THE BUYING TRIP AND COMPETITIVE SHOP

Business + Culture

Spend 10 days getting to know the local retail landscape and buying strategies of London's fashion pros while earning 3 LIM credits.

  • Requirements

    • Students must have completed their first year of college-level study at the time of the program. Only undergraduate students are eligible to participate.
    • Students must be attending LIM College from the time of application through the conclusion of the program.
    • Minimum GPA requirement is 2.0.
    • Students must be in good academic and financial standing to participate.
    • Students must submit their application by the deadline listed below under "Important Dates."
    • Prerequisite: FASH 1210 - Retailing: Global and Omni
  • Important Dates

    • Submit application by Monday, November 17th.
    • 1st deposit due: December 15th
  • When & Where

    London, England

    • May 18th - May 28th, 2026

  • Application

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

    In order to be considered for this program, applicants should submit the Summer Study Abroad Application.

    LIM College’s study abroad programs are competitive, as more applications are typically received than there are spots available. The following factors are considered when LIM selects candidates to participate in study abroad programs:

    • Personal statement/essay: Original, succinct essays with well-thought out content will be rated highly.
    • Interview with Study Abroad Coordinator: Students should be prepared to speak about why they are a good candidate for the program to which they are applying.
    • GPA: The student’s LIM College GPA is taken into consideration.
    • Demonstrated interest: Ideal applicants will have a demonstrated interest in buying and retailing.
  • Courses

    Undergraduate students who are accepted to the program will complete an online course that culminates in the time abroad. Successful completion of the coursework and travel experience will result in three undergraduate elective credits for the course "FASH 3533 - The Buying Trip/Competitive Shopping."

    The program is first and foremost an academic experience and participants are expected to prioritize the academic component of the program. In addition, students are responsible for ensuring that they have met any and all prerequisites for the course prior to its start date (note that this may be earlier than the departure date for the travel component of the program). The prerequisite for this course is FASH 1210 - Retailing: Global and Omni.

  • Accommodations & Travel

    Group airport transfer upon arrival and departure in London are arranged by our partner CIEE. Transportation for all program components and a weekly Metro pass will be provided by CIEE.

    Double occupancy hotel accommodations with breakfast is included with program.

  • Health Insurance

    iNext Comprehensive Ultimate Travel Insurance plus Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation Package is provided through CIEE. CIEE pre-departure and on-site orientation included health and safety protocols and local logistics.

  • Program Cost

    The 2026 program cost is $6,000. This program fee will cover in-country transportation, accommodation, entrance fees for cultural and business visits, some meals, and tuition for the 3 credits earned.

    The program fee does not cover airfare to and from London. Students are expected to independently cover all non-included meals, any entertainment on free days, and their own shopping.

    The payment schedule is as follows:

    • $1000 non-refundable deposit due December 15th, 2025 to secure a spot on the program
    • $2500 payment due January 23rd, 2026
    • $2500 final payment due February 20th, 2026
  • Pre-Departure Orientation

    All students are required to attend the LIM College Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation. The time and date of the Orientation will be communicated to all accepted participants. All students are also required to attend one or two additional meetings scheduled by the faculty leaders during the preceding semester.

  • Student Visa

    Students are required to have a valid passport that expires no sooner than six months past the end of the program. Travelers on a U.S. passport must apply for an ETA prior to arrival in the UK.

    International students should contact the Study Abroad Coordinator prior to submitting their application to determine if visa is required.