Dr. Gary Diomandes is a professor of Theatre Arts & Dance at Saint Mary’s University. He has been teaching at Saint Mary’s since 1988 and has been the supervisor of the London Theatre Program since 1994. He is available to assist students whenever needed. Dr. Diomandes teaches classes in the program as well.

Each class meets for approximately 2-3 hours, once a week. All courses are taught and graded by adjunct SMU faculty and the Program Director, Dr. Diomandes.

Attendance at class meetings and other activities is MANDATORY. For each course, grades are given on an A-F basis. The final grade for a course is usually based on a paper, examination or project given during the middle and/or end of the semester. Class participation is also considered. The syllabus and course expectations are discussed during the first class of the semester. Course work must be completed by the end of the semester; there will be no extensions or incompletes.

Courses Offered

Shops, supermarkets, and other goods and services are convenient.

Each flat consists of a kitchenette, a dining/living room and a bath/shower. Bedrooms are mostly shared twins or triples. Students may indicate a roommate preference, but no guarantees are made. A weekly stipend is allocated to each student for self-catering. A stove and refrigerator, dishes, cutlery, furniture, bed linens and blankets are provided. Towels are not provided. The flats do not have washers or dryers, but laundromats are nearby. Students are required to buy or rent a cell phone.

This covers tuition, an activity fee, a technology fee, housing and a weekly stipend. In addition there is a $1150 foreign study fee. A $500 non-refundable program deposit is required with submission of application. A student's application is incomplete and will not be considered if deposit is not received by the program deadline. Students should budget an estimated $3,000-$6,000. This figure is based on the expenditures of previous students and could be different based on exchange rates, cost of living and a student's personal spending habits.

Additional costs for all students

Round-trip airfare to London
Passport and identification photos
Local transportation in London
Laundry and other personal expenses
Textbooks and other class materials
International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
Cellular phone
Food and beverage expenses which exceed allotted weekly stipend

Non-Saint Mary's students should contact the Director of Study Abroad at studyabroad@smumn.edu regarding fees.

Financial Aid

SMU scholarships and all federal aid (except for work study) is applicable. Students should research the details of non-SMU scholarships to check for applicability. Given the additional costs of a semester abroad, financial aid may be adjusted accordingly. Students should discuss their situation with the Financial Aid Office.

Non-Saint Mary's University students who are interested in participating in this program should check with the financial aid office of their home institution to determine the applicability of their financial aid.

The completed application should be submitted no later than February 23, 2009.

Step 1 - Are you eligible?

• Be at least a second semester sophomore
• Have at least a 2.0 GPA, preferably a 2.5 GPA

Step 2 - Complete application materials and submit with $500 program deposit by appropriate deadline.

This should include 3 positive recommendations from your advisor, another faculty member, and your hall director or the Dean of Students.

Step 3 - Attend interview

Items such as grades, interest in program, recommendations, and conduct/disciplinary file may be discussed.

The ultimate decision rests with the the Program Director. A letter will be sent to you regarding your acceptance/non-acceptance into the program.

Application Forms

• Application
• Assumption of Risk and Release
• Program Risks London
• Room and Board Agreement
• Roommate Request Form
• Insurance Verification
• Health Information Form
• Course Choice Form
• Course Approval Form
• Student Conduct Agreement 
• Power of Attorney Form
• Reference Form (3)

1.  Attend all orientation sessions.
2.  Review your health information given to you during an orientation session.
3.  Obtain a passport. Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.
4.  Arrange travel plans. Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.
5.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Download the London Semester Orientation Handbook

Prices often vary between semesters and may exceed the range noted here.

Some options for searching for a flight:

• Airline Ticket Deals
• Air-Ticket
• American Airlines
• Cheap International Airline Tickets
• Cheap Tickets
• Continental Airlines
• Delta
• Expedia
• Hobbit Travel
• Northwest Airlines
• Orbitz
• Priceline
• Side Step
• STA Travel
• Student Universe
• Thrifty Fares
• Travelocity
• United

England is one of three nations that make up the island of Great Britain. The other two are Scotland and Wales. The United Kindgdom is composed of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Low mountains and rugged hills to the north are set against level and rolling plains in the south and southeast. Nearly half of the land is covered with meadows or pastures, while 29 percent is used for farming.

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. It has an estimated population of 7.5 million and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million.

Climate

The climate is temperate, but skies are overcast more than half the time. Winds often blow from the southwest. The weather in the north is wetter and slightly cooler than in the south. Although winter temperatures rarely drop below 25 °F (-4 °C) and summer temperatures rarely exceed 75 °F (24 °C), humidity levels ranging from medium to high can make it seem colder or warmer than the temperature indicates. In the United Kingdom, temperature is measured in Celsius. F=(C*1.8)+32.  Ex: 21 °C = 70 °F.

Time

When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, London is six hours ahead. Daylight Savings Time is also observed in the United Kingdom.

Currency

British currency (sterling) consists of pounds (£) and pence (p), sometimes referred to as “quid” and “p”. 100p = £1. Notes are issued for £5, £10, £20, and £50 and coins for 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2.

More Information

• BBC News
• Britain USA
• British Council United States
• Embassy of the US - London
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• London By
• London Town.comVisit Britain
• London Travel
• US Department of State Consular Information Sheet UK  

London Theatre Blog by Gary Diomandes and students