Academic Overview

Discover what your academic semester in London will look like, including the required courses and how your credits will transfer to UM.

Earn 12-15 UM transfer credits

During the fall semester, Start Abroad students will enroll in 12-15 credits as full-time, non-degree-seeking status students at FIE's Foundation House. All courses successfully completed (C or higher) transfer back to UM as credit.

Upon returning to campus, Start Abroad courses successfully completed with a grade equivalent of “C” or higher will appear on students’ University of Miami academic records as transfer credit. If a student earns a “C-“ or lower, the transcript will show NC for no credit. Grades earned during Start Abroad will not be calculated into the students’ UM Grade Point Average.

Please note, maintaining good academic standing while abroad is important. Your grades may be considered for future opportunities at UM.

Accordion Group

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  • Required Courses

    • British Life and Cultures (3 credits)
    • College Writing (3 credits)
    • Two or three general electives

  • Coursework

    Students will select two or three electives from the listing below and can view syllabi on the FIE website. 

    • A History of London in 13 Buildings
    • Cash, Money, Records Forever: An Introduction to the Business Practices of the Evolving British Music Industry
    • Diversity in Britain: Immigration, Discrimination and Integration
    • Environmental Science: Our Role in Today's World
    • Harry Potter: Magic, Myth and Meaning
    • Media in Britain
    • Modern and Contemporary Fine Art in London
    • Modern British History
    • Music in 20th Century Britain
    • Photojournalism: London through the Lens
    • Principles of Management
    • Principles of Marketing
    • Sport in British Society
    • Sustainable Cities: London in the Era of Climate Change
    • The Political Economy of the EU: Brexit and Beyond
    • Theatre in Britain: From the Globe to the West End
    • Understanding Civilizations: Islam and the West

    Coursework information is subject to change.

  • Registration Abroad

    After you confirm your participation in the program, the academic team at your host institution will contact you during the summer to help you prepare for the semester. They’ll guide you through your course selection, review your credit and degree requirements, and provide guidance to align your classes with your major and academic goals at UM. This process helps support a semester abroad that is both meaningful and academically compatible with your future studies in Miami.

Academic FAQs

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  • Am I a UM student?

    You will officially become a Cane in the spring. However, the courses you take at Foundation House will transfer to UM and count toward your degree progress—as long as you follow the guidance of your Cane Navigator or Transitional Guide. Some courses will transfer as direct UM equivalencies and may fulfill specific UM requirements.

  • How many credits will I earn after completing the program?

    Start Abroad students will take a total of 12-15 college credits. All successfully completed courses will return to UM as transfer credits.

  • How will course registration work?

    After you confirm your participation in the program, the academic team at your host institution will reach out during the summer to help you prepare for your semester abroad. 

    Suggested coursework specific to each UM School or College to prepare for transfer can be found here.

  • What is the academic environment at the Foundation House?

    Foundation House offers courses taught in English by local faculty, with small class sizes that provide personalized support. Courses include cultural activities and field study excursions, giving you the chance to explore London while learning. The environment is similar to a U.S. college classroom, with a collaborative and friendly relationship between faculty and students. You’ll take classes with other Start Abroad in London students as well as other FIE students, and participation is expected in most courses.

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