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Studying Abroad at Laban, England

About Laban

Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
Application deadlines: April 15 for fall term (Sept-Dec)
April 15 for full year (Sept-June)
Program advisor: Emily Koehler

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Program Snapshot

We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at Laban for your fall semester or year abroad. Laban, located in vibrant and eclectic London, is one of the world's leading conservatories for dance and we're sure you're going to love studying there!

There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.

What Laban has to offer

An international reputation in choreographic and technique teaching as well as for academic contributions to the study of dance
A creative and stimulating environment that capitalizes on London's wealth of cultural resources
State-of-the-art facilities, including 13 fully equipped dance studios; a dance, health and Pilates body-conditioning facility; and a specialist media, information and resource center
Dance company, Transitions
Publishes quarterly Dance Theatre Journal
World-famous dance library and archive

Housing

IFSA-Butler-operated housing in central London
Students purchase or prepare their own meals

Academics

Open to dance majors only
Students take a varied number of courses, depending on course weight

We look forward to working with you!

Academics

Courses

Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
1. Open the pdf of course options.
2. If you need course descriptions, please contact your program advisor.

What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. There are no auditions for acceptance to Laban, but you will need to audition for course placement.

Full-time training in contemporary dance technique, classical ballet and choreography is taken under the tutelage of eminent and accomplished dance artists and teachers. Students study technique at the level appropriate to their background and training. The courses are designed to enable students to acquire technical, creative, and artistic skills in theatre dance. The opportunity to work with faculty who are artists in their own right, and also with visiting artists, enables students to maintain a view of the professional dance world while training.

Performing is an integral part of training throughout the program; students participate in informal performances of their work, as well as in repertory created for them. They stage major performances of their own choreographic works in Laban's theatre. In this way, students are encouraged to develop expertise in the staging of dance and aspects of dance production, especially stage management, lighting, costume, and sound.

What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.

Course Restrictions

This program is open to dance majors only.

Credits

How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. A full course load at Laban is 32 credits for the year or 12 credits for the fall. The number of classes you must take depends on the credit value of the classes you select. Each Laban credit is worth one U.S. semester credit. Choose classes in any combination of credit values, as long as their total value equals a full course load.

For additional information on credits, please consult the information below:

Fall term
12 Laban credits = 12 U.S. semester credit hours

Full year
32 Laban credits = 32 U.S. semester credit hours

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full Laban course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.

Exams

What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendarto review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at Laban. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.

Housing

Housing Options

What are my housing options?
Fall term only students: The IFSA-Butler arranged housing where fall term only students will most likely live is located in the Edwardian style headquarters of our London office at 21 Pembridge Gardens. It is in the Bayswater area of London, just west of Kensington Gardens. Notting Hill Gate is the nearest tube station. The residence consists of triple-, double-, and single-room accommodation. As a Laban student, you will probably be granted a single room due to your rigorous schedule.

All beds are twins. Blankets, pillows, and a bed cover are all provided. Students must bring their own sheets, pillowcases and towels. Rooms are furnished with a desk and chair, light, bed, wardrobe, and shelves. Each room is furnished with a sink. Showers and toilets are coed and located on four floors of the facility. Phones are for outgoing calls only. In case of an emergency, students can be contacted via the IFSA-Butler London office phone during office hours or by the staff member on call outside of office hours.

There is a communal lounge area with TV. There are no laundry facilities, but the resident advisors will suggest to students where the nearest laundry facility is.

The commute to Laban is quite long, roughly 1.5 hours by tube and rail. Staff will advise students on the best route to take.

Full year students: Full year students will likely live in the McMillan Student Village. This is a privately run Hall of Residence located within easy walking distance of Trinity Laban and close to tube, train and bus links. All rooms are ensuite and offer digital TV and broadband internet access. Security features include a 24 hour manned reception.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Meals

Meals are self-catered and students share a kitchen. Refrigerators, ovens, microwave, utensils, and cookware are provided.

Housing FAQs

Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Your housing fee also includes the cost of accommodation during university breaks.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.

Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in London, England

About London
Population: 9 million
Location: Southeast England

City features

One of the most cosmopolitan, hip cities in the world, with an atmosphere of excitement and sophistication
A major global city with remarkable cultural, historic, artistic, political and intellectual offerings
Home to many universities scattered throughout different neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and attractions
A diverse population with more than 300 languages spoken within the city
One of the world's leading business and financial centers

Do more!

Use London's excellent transportation links to explore continental Europe
Take advantage of Britain's extensive rail system to visit other areas of the U.K.
Take a break from the constant bustle of London and experience the beautiful and historic regions of England

Links
Visit London
London On Line
London Net
Time Out: London
London Town
London Transport
BBC

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

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Important: Once you are abroad, please verify the program end date with the department(s) in which you are studying. Ending dates may vary from department to department, and you will be expected to complete all course obligations prior to your departure. Program housing is available only until the program end date.

Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.

In the United Kingdom, exams are taken under formal conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals. Exams must be taken where and when scheduled.

Program Fees

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What's included in our England program fees
Expense calculator

Payment Due: July 1

Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.

Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.

† Housing Deposit
This program requires a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name.

Personal Cost Estimates

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Expense calculator

These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.

The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.

Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.

Commuting: Estimates are for transportation between housing and university. Transportation for personal or recreational purposes is not included in the above estimates.

All costs are in U.S. dollars.

Forms

To apply to the Laban program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to Laban must complete additional forms as part of the application process:

We must receive these forms before we can send your application to Laban for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.

If you have already started an application to the Laban program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in England.

alt Assistant Director for Health and Wellness Emily Koehler assists with the application process for London bound students and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Emily can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4258. Emily has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past nine years. After her own semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, Emily was inspired to work with students to make their study abroad dreams come true. Emily also holds a Masters degree in Counseling and is a certified Holistic Health Coach and Myers Briggs Counselor. In her role as Assistant Director for Health and Wellness, she works closely with students with special needs during the pre-departure phase, and collaborates with our resident offices during emergencies once students are overseas.

alt Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.

alt Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.

Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident directors. Click here to read more about Resident Directors Lynne Alvarez and Andrew Williams.

alt Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. She also has taken doctoral courses at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.

Get Connected

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Connect with IFSA-Butler Students

If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
Student Network
Student Blogs
Experiences Abroad Videos
For Students