University of Westminster Programme

About the programme

Through our relationship with the University of Westminster (UW), AES offer the UW Semester Programme, which allows you to study and intern in London. The University of Westminster is one of the most diverse and international universities in the UK which fosters innovation and creativity, informed by professional practice, and inspired by research. The University provides a professionally orientated education in central London and has strong links with various businesses and organisations across the UK.

The programme runs for 14 weeks in the fall and 17 weeks in the spring, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning academic credit. All majors are eligible for the programme. You will undertake an unpaid internship for 15-20 hours a week, alongside a weekly work placement seminar. We generally work with medium to small-sized companies as in our experience, smaller companies can offer a more hands-on experience for you. We will ensure that all placements follow a learning agreement so that you are able to gain a variety of skills and be exposed to as many aspects of a British business as possible. You will have a supervisor who will closely monitor your work. AES only works with organisations that are able to offer one to one support for their interns.

In addition, programme participants will enrol in three classes (modules) at the University of Westminster. You will be able to choose modules from across the University, based on your field of study. Course selection will be subject to home campus approval. Transcripts for these courses will be issued by the University of Westminster and will be sent to the US home institution for the purposes of academic credit transfer.

Eligibility

• Full time undergraduate degree student
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Over 18 years of age
• Fluent English

Programme dates

Fall 2023

Application deadline: 9th June 2023

Programme dates: 16th September to 16th December 2023

Spring 2024

Application deadline: 6th October 2023

Programme dates: 13th January to 13th April 2024

What’s Included

Pre-Departure

• Online pre-placement interview with experienced AES staff
• Internship within a suitable organisation prior to arrival in London.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials
• Dedicated Placement Coordinator and Student Services Assistant
• Guidelines on applying for your UK Student Route

On Arrival

• Arrival orientation
• Supervision of the placement
• Planned Social Activities
• Full support during your placement including access to the AES internship office
• Mid-term site visit by AES staff
• 14/17 weeks accommodation in shared flats in travel Zone 1 or 2
• Full access to University of Westminster teaching staff
• 3 courses at University of Westminster
• Work-Based Learning seminars
• An official transcript for academic courses and internship from University of Westminster
• Grade report for internship from AES
• Access to AES discounted tickets and events

Housing

Students are housed in friendly and secure neighbourhoods in central London (Zone 1 or 2). All flats have a full kitchen and lounge area, with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms which accommodate between three and eight interns, depending on the number of bedrooms. Facilities include weekly cleaning and internet access. Although conveniently located near a variety of attractions and shopping, students may need to commute to their internship site. This provides interns a real London workday experience.

Additional costs (not included in the AES programme fee):

• Airfare to/from the UK. Please check here for special rates for AES students.
• UK Student Visa fee (formally Tier 4)
• Travel Insurance (check with your school or university)
• London Oyster card