England's rich history and modern culture have made it one of the world's most popular study abroad destinations. Vibrant multicultural cities and towns, quaint villages, rolling countryside and dramatic coastline result in a varied and diverse country. Students of all levels, backgrounds and fields of study are sure to find a study abroad program that meets their needs.
 

There is virtually no limit to the courses available to study abroad students. A simple search on IIEPassport.org for "England" and "full curriculum" will return results including programs of every duration and time of year. Specialized options include independent study, study tour, adult education, practical training and internships. With this abundance of opportunities, students can and should be discerning in their choice of program.

Awash with marvels of history, culture and art, England preserves the legacies of the Celts, Normans, Romans, Saxons, Vikings and other civilizations. Students of all nations are drawn to England, eager to explore the country that has had such a profound influence on the world. The website of the British Council, the British government's international organization for educational and cultural relations, provides detailed information on study in England, and includes a database that lists scholarship opportunities solely for U.S. citizens.

London is unchallenged as England's political, cultural and business center, and is one of the world's most multicultural cities, with over 300 languages spoken. Through the elegance of a Georgian house or the charm of a Victorian pub, the city clings nostalgically to its past, while blazing a trail into the future with tall towers of steel and glass. London attracts thousands of students every year, many of whom combine their studies with internship placements in the arts, business, finance, communications and government. The city is home to some of the world's most famous landmarks - Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London and many more.

But London isn't every student's cup of tea. One alternative is the small city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England's North East. Filled with restaurants, cafés, bars and discos, this bustling hub has earned a reputation as one of the top nightspots in the country. Steeped in cultural and architectural history, Newcastle is home to Newcastle University, one of the top 10 universities for sports in England. The summer internship program includes placements in a variety of industries, including hospitality and tourism, graphic arts, journalism, Web design and public relations.

Comprised of 39 individual colleges and situated up the Thames River from London, the University of Oxford was the first university in the English-speaking world. Today, nearly 25 percent of the student population hails from outside the UK. Perhaps the most famous of its six museums is the Ashmolean. One of the oldest in the world, its extensive collection of arts and antiquities includes Guy Fawkes' lantern and Powhatan's cloak, which some believe to be the oldest items of North American clothing in existence.

Like those of its Oxford rival, the various colleges of the University of Cambridge in the East of England are spread among the town's shops and residential areas. Two places that shouldn't be missed are the assemblage of Tudor buildings at Trinity College and the great chapel of King's College, founded by Henry VI. Its Fitzwilliam Museum boasts an impressive collection of fine art, including works by David Hockney and Titian. The classic beauty spot is known as the Backs, where students can be found lazily punting along the River Cam.

The city of Bath in the West Country, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a picturesque setting in which to study England's Roman legacy. The region that provided literary inspiration to Thomas Hardy and Jane Austen contains several excellent universities, including the University of Bath, a modern institution strong in mathematics and the sciences. Additionally, the annual Bath festivals of music and literature showcase the region's creative vitality.

With its mild climate and rich soil, England holds gardening as a tradition planted firmly in its soul. From the contemporary Long Framlington Gardens near the Northumberland Coast to the Victorian Hutton-in-the-Forest in the Lake District, these magnificent creations will appeal to students of botany.

England is credited as the country where mallet and ball games originated during the Middle Ages. Cricket is considered England's national sport, but golf, rugby and tennis are hugely popular. English football (soccer) is probably England's most famous sport, with many teams, such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United receiving worldwide support. Students interested in sports, sports science and sports management should consider programs at the University of Brighton Chelsea School, the University of Southampton School of Education and Syracuse University's "Olympic Sport Odyssey" program.

The ancient formations of Stonehenge, the Roman city of Bath and the plethora of Gothic cathedrals and medieval villages are a testament to the many peoples who have met and mixed here, and give form to the multicultural England of today. From Northumberland's Alnwick Castle to the seaside town of Brighton, many jewels in England's crown will educate and entice students the world over.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
British Council: www.britishcouncil.org/usa
VisitBritain: www.visitbritain.com
Enjoy England: www.enjoyengland.com
Newcastle University: www.ncl.ac.uk