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  5. Creative Writing in Literary London
London Big Ben by river
London, England

Creative Writing in Literary London

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$7,350

Highlights

Creative portfolio

Daily activities and excursions

Hostel/hotel

Writing workshops

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$7,350

Highlights

Creative portfolio

Daily activities and excursions

Hostel/hotel

Writing workshops

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Write your own stories and poems as you follow in the footsteps of iconic British authors and characters.

Take a captivating trip through London, turning it into a central character in your writing. Through expert-led workshops, develop the tools and techniques needed to write in different genres. Take cues from renowned works of prose, poetry, and drama and analyze how these forms are reimagined in contemporary mediums—films, web-based media, and graphic fiction. As you refine your literary taste, you'll craft your own creative writing portfolio! 

Connect with writers and storytellers. Roam the real sites that served as backdrops for the works of Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Woolf, and more. Examine the contrasting facets of London, exploring both its Gothic shadows and its aspirational allure that has enticed migrants from across the globe to call it home.

Discover the places and people that make London buzz with creativity. Meet local teens and indulge in local flavors, like fish and chips. Experience life outside of London, too, on an excursion to Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. In the end, you’ll realize your literary ideas and add your unique contributions to London’s literature.

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering London through classic and modern literature.

Network

Meet new friends and writing experts. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Write using different literary techniques and improve your creative process. Craft a writing portfolio.

Destination
  • London financial district
  • London St. Paul's Cathedral
  • london St. James park

The Destination

Welcome to London, the backdrop for innumerable works of fiction. 

Walking through the streets, squares, and alleys of London, you’ll transport yourself to the literary works they’ve inspired! From Oliver Twist to Sherlock Holmes, the city’s iconic characters have resonated with audiences all over the world. Represented in fiction as both charming and menacing, London is the most multicultural city in Europe and a cradle of creativity. With a population of over 9 million, hundreds of ethnic groups mingle at every turn. It’s hard to not feel a bolt of inspiration when out for a stroll. 

Famous landmarks—like the London Eye, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace—stand royally across the city. Cruising along the River Thames, take in the lovely views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Its thriving markets, like the medieval Leadenhall Market, one of your excursions, and pleasant green areas like Kew Gardens lead you into the day-to-day life of Londoners. From its vast number of bookshops, theatres, museums, and art galleries to its innovative street artists and performers, you’ll be amazed by all there is to do! 

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in London.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into your new community and begin understanding how London has inspired the works of literary masters. You will start your creative writing portfolio.

Highlights*

  • Trip to London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace
  • Visit the British Museum
  • Shakespeare’s "The Taming of the Shrew" performance
  • Poem writing in Westminster Bridge
  • Westminster Abbey walk
  • Day trip to Oxford
  • Blackwell’s bookshop visit

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will explore how classic works have been adapted for the contemporary reader. You will continue working on your stories, inspired by a trip to Shakespeare's hometown.

Highlights*

  • British sports introduction and Netball lesson
  • Day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon
  • Visit to Shakespeare’s school room and childhood home
  • Royal Shakespeare Theatre visit 
  • Grant Museum of Zoology visit

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will attend presentations on culture, society, and identity and engage with British authors. You will finalize your portfolio drawing from the literary and social themes learned and experiences lived on program.

Highlights*

  • Twist Museum visit
  • Art gallery at Hyde Park
  • Spoken word workshop 
  • Farewell party

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and professional writers   
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop
  • Dinner at the hostel/hotel or out in the community   

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends  

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Activities

Sample Activities

High school student looking at statue in museum in London

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Explore London and Victorian Gothic tracing the footsteps of Charles Dickens on a walking tour. 
  • Hunt for location settings for your own stories visiting the British Museum, Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, the Museum of London Dockland’s Windrush stories, and the Twist Museum.
  • Walk along the beautiful riverside stretch of the South Bank, where you'll pass by the iconic London Eye and National Theatre.
  • Explore London’s maritime history with a visit to Greenwich, arriving by river boat. Find the Prime Meridian that divides the western and eastern hemispheres at longitude 0° and visit its atmospheric market.  
  • Take an overnight trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Delve deeper into the life of England's national poet!

Please note activities are based on past programs and 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. 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • “I met so many friends and extraordinary people that I can’t imagine life without them now. I’ve discovered new things about London and myself. It’s an experience everyone deserves.” 

    Lizzie R., Global Navigator Alum

  • “It’s allowed me to see how big our world is. There is so much culture, so many people, and things to try. It’s a time to explore the world as it is.” 

    Kayla J., Global Navigator Alum

  • “You make a lot of close friends, go through the thick, the thin, and the fun. Very memorable experiences are made!”  

    Matthew M., Global Navigator Alum

  • “It was fun and I learned a lot. I’ll never forget our Oxford trip!”

    Isabella R., Global Navigator Alum

Students posing with Dicken's Walking Tour guide
From CIEE

Write of Passage: From Dickens' London to Stratford-upon-Avon

By Maureen Tromley at CIEE

A look at week 2!

Photo for blog post
From CIEE

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at CIEE

Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

Teens with a host family high school summer abroad
From CIEE

7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.   
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us. 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs
Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,350
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,350

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today Contact Us

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

mark_simmons

Mark Simmons

Center Director

Mark Simmons has an M.A. in History from the University of Aberdeen and a postgraduate degree in Administrative and Information Management from Napier University Edinburgh. 

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