|
|
Excursions & Cultural Activities |
 |
 |
| Most ACCENT academic programs include excursions outside of London, arranged and selected by each university based on academic need. Excursions include guided visits to important museums and monuments as well as some free time to explore on your own. The excursions selected will vary by program and below is a selection of commonly visited places.
|
SALISBURY
In Salisbury students will visit the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral, a superb example of medieval architecture that is celebrating 750 years since its completion. The Cathedral houses the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta and boasts the tallest spire in Britain. Salisbury and the surrounding areas are full of history and National Trust sites, some of which date back to the Iron Age. There will be a chance to visit the market and explore more of this charming, provincial English city, including the rather morbid mummified hand at the Haunch of Venison pub. |
STONEHENGE
Students will have a guided visit of this site by professors, highlighting both historical fact and scientific speculation. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is surrounded by the remains of ceremonial and domestic structures, some older than the monument itself. Altogether, the site covers some 2,600 hectares and comprises over 400 listed monuments. It was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, by no less than three different cultures, but scientists and historians are still debating on the exact purpose and meaning of these giant stones. Some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities and others believe it is an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar, whilst still others maintain that it was a great healing centre. |
CAMBRIDGE
Situated along the winding river Cam, Cambridge is home to a multitude of architectural and historic treasures, including one of the world's most famous universities. Students will visit the grandiose Kings College Chapel, one of England's supreme examples of Late Gothic architecture, the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge and Sun Dial at Queens' College, and St. John's College to see the neo-gothic Bridge of Sighs. Students will also have some free time to explore this academic and historical city on their own, to visit other colleges or take a stroll through one of the city's gorgeous gardens. |
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Not to be confused with the area of London where the 2012 Olympics are being held, Stratford-Upon-Avon is set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside on the banks of the river Avon and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. As the celebrated birthplace of William Shakespeare, this old market town has a number of well-preserved "half-timbered" style buildings. Depending on the program, students may be guided through Anne Hathaway and Mary Arden's farm cottages, the birthplace of Shakespeare, or the Holy Trinity Church where the Bard was finally laid to rest. Stratford is also home to the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company and Swan Theatre. The atmosphere of the town and surrounding countryside here in the Heart of England makes Stratford-upon-Avon an unforgettable excursion. |
YORK
Situated in the north of England, York is the home of numerous attractions that will surprise, inspire, and stimulate students. The city is built around the stunning mediaeval York Minster, and surrounded by a multitude of smaller gems like mediaeval guildhalls, Georgian town houses and National Trust and English Heritage properties. York also holds National Railway Museum, and the JORVIK Viking Centre. Students receive a guided tour of the old walled city and ancient ruins, York Minster, as well as numerous museums. |
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh, Scotland, is one of Great Britain's capitals of art and culture. Students will explore the heritage of Scotland with guided visits to St. Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. The Castle grounds have been inhabited since 800 BC and the great Castle has become a symbol of Scotland's nationhood. Inside, the group may visit the "Honours of the Kingdom" exhibition featuring the Scottish Crown Jewels, The Stone of Destiny, and Mons Meg cannon. The guided tour will cover both the Old and New Towns but also allows for the students to explore Edinburgh independently (and try a bit of haggis if they desire)! |
BATH
Bath, formerly known as "Aquae Sullis," dating back to Roman times, is the most recognized spa in England. Students will be able to visit the world famous Roman Baths surrounding the hot springs at the heart of the City. The Great Roman Temple and bathing complex built almost 2000 years ago is one of the country's finest ancient monuments, still flowing with natural steaming hot water, but strictly off limits to bathers. The town is known for its splendid Georgian architecture. Students will find that Bath is a comfortably sized city, filled with places to visit, including the Grand Pump Room, the Jane Austen Museum, the Bath Assembly Rooms, the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey. |
BRIGHTON
Often referred to as London-by-the-sea, Brighton is an exciting, cosmopolitan and lively city that a group will never forget. Set against the backdrop of Sussex's South Downs, this is a popular seaside town. The excursion to Brighton features Regency architecture, specialist shops, pavement cafes, a lively arts scene and vibrant nightlife. Students will tour graceful Georgian and Victorian homes as well as the extravagant Royal Pavilion and Brighton Palace Pier. In between stunning historical sites students can take a walk along the promenade, or a stroll along the seafront. Students who like trains can visit the Volk's Electric Railway, England's oldest of its kind. |
OXFORD
Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its university and history. For over 800 years it has been the home of royalty and scholars. The city lies at the meeting of the Rivers Cherwell and Thames, or "Isis", as it is locally known, providing the opportunity for boating, punting and many pleasant riverside walks. Nowadays the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. This famous University town is also home to a growing hi-tech community. Students will be able to visit several architectural gems, including Carfax Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, the Saxon Tower of St Michael and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. |
BLENHEIM PALACE
Blenheim Palace is the current home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The 2100 acres of parkland, the Baroque palace surrounded by sweeping lawns, the formal gardens and the magnificent lake offer a picturesque and photo-filled opportunity for students. Inside, the scale of the Palace is balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain, tapestries and extensive painting collection displayed throughout this grand home. |
WINDSOR CASTLE
Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of Queen Elizabeth II and has been home to England's Sovereign for over 900 years. The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town. No other royal residence has played such an important role in the nation's history. The outer walls of today's structure are in the same position as those of the original castle, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Students can visit Saint George's Chapel, the resting place of ten British monarchs, including Henry VIII, and Charles I and they will can also explore the magnificent State Apartments, the semi-state apartments created for George IV and Queen Mary's intricate Dolls House. |
HAMPTON COURT
Hampton Court Palace has over 500 years of history for students to enjoy and explore. The first buildings at Hampton Court belonged to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, a religious order founded in the early 12th century to protect the Holy Land from the Turks. The knights built a large manor house that Henry VIII's fabulously rich Chief Minster Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, leased and transformed into a magnificence palace and which was again partially rebuilt and greatly extended by Henry VIII, transforming it into one of the most modern, sophisticated and magnificent palaces in Europe. Students can visit the Tudor kitchens, Queen Anne's apartments, the King's apartments, the Wolsey rooms and Henry VIII's state apartments. The gardens of Hampton Court were laid out originally to rival those at Versailles, and their magnificence today attracts many visitors. Features include the Privy Garden built for King William III, the Great Vine, the Royal Tennis Courts built in the 1620s and the famous Tudor Gardens of Henry VIII. |
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (Semester length programs)
As a part of most London programs, ACCENT organizes a series of events that give students the opportunity to discover and explore the English and international flavor of London. Previous events have included: walking tours of areas of London which are a bit off the beaten path (such as Southwark or East London); a canal boat tour, finishing with a tour of that Camden Locks and Market; a film fortnight allowing students to see independent and foreign films throughout London; afternoon high tea; a boat trip down the Thames river to Greenwich to visit the National Maritime museum and the Prime Meridian; a special tour of the British Museum; theater performances in London's West End, the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and other fringe venues around London; concerts including classical, international and modern music, and even opera; and group attendance at sporting events. |
| Additionally, ACCENT offers a series of Cross-Cultural Workshops each semester, giving students the opportunity to discuss the experiences they are having in an organized yet laid-back and fun environment. Previous talk titles have been: "Adjustment in your first few weeks", "Halfway through-How are you feeling?" and "Returning to the U.S.: What to expect". |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
