The English Experience by Julie Schumacher

 This is a sweet story with a touching ending and parts that made me laugh out loud. Professor Fitger is forced by his boss (Do you want funding for your department this semester?) to lead a 3-week seminar in London for a group of disparate Payne University students. He really doesn't want to do this but feels compelled. And the students are not overjoyed to find he has replaced the original professor (who had a sort of nervous breakdown). They are also not thrilled to learn that Professor Fitger expects them to write frequent essays about what they're learning on their adventure. The essays are indeed the highlight of the book. There is a relevatory comment in the last chapter that partially explains the essays, which also made me laugh out loud. Very memorable characters and a good story.