IFSA - Life Science Career Accelerator

Combine your study abroad experience in London with your desire for a meaningful, purpose-driven career. Whether you are headed for a career in science, research, medicine, or the private sector, you'll build a professional community and gain a deeper understanding of the skills necessary to thrive in a life science career. Take classes that explore the intersection of the world's wicked problems through a wide range of topics, and engage in an optional internship or directed research opportunity to further your experiential learning. This affordable program concludes with an IFSA-exclusive professional competency certificate issued by The Leadership Edge, a leading talent development firm specializing in the life sciences.

In addition to the IFSA core class, select four IFSA electives. One of those classes may include a credit-bearing internship or directed research.

IFSA CORE CLASS

Beyond the Lab: Leadership in the Life Sciences

Designed for science majors interested in bringing together your desire for a purpose-driven career with your academic pursuits, this class combines an overview of the business of life sciences, from innovation to commercialization, along with active learning opportunities to develop key skills and competencies employers seek in highly valued employees. Through industry exposure, case studies, and hands-on experiences, you will learn how successful leaders lead, how companies structure teams, and how strong interpersonal relationships serve as accelerators for groundbreaking science. Students who successfully complete this class will receive an IFSA exclusive certificate of completion from The Leadership Edge, one of the top talent management consulting firms to the life sciences industry.

IFSA ELECTIVE CLASSES

• Bioinformatics: Technology in the Life Sciences
• Contemporary British Politics: Brexit and Beyond
• Directed Research
• Entrepreneurship: Creating a Plan of Action
• Epidemiology 
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Context 
• Fantasy in the Real World: Literature through the Sociological Lens
• Global Politics of Health and Disease
• Intercultural Communication for the Global Workplace
• International Internship Seminar
• International Political Economy
• Performing Arts and Social Change in London
• The Psychology of Crime and Justice in the UK
• Sustainability and the Global City
• Trends Start Here: New Media and Behavior
• Urban Identities: Gender, Race, and Class in London

Application Procedure:

STEP 1: Investigate Programs

Use the Program Finder to explore the more than 100 IFSA study abroad program options. For guidance selecting the best program for you, call 800.858.0229 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with our Engagement Specialist.

STEP 2: Apply to Study Abroad with a Specific Program

When you find the right program, select Apply Now. You will create an account in the IFSA Student Portal, following the instructions to provide additional information as requested. Based on the program you choose, you will have a dedicated IFSA Program Advisor to help you through the application process. The application wizard will populate with items that you can get started on right away.

STEP 3: Complete Application Items

Be sure to complete all of the application items no later than your program’s deadline. Your home university may have internal deadlines as well, so be sure to check with the study abroad office.

STEP 4: Submit Your Application

Once all application items in the portal are complete, your IFSA Program Advisor will process your application and let you know about how long an admissions decision will take.

Every application will require the following:

• An official transcript for all college and university work you have completed to date.
• A passport valid for six months after your program end date.
• Program approval from your home university.
• Additional items based on the program you choose.
• Some programs may require an academic recommendation from a professor.