The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 as Britain's first polytechnic, and has been teaching international students for over 150 years. Study abroad students will have the opportunity to interact with peers from England and all over the world, given the mix of Americans, local British students, and other international students enrolled in the University. The University offers a wide variety of traditional and progressive courses and in May 2000 and most recently in 2005, the University won the Queen's award for Enterprise in International trade. Besides the excellent academic offerings, the University of Westminster's campuses are a short distance from London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the BBC, the London Eye, Tate Modern and the British Library. At the heart of London, this international and cosmopolitan city, the University of Westminster provides a truly British experience.