Contemporary Art & Culture in London
Explore the one of the world’s most influential centers for art, design, and creative culture! Guided by Dr. Tracy Stonestreet, Director of UMW Galleries, and Professor Jason Robinson of the Art Department, this immersive study abroad experience introduces you to London’s extraordinary visual landscape. From world-renowned museums to emerging galleries and independent artist studios, you will have the opportunity to experience art where it is made, exhibited, and discussed.
When you take part in this experience, you will have the opportunity to:
- Explore world-class museums and contemporary galleries, including Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Hauser & Wirth.
- Go behind the scenes of professional creative practice through an exclusive contemporary artist studio visit in South London.
- Travel by rail to Margate, a vibrant coastal arts community, to visit Turner Contemporary and explore artist-run spaces.
- Experience London’s diverse creative neighborhoods, from the galleries of Soho and Shoreditch to the markets of Covent Garden and Brick Lane.
Whether you are interested in studio art, design, photography, museums, art history, or contemporary culture, don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s great creative capitals firsthand!
Spring Break 2027
February 26 – March 6, 2027
Program Fee: $4,293
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: November 1, 2026
Final Balance ($3,793) due: December 15, 2026
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in-person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
Students will earn 1 course credit for IDIS 350TBD and/or IDIS 350TBD. Students may elect to take both courses (for a combined total of 2 credits).
These courses satisfies the Beyond the Classroom OR Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director only.
Students will stay in local hotels in double or triple occupancy with easy access to public transportation options.
There are no prerequisites for either course. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. This program is open to all UMW students regardless of major or year of study. It is also open to non-UMW students.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations
- Some meals
- In-country transportation per itinerary to include airport transfers
- Group excursions and entrance fees per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
Excluded in the program fee:
- UMW Tuition (may be included into your spring term course load)
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Personal health costs (ex. vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Supplemental meals and snacks
This program requires a moderate level of activity, including significant walking on cobble stone and standing in exhibitions.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.