Summer Education Abroad
London Tour — Housing and Urban Regeneration in the U.K.
England
3 or 6 undergraduate or graduate credits in Urban Planning
June 21–July 3, 2009
Dr. Michela Zonta
$1,700 plus airfare and VCU tuition
Registration deadline: Feb. 1, 2009
Status: Program full
The Office of International Education and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study how greater London has addressed the planning and urban regeneration needs of the region in recent years. London is an excellent place to explore urban planning because there are strong similarities between the issues faced by local governments in the U.K. and those faced by U.S. cities. In particular, a lack of quality affordable housing poses a serious challenge to both economic competitiveness and social equity in London. The number of homeless households and temporary accommodations has risen dramatically, while many essential workers have been priced out of town, impacting vital services such as health, transport, policing and education. This exciting study tour includes visits to London housing and community development organizations as well as trips to Birmingham and the Letchworth Garden City.
Course and credit options: 3 or 6 credits in URSP 391 or URSP 691
Course description
Students will explore the British approach to housing and community development and compare it with the American experience. During the program, participants will visit local housing planning agencies and mixed-use developments, speak with key public officials and policy analysts, and record their own observations in the field. The tour also includes lectures and visits to local ethnic communities and non-profit organizations that address social cohesion in a city that, like many U.S. metropolitan areas, has traditionally attracted large numbers of immigrants. In particular, participants will learn how immigrant groups of different socio-economic and national origins adapt to London’s tight housing market.
Prior to departure, students are required to attend a workshop led by the program director in Richmond. The workshop will provide a background on housing and community development in the U.K. Upon return from London, students will submit a research paper examining a key urban regeneration issue based on their observations and on assigned readings.
The program will be led by Dr. Michela Zonta of the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Zonta teaches courses in the VCU Urban and Regional Planning graduate program. She has extensive experience in U.S. housing policy and planning, immigration, and the study of ethnic communities in the U.S. and Europe.
Registration deadline: Feb. 1, 2009
Registrations will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$1,700 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $1,700 and includes the following:
- Lodging
- Some group meals
- Study visits and tours
- Ground transportation
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Meals (except a few group meals)
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $400-$500)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare
Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements between the U.S. and London. Students are encouraged to speak with the program director regarding airfare options.
Eligibility
Participants must have a 3.0 GPA to participate in this program.
While in London
Excursions include trips to Birmingham and the Letchworth Garden City, the British Airways London Eye, the 2012 Olympic Site, the River Thames boat tour, Coin Street Community Builders, the Newham Regeneration Tour, the East End and much more.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $208.55 (per 3 credit class: $619.05); undergraduate out-of-state, $421.20 (per 3 credit class: $1,257); graduate in-state, $428.68 (per 3 credit class: $1,279.44); graduate out-of-state, $543.90 ($1,625.10 per 3 credit class).
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2009 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to Jan. 8: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After Jan. 8, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After Jan. 8: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after Jan. 8, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
