For this coming summer, Bellevue College students have the opportunity to join Professor Leena Shah on her Comparative Politics in London Study Abroad Program. Attendees will spend four weeks in the capital city as they study the differences between the U.S. and U.K. political systems. “This program is a great opportunity for our Bellevue College students to immerse themselves in a different culture and learn in the locale rather than in a classroom situation,” Shah shared. “It will give the students a better understanding and appreciation of another country and its people, history and culture. It gives them the opportunity to explore not only academically but also learn about a new system, a new way of life that classes here would never accomplish.”
Though the program and its scheduled field trips will stay within the United Kingdom, “students will have the weekends available to travel on their own.” According to Shah, past students have ventured to countries like France and Wales.
Shah led this program for Bellevue College back in 2019 and was a part of the program through Washington State Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA) in 2016. When asked why she decided to take on the leadership role of this faculty-led program, she shared that “as a college student, I lived in London and had the best experience possible, exploring the city, culture and food. It was such a memorable time that I wanted to give the Bellevue College students the same opportunity to learn through their experiences. These experiences can change your perspective and make you open-minded about other cultures and people.”
“Learning abroad can have a profound and long-lasting impact on a student’s life,” Shah answered in response to why this program might be beneficial to the student body. “It gives them a life-long lasting global experience that teaches tolerance and understanding of other cultures. It can be a driving force in their choice of career and educational experiences. Travelling abroad opens more opportunities for students in the workplace and helps build a vibrant student body aware of diversity. It also encourages collaboration, shared decision making and honoring creativity and innovation in a global community.”
After the program concludes, Shah believes students can use the information and skills they learned and developed in multiple aspects of their life: “In the age of globalization, this Study Abroad Program will equip students with tools that will be invaluable for a range of potential careers. Whether it is working for a non-profit organization, international corporations or government agencies, it can have an indelible impact on future endeavors.”
Finally, Shah shared a quote by author John Irving: “My year of study abroad was the single most important part of my education or perhaps more broadly, my growing up.”
To apply, email Professor Shah (lshah@bellevuecollege.edu).
While flights, textbooks and Bellevue College tuition are not covered by the Program, accommodations, guest lectures and travel passes for zones one and two in London are. Find more details about the program fees and activities here.
Program Timeline:
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Deposit Due: March 31, 2023
Final Payment Due: May 5, 2023
Depart U.S. — July 1, 2023
Depart London — July 29, 2023
For Financial Aid, please contact Steve Downing (Steve.downing@bellevuecollege.edu).
For Scholarships, reach out to Li Liu (Li.liu@bellevuecollege.edu).
