Lewes, England

Applied Learning Experience in Public History

Iona students have the opportunity to participate in the programs marking the 250th anniversary of the publication of Common Sense at Bull House, the historic home and business of Thomas Paine in Lewes, England, 80 miles south of London. Over the course of a three-week program, three Iona students will work on site with Leanne O’Boyle, director of Bull House, to develop and curate physical and digital exhibition  and visitor interpretation materials.

The nearby University of Sussex will provide housing, social events, and a weekly excursion to different places in southern England. Thanks to the generosity of the Lapidus Initiative for Early American Inquiry at the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (ITPS), this is a funded opportunity, and students will also receive three course credits (DH 492, “Internship in Public and Digital History” or an equivalent course) for their work.

Dates and Schedule

• The program will run between June 24 – July 17, 2026
• Over the course of the three-week program, the students will work with Ms. Boyle and Iona University professor Adam Arenson, Ph.D., each day from roughly 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday–Thursday, on designing and implementing the exhibit while getting to know the history and present-day life of Lewes. There will also be a required trip to museums in London on a Friday or Sunday, and the Bull House celebration on Saturday, July 4. Students will reside nearby in summer housing on campus at the University of Sussex where there will also be social events, a market and dining options, and other activities. Students will also interact at he University of Sussex with other students from around the world, for networking, building community, and learning about the history of southern England. Learn more about student life at the Summer School program here. Students should expect an academic experience focused on public history initiatives through Bull House, rather than a department on a college campus.
• Students will have at least one weekend of free time.
• Applications are due December 1, 2025. Students will be notified of their acceptance by December 22, 2025.

Costs

• Thanks to the generous support of philanthropist and book collector Sid Lapidus, the ITPS is able to fund most costs of the program, including housing and activities at the University of Sussex, flights to and from London, transportation to and from a London airport to the University of Sussex, transportation to and from the University of Sussex to Bull House (via a bus or train that is walking distance from each location; any further accessibility needs will be accommodated)
• Students are responsible for the following fees. Please note that a tuition fee may also apply for the course credit.
  • A $58 application fee. The application fee is due at the time of submitting the application.
  • A $500 program fee. The program fee is due in two installments; the first payment of $250 is due April 15; the second payment is due May 15.
  • A $52 fee for Mandatory CISI International Health & Repatriation Insurance.
  • Any costs associated with transportation to/from New York area airports.
  • Any costs associated with applying for and/or renewing a United States or other national passport.
  • Cost for all meals and travel or entertainment during their free time.

Opportunities and Requirements

• A valid passport: Once you’ve been accepted to the program, you will have until June 1 to provide a photocopy of your passport. If you do not have a passport, here are the details for an expedited application.
  • Please note that when applying, you should note that you should click “no” (do not plan to travel internationally) because the fees  will not yet have been paid at the time of your application.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Once you have a valid passport, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Please note that this may take up to 3 business days to process.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of departure
• Students under any active form of academic or disciplinary probation at the time of departure will not be permitted to participate in the program.

Apply Now

Please note that applications are due by December 1st, 2025.

Apply: Lewes, England

Questions? Contact:

• Iona on-site representative and instructor for DH 492: Dr. Adam Arenson, aarenson@iona.edu.
• Program Director: Dr. Nora Slonimsky, nslonimsky@iona.edu.
• Study Abroad Office: studyabroad@iona.edu.