London

Travel from home to London, one of the world’s most influential cultural and political capitals.

After settling in, begin with an orientation walk to get your bearings, passing iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Thames, and Trafalgar Square.

The afternoon introduces London as a global cultural capital through a visit to an iconic venue such as Royal Albert Hall, where students explore how public institutions make the arts accessible to wide audiences. The day concludes with a relaxed walk through Hyde Park, passing Buckingham Palace before a welcome dinner and program overview.

Begin at Tate Modern, one of the world’s most influential contemporary art museums, housed in a former power station. Students explore exhibitions focused on participation, identity, and innovation, connecting art to civic life.

Walk along the South Bank of the Thames, passing the London Eye, National Theatre, and Parliament—an iconic stretch that blends culture, politics, and urban design. The afternoon continues at the Design Museum, where students examine how designers shape sustainable cities, products, and systems, before closing with reflection and a classic British dinner.

Explore Brick Lane and Shoreditch on a guided street art tour, examining graffiti and murals as tools for political expression, social critique, and entrepreneurship. Students then take part in a hands-on graffiti workshop, learning techniques and creating their own take-home artwork.

The afternoon unfolds at Spitalfields Market, blending lunch, local shopping, and creative exploration. Later, students engage in a theatre-based workshop with a social justice arts organization, exploring how performance is used to amplify marginalized voices and challenge inequality.

Step into London’s legendary theatre scene with a behind-the-scenes workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe, exploring how storytelling has survived plague, fire, censorship, and political change. Students engage with stagecraft, costumes, and performance techniques while examining whose stories endure and why.

Continue to Covent Garden, soaking in street performances and lively markets, before attending a West End matinee such as Matilda the Musical. The evening includes structured free time in Leicester Square and Soho, where theatre, nightlife, and global culture collide.

Spend the day in East London engaging with community-based arts organizations that provide free or low-cost access to music, recording studios, and performance space for young people. Students participate in songwriting, recording, or performance alongside local youth, examining how creative spaces can break down barriers to participation in the arts.

The evening brings an open mic or community showcase, where students experience how creativity builds connection across neighborhoods, generations, and backgrounds.

Participate in a hands-on craft workshop exploring Irish design and making traditions. 

Meet with youth leaders and university students for an open conversation about activism, identity, and the future of Northern Ireland.

In the evening, attend a live Gaelic football or hurling match.

The final day centers on reflection and identity through a creative workshop in an independent literary or arts space, inviting students to process their experience through writing, discussion, or poetry.

Before departure, students enjoy souvenir shopping along Brick Lane or Camden Market, picking up books, prints, records, and gifts that reflect London’s creative spirit. Depart London carrying new perspectives on how cities use culture, innovation, and activism to shape public life.