Health & Safety
Education Abroad
CEA CAPA
Undergraduate Admissions
Niner First Semester Abroad
Are you a first-year student applying for Fall 2027? Start your Charlotte experience in London with Niner First Semester Abroad: London Calling.
Program at a Glance
Niner First Semester Abroad: London Calling is a first semester abroad opportunity in London, England, offered to first-year students admitted for Fall 2027 by UNC Charlotte Education Abroad and CEA CAPA.
| Term | Fall 2027 |
| When | Aug. 24-Dec. 4, 2027 |
| Where | London, England |
| Who | New First-Year Students* |
| Academics | 5 courses |
*Must be 18+ by the program start date to be applicable for the program.
Additional Details
Location: The CEA CAPA London Center is housed in two connected Victorian townhouses in South Kensington. The area features several renowned free museums, and easy access to Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park. It is well connected to public transit by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines of the London Underground and many bus routes.
Eligibility Requirements
- Acceptance to UNC Charlotte as a new, first-year student
- High School Graduate
- Study Abroad 101 Completion
- Education Abroad Application
- All participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older by the program start date
Why Start Your First Semester Abroad?
This program will foster curiosity and develop study, research, and writing skills critical to success throughout your academic career and beyond. Students will be able to explore interests and career goals and developing an understanding of the relationship between education and professional development, all while being part of a unique UNC Charlotte global cohort.
Cultural Competence
In 2020, 60% of surveyed employers indicated they value international study experience (Hubbard and Rexeisen, 2020).
Self Confidence & Flexibility
Study abroad alumni demonstrate “increased self-confidence” and an “increased tolerance for ambiguity”. In one survey, 77% of alumni felt more confident and independent. Research shows notable growth in emotional stability as well as flexibility, which is a skill that 70.1% of surveyed employers seek on resumes (Kauffmann and Kuh, 1984; Tracy-Ventura et al., 2016; Maharaja, 2018; Gray, 2024).
Communication Skills
Students report a greater understanding of the way they are perceived, and of ways they may improve. At least two-thirds of employers seek workers with strong written and verbal communication skills, and nearly 80% seek those with strong team work skills. (Niehoff et al., 2017; Zimmerman et al., 2021, Maharaja, 2018; Gray, 2024).
Start Abroad. Stay on Track at Charlotte.
You will enroll in 5 courses at the CEA CAPA London Center that will help you make progress towards your UNC Charlotte degree.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and you will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. You will work with UNC Charlotte Education Abroad and CEA CAPA to finalize enrollment into the program, and determine how the courses fit into your academic plan.
Students receive UNC Charlotte equivalent academic credit for the courses they take abroad, not transfer credit. As students are issued resident credit and NOT transfer credit, study abroad does not affect the last 30 hours of residency credit rule for graduation Courses will appear on the student’s UNC Charlotte transcript. Students will receive an A-F letter grade for each grade they earn abroad and will be factored into the student’s cumulative UNC Charlotte GPA.
More details regarding courses are coming soon. Fill out our Interest Form towards the bottom of this page so that you do not miss any updates!
Why London?
One of the most influential cities in world history, London is a major center of finance, the arts, and culture to this day. Its highly diverse population creates an international atmosphere amidst enduring English landmarks and customs. With course options in business, communication, writing, and performing arts, you’ll have a variety of courses to suit your academic needs and interests.
Overall, you’ll gain insight into the significant ways in which London has been imagined, invented, and transformed by globalization.
Benefits of Choosing London for Your First-Year Experience
Academic Connection
London offers a deep network of faculty across disciplines, and an array of opportunities to use the city as text and connect themes to site visits and experiences.
Accessibility
With English as the official language and ample public transit, London is a great city for students to build confidence navigating a new culture and home.
Vibrant Cultural Scene
Home to pioneering artists, renowned theater, top restaurants, and iconic architecture, London is a hub of creativity with special events, exhibits, and festivals year-round.
Something for Everyone
In addition to the rich cultural and artistic offerings, London is a hub for government, finance, journalism, and sports. Whether set on a major or still considering options, London offers a chance to seek out new things, or deeply focus on existing interests.
Benefits of Traveling with UNC Charlotte Abroad & CEA CAPA
Location
The CEA CAPA London Center is housed in two connected Victorian townhouses in South Kensington. The area features several renowned free museums, and easy access to Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park. It is well connected to public transit by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines of the London Underground and many bus routes.
Global Housing Standards
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
- Cleaning Services: Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
- Wi-Fi: Reliable internet access is included in every housing option CEA CAPA offers.
- Students Per Bedroom: Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
- Commute Time: Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
- Temperature Control: Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
- Kitchen Access: A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
- Laundry: Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
- Study Space: A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
- Storage Space: Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
- Linens: Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Housing
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it’s a place to feel at home. Discover the vibrant energy of life in London with a lively student experience. This option features a shared bedroom with 1-2 roommates, offering a built-in community from day one. You’ll enjoy the social atmosphere of shared kitchen and living spaces—perfect for connecting with peers. All units provide easy access to public transportation for exploring the city.
Placements vary by term and may include student housing, apartments, or co-living spaces.
Meals
Students will have access to the residence hall café with a half-board meal plan including breakfast Monday through Friday and dinner Sunday through Thursday.
Support Services
Both the UNC Charlotte Education Abroad team and CEA CAPA will provide a variety of support services for students.
The CEA CAPA London Center is staffed year-round with a team dedicated to housing, academics, student welfare, internships, and health & safety. CEA CAPA’s London Leadership Team and Onsite Staff have extensive expertise in international education and working with U.S. students. CEA CAPA staff are trained to offer personalized support to students on a wide range of topics, including health and safety, academic
advising, travel and local engagement, housing and roommate issues, and cultural integration.
UNC Charlotte Education Abroad’s priority is a student’s health and safety abroad. It is essential for students to prepare for their semester in another country and remain as healthy and safe as possible while abroad, including how the international health insurance and the AlertTraveler mobile app. We provide a full range of advising and support services to students, faculty, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.
Video: “Kentish Town Room Tour,” courtesy of The Stay Club.
Need More Information?
If you have questions, check out the resources below or send us an email.