Department of

Biology

Study and Serve Universities

Kings College, London

Kings is one of the most prestigious schools in Europe. Biology students will study at the "Guys Campus", one of several campuses in London, but have the option of taking a course at one of the other campuses as well. Students will stay with other international students in apartments within walking distance of the campus. The entrance GPA for study abroad students at Kings is a 3.3.

Kings Cross Baptist Church (KCBC) is on the north side of London, a short Tube ride from King's College. KCBC has a dynamic student ministry with lots of opportunities to serve in London. Visit their website at thekingscrossbaptistchurch.com.

Who should consider Kings? Kings is in the heart of London, just south of the Thames River. You should be comfortable living in one of the most diverse cities in the world, and with using public transportation. There is so much to do! But that also means that you need to be able to focus, even in the face of distractions. As it is in the heart of London, Kings is also the most expensive of the options presented.

University College of Dublin

UCD is a large modern campus in the southern suburbs of Dublin. It was built in the 1960's-70's, which is reflected in its imposing concrete architecture, pools, and wide-open spaces. It has a strong science program that is tailored for international students. In fact, their new biology building is so modern that it won't open until 2014. It also has a fantastic new recreational center and very comfortable facilities. Students would live in dorms on campus. The entrance GPA for study abroad students at UCD is a 3.0.

Who should consider UCD? As with Roehampton, UCD is in a quiet setting yet just a 15-minute bus ride to the center of a major city. UCD is a larger campus with strong academics and on-campus activities.

Trinity University, Dublin

Along with Kings in London, Trinity is one of the top tier universities in Europe. It has an excellent combination of history (home of the Book of Kells) and modern science facilities. Downtown Dublin seems to revolve around Trinity, but inside the University walls there is both a peacefulness and intensity that is inspiring. Students stay in housing on the small campus of the National College of Ireland. The entrance GPA for study abroad students at Trinity is a 3.3.

Who should consider Trinity? If you are interested in a top-flight educational experience in a major international city, but are looking forward to accessing both the water (Dublin is a port city) and the "green of Ireland", perhaps Trinity is for you. While Dublin is not as large as London, there is still plenty to do!

Worship and Service: There are several options for worship and service that we are exploring, and will confirm those possibilities in the near future.

University of Roehampton

For an entirely different London experience, this university has much to offer. It is made up of four smaller colleges in a suburban setting. Students would live in dorms on campus with other Roehampton students. The entrance GPA for study abroad students at Roehampton is a 2.8.

Dr. Michael and Susan Goodman work through the International Mission Board on a variety of campuses, including Roehampton. They hold a mid-week worship service and are valuable resources for identifying a local church and for service opportunities. Learn more at veritasabroad.com

Who should consider Roehampton? Roehampton is on the edge of a beautiful nature preserve, with lots of green spaces and an idyllic village nearby. It is peaceful, but with lots of on-campus activities. It is also a very short train ride into the heart of London, so students who enjoy a quieter atmosphere with access to the big city might find Roehampton to be a perfect fit.

University of Reading

Reading has a very strong science program with lots of course offerings. The city is west of London and is easy to get around in, with a relaxed downtown that flanks the Thames River. The science faculty advisor is an American who studied abroad at Reading and stayed! Students would live on campus with other Reading students. The entrance GPA for study abroad students at Reading is a 3.0.

Greyfriars Anglican: Greyfriars has a lot to offer college students. With more relaxed, contemporary services and a heart for the people of Reading, Greyfriars seems like a great place to start your worship and service experience. Check them out at greyfriars.org

Who should consider Reading? Reading is an interesting city to explore on its own — not too big, not too small — but also is a short train ride from London. Students interested in diving into their scientific studies, but who want to take some time to experience their surroundings, should consider Reading.