Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in London lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how England's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in London while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in London!
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE LONDON ON AN AWARD-WINNING WALKING TOUR
TO LEARN ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES, THE EMERGENCE OF ETHICAL BUSINESS HUBS, AND THE CITY’S URBAN GREENING MOVEMENT
ENGAGE WITH EXPERT URBAN PLANNERS IN TOPICAL WORKSHOPS
TO GAIN INSIGHTS INTO HOW LONDON IS SEEKING TO DEVELOP CLIMATE RESILIENCE, SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND REACH NET ZERO CARBON GOALS
VISIT THE BUILDING CENTRE IN BLOOMSBURY
TO ATTEND EXHIBITS ON ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS, GREEN BUILDING INNOVATIONS, AND CARBON NEUTRAL URBAN DESIGN
Your Destination
London is a sustainable smart city known for its commitment to green energy, smart technology, and efficient public transport. The city integrates eco-friendly design, renewable energy solutions, and cutting-edge infrastructure to enhance urban living. Students can explore iconic landmarks like the British Museum, the Tower of London, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Shoreditch, alongside a thriving tech and startup scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, London offers an inspiring and dynamic study abroad experience.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship or directed independent research project, to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in London will open doors for you to explore England’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Tour the historic Crossness Pumping Station, a key player in radically improving public health and water sanitation, by helping to prevent cholera outbreaks
- Visit the Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, to learn about London’s primary defense against flooding
- Volunteer in a community garden to help locals grow fresh produce, maintain green spaces, and promote eco-friendly gardening practices while learning about community-supported agriculture
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
How Studying Abroad in London Changed My Life
By: Leela Prodhan When I learned in high school that studying abroad was a thing college students could do, I was immediately hooked. To me, studying abroad seemed like the... keep reading
A Dreamy Weekend At Thyme
By: Lillian Frisch Last weekend, I swapped London’s chaos for the calm of the Cotswolds, and wow, what a breath of fresh air! I stayed at Thyme, a dreamy boutique... keep reading
Life-Changing Study Abroad Experience in London
By: Brooke Hornstein When I first arrived in London to study abroad at University College London (UCL) through CIEE, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was my... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE London offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From shared studio to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a compact double studio room at a student residence hall. Residence halls boast common areas, a small kitchen, shared bathroom, and laundry facilities. Housing is located within 45 minutes of CIEE London.
- Select Housing: Includes a double room at a shared apartment. Shared apartments feature a kitchen, bathroom, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Shared apartments are located approximately 30 minutes from CIEE London. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Meals are not included. Students prepare their own meals in their own kitchenette or the residence hall’s shared kitchen facilities. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. There is also a wide range of restaurants and cafes located nearby.
Academics
CIEE London: Study in the Bloomsbury district, one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods set in the academic and literary heart of the city. CIEE London features classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a study space, a student life office, an academic advising office, a café, and a garden terrace.
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL): QMUL is composed of five institutions founded in 1785 and onwards. In 2000, it took on its formal name, Queen Mary University of London. Today, QMUL is the only campus university in London. Roughly 25,000+ students study onsite across its five campuses, with the majority located at Mile End. At any given time, there are more than 1,000 study abroad students living and learning at QMUL, making this university a wonderful place to connect with like-minded international students. QMUL’s roots are in STEM, humanities, business, and law, and students can expect an immersive British international university experience while here.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Urban Ecology Social and Sustainable Innovation Sustainable Finance Sustainability and the Corporation Cities and Regions in Transition Flood Risk Management and Modelling | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
History, Philosophy, Religion
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Biological and Physical Sciences
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
QMUL courses: Students on this program can enroll in up to two courses/modules per semester (4 U.S. credits each), but they are not limited to one subject area; they can take courses across any discipline except medicine or dentistry. Preference for course/module allocation is given to those who require a course in order to stay on track to graduate from their home institution. Otherwise, course/module options requested by study abroad (associate) students are viewed equally alongside those requested by home students.
QMUL courses can be chosen from a catalog of 950+ choices at Levels 4, 5, or 6. These levels equate to the U.K. degree system, where students graduate after three years of full-time undergraduate study. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year, Level 5 to the second year, and Level 6 to the third year. Please note: Level 7 is a postgraduate level and courses at this level should not be chosen when applying. Some modules (courses) may not be available to study abroad (associate) students, but these can be filtered out when searching for options. You can search via discipline via the online Module Directory. You can refine by level and semester of study too.
A link to the course catalog is available here.
Examples of courses of relevance to this program, and offered by QMUL, include:
- Urban Ecology
- The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the ecological principles, challenges, and solutions associated with urban environments in the United Kingdom.
- Social and Sustainable Innovation
- Thinking critically about the role of innovation in social justice and sustainable development is the goal by providing a rigorous conceptual understanding of various perspectives of emerging models of innovation, such as sustainable, social, frugal, reverse, grassroots, and inclusive innovation along with the practical challenges of managing these approaches.
- Sustainable Finance
- This module will study the principles of sustainable finance, exploring the role played by financial markets and institutions in the transition to a sustainable economy. Students will discuss the environment as a global public good, the prospects for using financial instruments and institutions to mitigate global externalities, and various perspectives on corporate social responsibility.
- Sustainability and the Corporation
- This course examines how we should design, finance, and regulate corporations in order to align their incentives with sustainability issues in general. The course will focus on issues such as the concept of sustainability and the relationship between sustainability and the corporation.
- Cities and Regions in Transition
- Cities and Regions in Transition will enable students to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary urban change. It does so by situating UK cities in a transnational context.
- Flood Risk Management and Modeling
- This module provides students with knowledge and skills related to flood risk management. It examines the current status of flood risk and associated legislation in the UK and Europe. Flood generation mechanisms are explained and novel management options for reducing flood risk are critically reviewed. Potential impacts of predicted changes in climate and socio-economic conditions on UK flood risk are also explored.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Government and Public Administration
Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Human Services
Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.
Information Technology
Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Experience international legal systems, global justice issues, and law enforcement challenges in courts, firms, and agencies.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 21 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Claire Kinloch Anderson
Center Director
Claire is an experienced professional with a strong background in broadcast journalism, working for the BBC, Sky TV, and STV. With an M.A. in Modern Languages from Cambridge University, she heads up the vibrant team in Glasgow with a passion for all things Scottish.
Dr. Leigh Lawrence
Academic Director
Leigh Lawrence is a native of San Diego. She completed her undergraduate degree as ASU in Chinese Languages and Literature before completing an MA in East Asian Studies at Yale...
Seán O’Donnell
Student Life Manager
Seán O’Donnell studied Anthropology at Goldsmiths – perhaps that’s why he is so good at working with students as they explore and study with us in London! He has worked...
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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