of fitness. This will include a high level of walking over all kinds of terrain as well as other physical demands in all kinds of extreme temperatures. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this experience as many activities will be challenging.
Language Importance
Low
English is the predominant language in course location.
Moderate
Knowing another language is helpful to fulfill the goals of the course but English is also prevalent in course location.
High
Knowing another language is important to fulfill the goals of the course.Cultural Acclimation Difficulty
Low
Western conveniences are prevalent. Host culture is very similar to traditions and culture of West Michigan.
Moderate
Few western conveniences, the need for students to blend in with the surrounding culture is important. Host culture shares similarities and differences with the culture of West Michigan.
High
No western conveniences, the need for students to acclimatize to local culture is readily apparent. Host culture is vastly different than West Michigan.Level of Cultural Interaction
Low
Interaction with local culture is limited and very formal (e.g. through organized tours).
Moderate
Intentional opportunities to interact with local peoples and culture.
High
Intensive immersion in local culture – host families, service-learning, etc.
Safety & Security Considerations
Although no one can guarantee your safety or eliminate all risks from a study-abroad experience, Calvin College is committed to doing its utmost to provide secure environments in which you can live and learn. Our goal is to minimize risks and keep you aware of special situations as you make decisions about studying off-campus.
Low
Safety concerns are similar to living on campus. Incidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.
Moderate
There are no specific safety concerns of the U.S. State Department for the areas where you will be studying. However, additional care must be taken to assure a safe and secure experience. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.
High
There are safety concerns you should be aware of as you commit to this trip. The U.S. State Department has issued a Travel alert or Warning for the area where you will be studying. You will need to partner with Calvin in addressing safety concerns and follow all safety guidelines for the experience.
Health Considerations
Remember, Calvin follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for all Calvin sponsored off-campus experiences.
Low
Health concerns are similar to living on campus. Illnesses and accidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. Health Care resources (clinics, medical personnel, etc.) are numerous and you would have easy access to medical care if needed. Some vaccinations will be required, but overall precautions are minimal.
Moderate
In general, health concerns are slightly higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced and appropriate health care is available but can be harder to access than on campus. Several vaccinations may be required and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.
High
Health concerns are higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced at some point. Plans to assure adequate health care are in place but health care facilities could be hard to access during the experience. There may be many vaccinations required for the experience and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.
Mental Health Considerations
Remember, the Broene Counseling Center cannot provide on-line or phone consultations with students.
Moderate
Mental health resources are similar to living on the Calvin campus. Mental Health resources (clinics, counselors, etc.) are available and you would have access to these resources, if needed. It could be challenging to find the right resources on short notice and for a short period of time.
High
Mental health resources are present in various locations during the experience but maybe difficult to access for a variety of reasons.
Lodging
Camping
Group will be camping (living outdoors) at times during the trip.
Host Families
Students will be staying with host families for parts or all of the experience.
Dorms
Staying in College dorms, similar to Calvin. Roommates will be other Calvin students or other international students depending on your preference.
Hostels
Dormitory style lodging, shared bathrooms.
Hotels
Individual rooms (with roommates) and private baths.
Cost
Cost of off-campus experiences vary as a result of a number of factors, including the number of students enrolled in the program. Amidst all these factors, the following categories could be helpful, but students are encouraged to check with instructors and directors on specific cost information.
Semester
$ Within $500 of tuition, room & board on campus
$$ Between $501 and $2,000 of tuition, room and board on campus
$$$ More than $2,000 over tuition, room and board on campus
Interim
$ Less than $2,500
$$ $2,501 to $3,800
$$$ >$3,801
Academics
Each student will take four courses:
Two courses taught by the Calvin program director
- STBR 312: Studies in British Culture. 4 credits: A topical introduction to political, historical, religious, artistic, and popular aspects of the culture of Great Britain. The course engages the culture through a combination of classroom and experiential learning, including speakers, excursions and tours. This course earns Global Regions and Cultures credit.
-
STBR 302: Consumer Behavior and Research Methods. An in-depth look at the psychological (internal) and social (external) factors that affect the processes consumers go thought when purchasing products. Specific to this class would be a comparison of the cultural and social differences of understanding and marketing in the U.K and the United States. The class will include a “real world” project with a British organization requiring both primary and secondary research. The course will include guest speakers and field trips exploring the British context for consumer behavior. This course earns fulfills a Marketing Major requirement or can be used for as a business elective in the Minor.
Two courses from Liverpool Hope University, which offers a broad selection of classes in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Grades
The grades from the two courses taught by the Calvin instructor will factor into your GPA.
Accommodations
You will stay in your own dorm for the semester.Eligibility
You must be of sophomore status and have 2.5 GPA or higher.Cost
$26,750 + round-trip airfare (estimate)
The final program cost is based on many factors and is not known exactly until the number of students in the group has been identified. The price for the Britain semester will include:
- Tuition, room and board; students will receive a weekly stipend to cover all meals while in the program
- Administrative fee
- Program excursions
Additional expenses not included in the program fee: books, insurance (required), passport, personal spending money and personal travel.
This price may change due to fluctuations in the rate of the dollar against the British pound.
Application
To apply, click the Application link above for more information and to submit an application to the Off-Campus Programs Office in Horizons. The application deadline for Spring 2025 is October 1, 2024.
Guest students may apply for this program.
Questions / contact
Tom Betts
Professor
Department Chair
Full profile
- Phone: (616) 526-6480
- tom.betts@calvin.edu
- Business
- DC 261-J
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