The deadline for the British Studies program is quickly approaching, with students having until this Friday, Feb. 15, to submit their applications. After the deadline, Abbey Phillips, the program manager, will contact students who have been selected for the program. USM History Professor Dr. Andy Wiest will then know the group he will bring abroad this summer.
Wiest, a University of Southern Mississippi alumnus, encourages students to document their experiences through photos and writing, as they will reflect on them for years to come.
“I want to see the trip through your eyes and see how you’ve grown,” said Wiest during a recent interest meeting.
While Wiest will lead the historical portion of the program, the British Studies program offers a variety of courses each year. For the 2025 trip, courses include history, interior design and architecture, international business, library and information science, mass communication and public relations, photography, psychology, and Victorian literature.
Professors from each course aim to get students out in London, exploring the city through the lens of their field of study. Students will spend nearly a month in London, from June 30 to July 25, with daily experiences varying by program. Students can expect to see everything from Banksy paintings to Winston Churchill’s war rooms.
Phillips, Wiest, and associate professor of graphic design, John Mark Lawler, discussed their experiences during a Jan. 29 interest meeting, sharing insights into the program and providing resources, including financial aid information. They also informed students about the Study Abroad office’s Flight 101 meeting, a preparation session for students leaving the country.
The assignments students complete during the program will depend on their chosen course, but the overarching goal remains the same.
“The goal is to get you out in London, experiencing London,” said Lawler.