Missouri School of Journalism Ends London, Florence Programs

The school is discontinuing its international internships in London and Florence for the 2026-27 academic year.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Internships

Missouri School of Journalism Ends London, Florence Programs

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The Missouri School of Journalism Global Programs Office has decided to discontinue its internship programs in London and Florence. These programs will not operate during the 2026-27 academic year due to low student enrollment and budget considerations.

Why it matters

The decision reflects a strategic shift within the school to prioritize programs with higher student interest and more sustainable financial models. These two sites were noted as the most expensive options offered by the office, ultimately lacking the necessary impact to justify their continuation.

The London program operated for over two decades after launching in 1998, while the Florence initiative lasted for two years following its 2024 debut. In contrast, the office continues to support other programs, including a spring cohort of 25 students in Barcelona.

The players

Missouri School of Journalism

It is a prominent journalism school located in Columbia that houses the Global Programs Office.

Global Programs Office

This department manages the various international and domestic internship placements available to journalism students.

The details

The Global Programs Office cited a recurring pattern of low student enrollment as the primary driver for removing the programs. Students frequently opted for alternative international or domestic experiences after evaluating the total costs associated with the London and Florence placements.

The London internship program launched in 1998.
The New Delhi internship program operated from 2019 to 2025.
The Costa Rica internship program launched in February 2021.
The first Florence program students traveled in spring 2024.
The London and Florence programs are discontinued for the 2026-27 academic year.

Market Landscape

This move aligns with a broader trend of universities rightsizing their international study abroad portfolios to manage operational costs. The school is shifting its resources to consolidate market share in regions where student demand remains robust, such as Barcelona and Brussels.

Students planning their future semesters must now adjust their academic schedules to account for the removal of the London and Florence sites. They are encouraged to explore remaining international options in Barcelona and Brussels or domestic placements in New York and Washington D.C.

The takeaway

Students looking for international experience should evaluate the remaining four internship sites which continue to operate at full capacity. Focusing on these active programs can help ensure that academic plans remain stable throughout the upcoming academic cycles.