Political Science at the London School of Economics
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity, by leading America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific travel information.
- Program Orientation
- Travel Arrangements
- On Site Transportation
- Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
- Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
- Insurance
- LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Program Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation
There will be a program-specific orientation with the instructor and/or program provider at UC Davis. This orientation addresses travel, packing, academics, health and safety, and more. It also provides you the opportunity to meet with others on your program. Prior to orientation, you will receive a Program Specific Guide that will further support program preparation.
On-Site Orientation
Soon after arrival to the program destination, you will have an on-site orientation. The on-site orientation serves to introduce you to the new environment as well as provide on-site resources and support.
Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to the program site. Detailed instructions for making flight arrangements are sent to enrolled students via email once the program is confirmed. Wait to purchase plane tickets until you receive this email. Instructions on how to get to the program accommodations will be included in your Program Specific Guide.
If you fly to London, you may choose a flight to either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport:
On Site Transportation
Students should consider purchasing an Oyster card for the London Tube.
Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
You will be granted a Student Visitor Visa at your time of arrival in the UK. Instructions will be provided in the coming months from your Program Coordinator. Please note: US citizens can receive the student visitor visa at the time of arrival into the UK, but non-US citizens may require extra steps. Contact your Program Coordinator immediately for further instructions if this applies to you.
A passport is required for this program.
Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens should check for visa and other entry requirements by contacting the embassy of their travel destination(s). Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visa. Quarter Abroad will supply a verification of enrollment letter for non-U.S. citizens upon request. Non-U.S. citizens should notify their Program Coordinator of their citizenship immediately upon selection to the program.
International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad, should ensure the US visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the US visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.
Insurance
Participants are enrolled in GeoBlue Global Health Insurance and UC Traveler Insurance for the duration of the program and will be provided with specific coverage information. More details about coverage is available in the Health & Accident Insurance section of our Health and Safety Resources.
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Please be advised that you are traveling to a country where there are some protections for LGBTQIA+ people. You are encouraged to learn more about the country and host culture prior to departure. Resources: Equaldex—LGBT Rights in the United Kingdom, ILGA World Maps, and ILGA World Database. Please contact the program coordinator for further support and resources.