This page is currently being updated for spring 2024 and will be finished by August 15.

MEJO 447 is a global immersion program and students will not be able to successfully complete this course without participating in the spring break travel to London/

The trip will consist of visits to various journalism outlets, PR and AD agencies. Possible visits include Bloomberg, New York Times, BBC, Buzzfeed, APCO Worldwide, Wunderman, Facebook, Google and others. In addition, students will have an opportunity to meet with students at City, University of London and other alumni and work on their research project for the course.

The group will leave RDU on Friday, March 8, and will arrive in London on Saturday, March 9. There will be organized activities from the time of arrival through the end of Friday, March 15.  Students will fly home on Saturday, March 16. Students will have some free time to explore London during the trip, but all official class activities are mandatory. There is a break in industry visits on Wednesday which includes an optional day trip to a location outside of London.

The group will have accommodation for seven nights (check-in Saturday, March 9; check-out Saturday, March 16) at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury with two to a room.  Breakfast is included, and some group meals will be covered.

How much will the class trip cost?

The total cost of this trip is estimated to be around $3,600-4,000 per student. This breaks down as follows:

Program cost

Each student admitted to the course must pay a $2,100 program cost to the Hussman School of Journalism and Media.  A deposit of $200 must be paid no later than Monday, Nov. 13. 

The $2,100 program cost includes:

  • Seven nights accommodation at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. Two students will share each room.
  • Orientation on arrival to familiarize you with the local area and a welcome lunch or tea.
  • Breakfast each day at the hotel, post-arrival lunch, Sunday Roast, and farewell dinner or afternoon tea.
  • Casual networking event with City, University of London students
  • UNC-mandated travel insurance is provided by GeoBlue Insurance.  This does not include trip insurance.
  • Instructional and facility expenses in London.
  • Airport transfers to and from the hotel in London via car hire for those on the group flight.
  • A 7-day unlimited Oyster (public transit) card for travel to official class activities via tube or bus.
  • A Hop-on, Hop-off tour
  • Optional free day to Oxford with a tour.

*Exact activities may vary due to availability and program objectives.

Expenses not covered by the $2,100 program cost

Each student is responsible for round-trip airfare between RDU and London and other personal expenses, which will add up to about $1,500-2,000. This amount will vary for each student.

These costs include:

  • $150 study abroad registration fee. 
  • Cell phone costs while on the trip.
  • Most meals on the trip.
  • Passport application or renewal fees if needed.
  • Non-instructional personal travel.
  • Any required COVID19 testing in-country for entry to the UK and re-entry to the US. *Not currently required for travel.
  • Additional trip insurance to cover things like cancellations, delays, or interruptions is not required but students may purchase it on their own.

Roundtrip airfare

The cost and booking of roundtrip airfare is the responsibility of the student. We require all students to be on the group arrival flight on March 10, RDU to LHR below unless they request and receive written permission from Liana Pinner, director of global, immersive and professional programs.

The recommended group flight will be :

Arrival flight: RDU to LHR – AA 174

Return flight: LHR to RDU – AA 173

Students should not book any flights until they have confirmed their spot in the course by paying the course deposit.  Students will be required to report their flights to program leads by Jan. 31.

Financial awards

The school has scholarships available for use in this course through the MJ Global Immersive Fund. Directions on how to apply are included in the MEJO 447 program application.

Carolina Covenant Scholars: Carolina Covenant will not cover the cost of the trip, but will increase loan amounts. Please apply for the MJ Global Immersive fund.

Questions

Students are encouraged to direct any questions about the trip logistics to Liana Pinner at lmpinner@unc.edu.