Elon Global Start

Two people smiling beside a red telephone booth in London, with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the background. Elon Global Start (EGS) is a first semester abroad opportunity offering a path to full-time, degree-seeking enrollment in the spring semester. The program, located in London, England is designed to meet the needs of students’ ineligible for regular admission who wish to join the Elon community in North Carolina. This transformational international opportunity supports Elon’s focus on developing global citizens. Elon University is nationally known as a leader in engaged, experiential learning. Students are prepared to appreciate and respect all forms of diversity as they develop into informed leaders.

Benefit from rigorous academic experience combined with unique cultural and social activities outside the classroom
Robust in-country support provided by our partner FIE, Elon faculty in residence and visiting Elon staff members throughout the semester
Elon campus support via dedicated Academic Coordinator of Alternative Start Program and the Isabella Canon Global Education Center (GEC)

Apply Now

Select Alternative Start 2027 application.
Priority Deadline: February 15 (Rolling Decisions)

A student smiles beside the River Thames with the London Eye behind her at sunset.

Experience London

EGS offers first-year college students an exciting opportunity to begin their university journey in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Through classroom learning, cultural exploration and guided experiences, students can build independence while gaining a deeper understanding of London’s history, diverse communities and global influence. Visits to museums, historic landmarks, businesses and cultural institutions connect academic subjects to the world beyond the classroom.

Designed to support students as they transition to college, the program combines the excitement of studying abroad with the structure and community of a first-year experience. Students live and learn alongside their peers, develop meaningful relationships and gain confidence navigating a new city and culture. This program encourages curiosity, personal growth and global perspective while helping students establish a strong foundation for their college experience.

Academics

While in London, your studies will be conducted in partnership with FIE located in the Kensington neighborhood in London. The Global Experience course will be taught by an Elon faculty member in residence. The remaining four courses will be taught by FIE faculty members.

The first semester includes:

The Global Experience: a Core Curriculum requirement taught by an Elon faculty member
Executive Functioning: Elon seminar course to prepare students for success at the university level
College Writing: English course focusing on writing skills
British Life and Culture: a course with a broader contemporary context to deepen your understanding of Britain which fulfills a civilization category of the Elon Core Curriculum
Elective Course: You will choose a course in the arts and sciences that counts towards Elon Core Curriculum

Expenses

The cost of Elon Global Start is $33,000 and includes:

Tuition for the fall semester, all of which count toward your degree at Elon
Elon faculty member in residence teaching your Global Experience Course
Living accommodation; 2-4 person occupancy rooms in mid-19th century converted townhouses in the Kensington area
EGS site director living in residence to support you while abroad
Home campus academic coordinator with access to the Koenigsberger Learning Center, tutoring and writing support
Weekly event programming from FIE and Elon site director

Flight costs and meals (no meal plan) are not included. Students will need to have access to at least €3,000 while abroad for the fall semester.

Aerial view of Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames, with the Shard and London skyline in the background.

Program Partner: FIE

The in-country partner for EGS is FIE. Their team plays a vital role while in London as they serve as the facilitator of the program. From scheduling weekly events, coordinating your classes and teaching many of your courses. Here is what you can expect:

Co-curricular activities: Bring coursework to life through site visits, performances, exhibitions and connections with London organizations and professionals.
Extracurricular activities: Explore London, experience British culture and build friendships through discounted social and cultural activities. FIE’s Student Life team helps students find experiences that fit their interests and budgets. Visit the London Eye and Tower of London, West End productions, Rugby at the Stoop and Buckingham Palace.
FIE mentors: Every student is assigned a staff or faculty mentor who monitors academic progress and connects them with academic and well-being support.

Two students sit on beds and talk in a shared residence hall room with tall windows and photos decorating the walls.

Living and Learning in Kensington

Live in London’s historic Kensington neighborhood, a short walk from the Foundation House study center, museums, shops and Gloucester Road Underground station. Housing and study facilities are in central London’s Zone 1, making it easy to explore the city using the 24-hour public transport system.

Residences are converted 19th-century townhouses with coed apartments or floors. Most students share fully furnished, single-gender bedrooms with two, three or four occupants. Bathrooms are coed and shared by residents of the assigned apartment or floor.

Shared kitchens include cookware, silverware and dishes. Residences also offer common living areas and app-operated laundry facilities. Residence Life supervisors are available at every residence to answer questions and address concerns outside Foundation House office hours, providing support as you settle into life in London.

Three students walking along a brick walkway in front of a brick building on Elon's campus.

Life at Elon

Elon Global Start participants must complete all coursework successfully, achieving a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher, to be eligible for admissions to Elon in the spring semester.

Participants are expected to participate in Elon’s Spring New Student Orientation program. This experience will help orient you to the Elon University campus. This program is held two days before the start of the spring semester. The academic coordinator of Alternative Start programs will remain your academic advisor during your spring semester.

Global Education

As a nationally recognized leader in study abroad, Elon University provides opportunities for students to become global citizens. Through Elon Global Start you may begin your college journey with a top-ranked program that enhances the skills necessary for success at Elon. The Elon Global Start program emphasizes integrative learning, connecting theory with real-world application, and prepares students to become informed leaders and engaged global citizens.

Summer Orientation

Elon Global Start (EGS) participants will meet on Elon University’s campus in summer for a special orientation. A second orientation will be held in London upon arrival.

Students admitted to the Elon Global Start Program have until February 15, 2027, to submit their $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit through their Acorn Account, including those who applied as Early Decision applicants.

Upon return to Elon, all Elon Global Start students are expected to participate in Elon’s Spring New Student Orientation program. This experience will help orient you to the Elon University campus. The program is held on Saturday and Sunday immediately prior to the start of the spring semester.

Contact Us

James Thurnes
Assistant Dean and Director of Strategic Initiatives
jthurnes@elon.edu

Theresa Higgins
Academic Coordinator for Alternative Start Programs
thiggins7@elon.edu