HomeSchool FairsAlumni
high school students career exploration and summer internships in london

For one month, Intern Exchange International participants live in London, a dynamic, safe, world-class city without language barriers. The students reside in the University of London Residence Halls in the heart of Bloomsbury, the historic literary district where Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens once lived. The British Museum, Soho, Oxford Street and the West End theatres are just minutes away.


Sure, there will be tastes of home -- like dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and ice cream at Häagen Dazs -- but there are also tastes of Britain -- afternoon tea at Harrods, full English breakfasts and quick suppers of bangers and mash or fish and chips.

"I love tea. Until two short weeks ago, I didn't usually drink tea unless my mother forced it upon me because of a cold or something. It's not a big thing in my home in California. In fact, the only hot drinks we have in my house are coffee with extra caffeine and lots of sugar and some gross ginger tea my mom drinks. Saturday was the greatest food day of my time in London. I loved the entire tea experience. I didn't know "having tea" meant stuffing oneself with scones and cream and mini-sandwiches and cakes. I was in heaven and I could have stayed at The Orangery the whole day. Now that I am an experienced tea connoisseur, I will hopefully be able to inform novice California tea drinkers about the many intricacies of tea taking."
C. Chung, Pacific Palisades, CA;
Law Intern


During the week, the program offers fun-filled group activities, like theatre, concerts and special dinners out on the town to sample "fish and chips" and "bangers and mash." Weekends are split between "pick and choose" days in London and day-long excursions into the country, where you can explore the historic sites of Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Cambridge.

"London is amazing! Don’t get too caught up at the touristy places all the time. Explore this city, which has so much to offer.

Don’t over pack, take it from me! Do pack a variety of clothes because the weather changes frequently and your schedule is varied.

Make new friends, even if you come with some from home. People from around the country are so cool! Spending time with them is really worthwhile instead of sticking the friends you’re already familiar with.

Enjoy the scheduled events. Get to know the RAs. They are truly amazing people who can carry on fantastic conversations and offer priceless advice."

A. Gill;
Public Relations Intern


There's free time, during which you can explore the city with your new friends. As L. Geller, a former Intern, explains, "I went on the trip alone, not with a best friend or a camp friend. After a few days, I found my niche, my group of friends -- other students I can talk to, share my feelings with, laugh with and just share memories with. Having these friends definitely makes the whole London experience 100 times better."


Past Interns saw top entertainers in concert, including Justin Timberlake and The Roots. They were also treated to great theatre productions, including performances at the Globe Theatre.

"London is historic yet modern, and unbelievably intriguing. It is unlike any other city in the world and is as unpredictable as its weather. In a 24-hour span, we saw a concert by Usher at Wembley Arena. (We were so close that it felt like every smile and wink was dedicated to us.) On Friday, the Queen was at the Tower of London, and during my lunch break I went to watch her get into the Rolls Royce, which was a great experience for me. Later, my friends and I spent two hours just walking through the park. I’ve grown to love London and all it has to offer."
S. Miller, Fresh Meadows, NY;
Business/Finance Intern


London, Europe's biggest city, is vibrant, exciting and often surprising. There's classic theatre and zany street performers; historical sites and world-class museums; and great spots, like Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, for people watching.

"I really benefited by coming alone to this program. Now I am comfortable being on my own and independent. It also taught me that I can come into a new situation knowing no one and come out with awesome friends who have made me laugh, question and smile. In 20 years, I won’t remember the rainy weather, but I will remember an awesome summer in London with friends I’ll never forget."
L. Seidel,Arlington, VA;
Fashion & Design Intern


Those famous British attractions you've often read about -- the Changing of the Guard and Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Big Ben -- are at your fingertips during your month stay in London.

"Yesterday we went to Stonehenge. It was a remarkable site to see. When you stood especially close to the rock, the magnetic field would attract you closer. When using metal wands, the magnetic field actually moved the wands back and forth. Very, very cool. After that we went to a place called Bath where we went through an actual ancient Roman bath house. It was amazing. I felt like I had gone back in time. It was especially cool considering I have been studying Latin for three years and have become very knowledgeable about Roman culture."
K. Furano, Belvedere, CA;
Fashion & Design Intern
Social Life:
Read these Journal Entries for an inside look at the IEI experience.
For calendar highlights from last summer, click here.


Internship Programmes | Media & Design Workshops | Social Life | The Details | Colleges & IEI | Contact Us | Intern Login