London study abroad applications due Nov. 13

DMACC’s Study Abroad Program has its eyes set on a new trip to London this spring 2026 semester, and student applications are due November 13. 

The program is a 10-week semester starting with the first two weeks of classes on the Ankeny campus at the beginning of February. The 8-week trip to London follows, with students living with British host families. 

The trip will cost approximately $13,000, including tuition, airfare, room and board, breakfast, transportation, and, of course, having some money to set aside for your own use. Many of the fees and costs are inclusive. 

The professors for the 2026 trip are Paul Byrd and Colin Hogan. Byrd is a professor of history and political science, while Hogan is an instructor in English, literature, and theatre. They will be joined by a British instructor who will be teaching the British life and culture course.

History and Political Science Professor Paul Byrd has been at DMACC for 16 years. He says his courses will differ from regular ones while in London, as the course material is geared more toward European and English history and politics, and they will be more hands-on. 

Byrd said, “The class will take trips to the British Museum of History, British historical landmarks, and other relevant spots. We will make the actual city of London part of the curriculum.”

Byrd said he is excited to see how London has changed socially, culturally, and technologically since he was last there as a student, 20 years ago. 

Byrd said, “The city has changed in many ways … last time I traveled there, people barely had phones, most things required you to pay in cash, and England was still part of the European Union. I’m sure every day will bring new things.”

Byrd said students should embrace as many cultural events as they can while on the trip, such as going to art museums, seeing historical landmarks, watching a soccer game, or just eating local food. He wants students not to be afraid to take a chance and to get outside of their comfort zone. 

“No matter how much time you spend in London, there is always more to see,” Byrd said. “See the world and never stop learning.”

Many classes will begin with a lecture but turn into a field trip and have students go to attractions or different places like the British Museum, Parliament, Brixton, different markets, or more. 

Aimee Langager, a Speech, English, and Journalism professor at the DMACC Urban Campus, is the Study Abroad Coordinator. She has been working at DMACC for five years, but this is her first year as the coordinator for the study abroad program. However, Langager was one of the two professors for the 2023 trip to London.

Langager advises students to save all their money and try to fundraise for their cause. She said there will be a lot of walking, so try to pack a good pair of walking shoes. She also encourages students to have an open mind and “immerse yourself.”

The first day in London is about making sure you can survive there and know what’s happening. The tour guide gets you oriented and helps you know what London will look like and feel like and what to expect on the trip. The next day, classes will restart. 

Applications need to be completed by November 13. Requirements include at least 12 credits going into the spring semester, a 2.0 GPA or higher, being at least 18 years old, and having a former or current instructor write a letter of recommendation for them. Optionally, students can add on a tour of Scotland for $800. 

Langager said, “There are lots of benefits such as enhancing your resume, showing communication and problem-solving skills, being open to new experiences, and talking with people from different cultures and backgrounds.” She added, “It can show a curiosity and a drive to do more and a willingness to go beyond one’s comfort zone. It shows an interest in understanding different cultures and motivating one to challenge themself.”

A former study abroad student, Grace Fatino, graduated in 2024 and was a part of the 2023 trip to London. Her advice is, “Just do it! You won’t regret it. You’ll meet lifelong friends and have an amazing time exploring new places and learning about different cultures.”

Fatino said her biggest takeaway from the trip was the importance of being independent: “I learned that you don’t always need someone to go with you to the movies or out to eat. You can go by yourself and still have just as much fun.”

Fatino said one of her favorite moments on the trip was getting to see the King drive by. The most impactful moment was living with a host family and seeing how they live day-to-day, which gave her a whole new perspective. “The trip gave me a huge travel bug; now all I want to do is see the rest of the world,” Fatino said.

Fatino’s primary goal in life is to find a career where she can earn a living while traveling, no matter the role. She said she just wants to help more people see the world as she did on the trip.

In addition to London, there is a 10-day Belize trip with an estimated cost around $5,000, including the plane, credits/tuition, and course fees, and other expenses. The course, (GLS 200) Global Studies: Belize, allows students to experience the physical and cultural geography of Belize and to learn about the economy, political system, and societal development. Students stay 10 days in Belize, from May 15-24, and then complete the rest of the course online May 26 to June 24.

For more information, visit the website: DMACC Study Abroad.