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International Exchanges

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STUDYING ABROAD IN SEMESTER A 2013/14

UEL has exchange agreements in number of countries. UEL students can study at one of our international exchange partners for one semester or even one year as part of their programme at no extra tuition cost.

Students need to have sufficient funds to cover visa, travel, accommodation, subsistence and leisure expenditure. Bear in mind different countries require different amounts of money to be evident in your bank account before you are issued a visa.

Students in receipt of Student Finance England (SFE) funding can also apply for a travel grant. For further information on how to apply, please see SFE Travel Grant

UK/EU students who are eligible for a UEL Progress Bursary can access up to £500 (if available on your John Smiths card) towards your study abroad expenses.

For further information on how studying abroad works with your regular funding, please contact the UEL SMART team at smart@uel.ac.uk

Please note that a semester abroad is normally only available to students in level 2. It can sometimes be difficult to send students on a semester abroad if they are due to take a double-module at UEL (i.e. one that is a year long). It can also sometimes be difficult to send Combined Honours students.

How to apply

1.  Research the information on the study abroad webpages and then identify the scheme you want to take part in and  shortlist  at least three destinations  of your interest. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF SECURING A PLACE AT YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION.

2. Email studyabroad@uel.ac.uk with your full name,  student ID, UEL programme, name of your Programme Leader and module results from your prior studies. We will only consider students with a clear progression record and no outstanding modules from previous semesters. Students applying for a place on a Direct International Exchange must have a minimum 2:1 average from their prior studies as places are limited. Students holding an average 2:2 can still apply for the Study Abroad scheme (fee-paying option) and for places at an ISEP network partner.

3. The Study Abroad team will contact you, copying in your Programme Leader and/or your school's International Champion with advice on your best options and a provisional study plan where appropriate.

4. If your Programme Leader supports your interest in studying abroad, you will be invited to an interview with him/her where you will complete the UEL pre-approval form for studying abroad and a risk assessment for the destination you want to travel to.

5. After authorisation by your Programme Leader, the Dean of your school must sign your pre-approval form, including the risk assessment.

6. When this is returned to the Study Abroad team, we will officially nominate you to your destination institution and liaise with you and give you pre-departure advice, including information on accommodation and insurance among others.

Important Notes

You must choose classes/modules at the overseas destination that share similar learning outcomes to what you would be studying at UEL during the semester you want to go abroad. This is especially important in relation to your UEL core modules.

Different countries have different ways of issuing credit. This will mean taking a different number of courses abroad than at UEL. For instance, in the US, Canada, China, Korea, Australia and many other countries, you will need to take 4, sometimes 5 classes to achieve the same credit as 3 UEL modules. Please note that you may not get grades for your study abroad period, only credits. 

You will be able to research the classes on offer at our partner institutions on the links below.  Places are limited at our exchange partners, so applications to study there will be competitive, based upon your grades and academic record at UEL.

In the first instance, speak to your Programme Leader and if you have any further question please contact the Study Abroad team at studyabroad@uel.ac.uk .

University Partners

These are our direct exchange partnerships, which cost no tuition fees to you. You will however, have to pay for your own travel, accomodation and subsistence.

We have a number of routes for students on specific UEL programmes:

We have many more partnerships open to students across different programmes:

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an exchange place (places are limited), our university partners may be able to accept you as a Study Abroad student, paying fees. Alternatively, you may want to try an ISEP Exchange.

Study Abroad Opportunities (with tuition fees)

WE STILL ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STUDYING ABROAD IN SEMESTER A 2013/14.

UEL has agreements in place with various institutions around the world with a reduced tuition fee rate. UEL will pay the study abroad partners tuition fee up to the cost of a regular UEL semester fee for a 'Home' student. You will pay the rest.

UEL has agreements in place with various institutions around the world with a reduced tuition fee rate. UEL will pay the study abroad partners tuition fee up to the cost of a regular UEL semester fee for a 'Home' student. You will pay the rest.  

Students need to have sufficient funds to cover visa, travel, accommodation, subsistence and leisure expenditure. Bear in mind different countries require different amounts of money to be evident in your bank account before you are issued a visa.

Students in receipt of Student Finance England (SFE) funding can also apply for a travel grant. For further information on how to apply, please see SFE Travel Grant.

UK/EU students who are eligible for a UEL Progress Bursary can access up to £500 (if available on your John Smiths card) towards your study abroad expenses.

For further information on how studying abroad works with your regular funding, please contact the UEL SMART team at smart@uel.ac.uk

Please note that a semester abroad is only available to students in level 2.  It can sometimes be difficult to send students on a semester abroad if they are due to take a double-module at UEL (i.e. one that is a year long). It can also sometimes be difficult to send Combined Honours students.

If you are considering a semester abroad in your final year, you can usually only do so in your first semester of that year. This is because some UEL programmes have a double-dissertation module, which makes it difficult for third year students to take part. Speak to your Programme Leader in the first instance.

How to apply

1.  Research the information on the study abroad webpages and then shortlist  at least three destinations  of your interest. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF SECURING A PLACE AT YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION.

2. Email studyabroad@uel.ac.uk with your full name,  student ID, UEL programme, name of your Programme Leader and module results from your prior studies. We will only consider students with a clear progression record and no outstanding modules from previous semesters. Students applying for  the Study Abroad scheme (fee-paying option) must have an average 2:2 from their prior studies.

3. The Study Abroad team will contact you, copying in your Programme Leader and/or your school's International Champion with advice on your best options and a provisional study plan where appropriate.

4. If your Programme Leader supports your interest in studying abroad, you will be invited to an interview with him/her where you will complete the UEL pre-approval form for studying abroad and a risk assessment for the destination you want to travel to.

5. After authorisation by your Programme Leader, the Dean of your School must sign your pre-approval form, including the risk assessment.

6. When this is returned to the Study Abroad team, we will officially nominate you to your destination institution and liaise with you in order to give you pre-departure advice, including information on accommodation and insurance among others.

Important Notes

You must choose classes/modules at the overseas destination that share similar learning outcomes to what you would be studying at UEL during the semester you want to go abroad. This is especially important in relation to your UEL core modules.

Different countries have different ways of issuing credit. This will mean taking a different number of courses abroad than at UEL. For instance, in the US, Canada, China, Korea, Australia and many other countries, you will need to take 4, sometimes 5 classes to achieve the same credit as 3 UEL modules. Please note that you may not get grades for your study abroad period, only credits. 

You will be able to research the classes on offer at our partner institutions on the links below. There is no limit to places available at fee-paying Study Abroad partners.

In the first instance, speak to your Programme Leader and if you have any further question please contact the Study Abroad team at studyabroad@uel.ac.uk.

University Partners for fee-paying options

ISEP Study Abroad

THE ISEP DEADLINE FOR SEMESTER B 2013/14 IS 1st SEPTEMBER 2013. HOWEVER, WE NEED TO RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE IN ORDER TO REVIEW AND MAIL APPLICATIONS TO ISEP.

UEL is a member of International Student Exchange Partnerships (ISEP). This allows students to study at around 100 USA institutions and is a cost-effective way of studying abroad for a semester.

There are no extra tuition costs if you want to take part in an ISEP. Instead, you continue paying your normal UEL tuition fees. There is also a further payment of £3,000 to UEL for your accommodation and meals whilst abroad. This means, you do not have to worry about this as UEL will arrange it on your behalf.

Students in receipt of Student Finance England (SFE) funding can also apply for a travel grant. For further information on how to apply, please see SFE Travel Grant.

UK/EU students who are eligible for a UEL Progress Bursary can access up to £500 (if available on your John Smiths card) towards your study abroad expenses.

For further information on how studying abroad works with your regular SFE funding, please contact the UEL SMART team at smart@uel.ac.uk

Any UEL student can take part in the scheme, subject to academic approval. See here  for the list of USA institutions taking part in ISEP.

Please note that a semester abroad is only available to students in level 2 and level 3 and it can be sometimes difficult to place Combined Honours students.

If you are considering a semester abroad in your final year, you can usually only do so in your first semester of that year. This is because some UEL programmes have a double-dissertation module, which makes it difficult for third year students to take part. Speak to your Programme Leader in the first instance.

How to apply

1. Research the information on the study abroad webpages and  www.isep.org, particularly the US institutions that are available to you here.  Then shortlist at least three destinations of your interest and identify a list of modules that you would like to take at the partner institution .PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF SECURING A PLACE AT YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION.

2. Email studyabroad@uel.ac.uk with your full name, student ID, UEL programme, name of your Programme Leader and module results from your prior studies. We will only consider students with a clear progression record and no outstanding modules from previous semesters. Students holding an average 2:2 minimum can apply for places at an ISEP network partner.

3. The Study Abroad team will contact you, copying in your Programme Leader and/or your School's International Champion with advice on your best options and a provisional study plan where appropriate.

4. If your Programme Leader supports your interest in studying abroad, you can proceed with the ISEP application.

5.  Once you have been accepted in principle by one of your chosen destinations, we can complete internal compliance: If your Programme Leader supports your interest in studying abroad, you will be invited to an interview with him/her where you will complete the UEL pre-approval form for studying abroad and a risk assessment for the destination you want to travel to.

6. After authorisation by your Programme Leader, the Dean of your school must sign your pre-approval form, including the risk assessment.

7. When this is returned to the Study Abroad team, you will liaise directly with ISEP in order to obtain pre-departure advice, including information on accommodation and insurance among others.

Important Notes

You must choose classes/modules at the overseas destination that share similar learning outcomes to what you would be studying at UEL during the semester you want to go abroad. This is especially important with regards to your UEL core modules.

Different countries have different ways of issuing credit. This will mean taking a different number of courses abroad than at UEL. For instance, in the US, Canada, China, Korea, Australia and many other countries, you will need to take 4, sometimes 5 classes to achieve the same credit as 3 UEL modules. Please note that you may not get grades for your study abroad period, only credits. 

You will be able to research the classes on offer at our partner institutions on the links below.  Places are limited at our exchange partners, so applications to study there will be competitive, based upon your grades and academic record at UEL.

In the first instance, speak to your Programme Leader and if you have any further question please contact the Study Abroad team at studyabroad@uel.ac.uk .

Ideas for Destinations

Please be aware that there is no guarantee of getting in to your preferred ISEP partner destination. You will need to choose at least three alternatives.

We have had students accepted to the following institutions:

• Elmhurst College: Chicago (Literature student)
• North Texas University: Dallas (Events Management student)
• Texas A & M International University: Laredo (Business Management student)
• Marshall University: Huntington, West Virginia (Events Management student)
• Eckerd College: St Petersburg, Florida (Marketing student)

You also might be interested in the following:

• San Diego, California: San Diego State University
• San José, California:  San José State University
• Chicago, Illinois:  Roosevelt College and North Park College
• Tampa Bay, Florida: Eckerd College
• Washington DC: Howard College
• Atlanta, Georgia: Agnes Scott College
• Denver, Colorado: University of Denver
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Hamline University
• Jersey City, New Jersey: St Peters College
• Boston, Massachusetts: Framingham State University
• Austin, Texas: St Edwards University
• Cleveland, Ohio:  John Carroll University

Profiles

Here you can find out about some of our students who have recently been on a semester abroad at our international partners:

Vicky Tippett , BA International Politics, University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway 2011/12

I am Vicky Tippett, and I travelled to Norway for six months on the ERASMUS programme, whilst in my second year of my BA International Politics course. Whilst it was a challenging experience it was also a rewarding one. University of Life Sciences is scenic and the complete opposite to London. The numbers here are small but that makes it easier to get know everyone, at this university there is a welcoming international community which I have particularly enjoyed. Many barbeques and day trips are arranged and you are welcomed into a community, it’s a place where once you’re used to the countryside it is very welcoming and friendly. The only challenges being perhaps the weather the snow did not leave till maybe the beginning of April, and then it becomes increasingly hot! Most people are more than happy to speak English and Norwegians are very friendly and more than happy to help any new lost students. The University and surrounding community in Aas is lovely and it’s a good way of life one which you do not particularly want to leave!

Tomas Cnota, BA Communication Studies with Journalism, American University in Cairo, Egypt. 2011/12

The exchange semester allowed me to not only learn a lot more about myself and become more independent, but allowed me to get exposure to a different culture by becoming friends with so many Egyptians. Never in my life could I feel more welcome as almost every person that I met was as helpful and friendly as you were member of their family, especially the international affairs staff that organized many trips and events for us and kept us company and assured that we fully enjoyed every experience. AUC has amazing facilities, library, sport centre with Olympic size swimming pool, gym, tennis courts and many other things that can help you take your mind off studying, there are many classes you can join start from Salsa to Yoga, making a lot friends. The American Education system is different but it's very easy to adapt and Professors are very helpful and understanding. If you would like to learn more about Middle-East and understand their culture in the safe and friendly environment I highly recommend AUC. There are many things that you will learn when outside the university and you have to be very careful nevertheless. However, you will never be alone and there is always someone you can ask for help whether it’s something simple and small or big and complicated, there is a community of people always around you.

Tadiwa Mutongwizo, BA Advertising & Media Studies, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea, 2011/12

I haven't had many life experiences but I have to say that, being an exchange student at Hanyang University in Korea, was the best experience of my life and I will hold on to those memories for a very long time. The Korean staff and students at Hanyang University were extremely helpful, friendly and dedicated. Hanyang University offered us various cultural excursions to immerse us in the traditional and contemporary cultures of Korea.As exchange students from English speaking countries' we didn't have to pay any tuition fees to Hanyang or accommodation rent. I was amazed by the vastness of the Hanyang, Seoul campus and I guarantee that future exchange students will be as impressed by the quality of the architecture. This amazing experience doesn't end at Hanyang, down the road there is the Wangsimri Bitplex which has everything that an exchange student could possibly need. Hanyang University is located on the green subway line, which is the most popular line. Most Of Korea's best universities are located on this line and exchange students can meet each other and also interact with native Korean students at popular places like Hongdae. There are large shopping complexes, clubs, bars, traditional palaces and coffee houses; the list is endless. South Korea is an extremely modern country' they even have wifi and connectivity on their underground trains all around Seoul. I made many friends from all around the world; I can now honestly say that we will be friends for life. Already I’ve visited two of them in Sweden and some of the Korean friends I made are visiting me next winter. The only negative thing I can say about my study abroad experience was when it ended and I had to say goodbye to Hanyang and Korea. Unfortunately, the Korean blues are real. I miss Hanyang and Korea so much, which is why I'm returning to Korea for the Hanyang Summer School. I am proud to say that I studied at Hanyang University.

Aliya Nuur, BSc Accounting & Finance, University of Fraser Valley, Canada 2011/12

I was lucky enough to earn a spot at UFV near Vancouver in semester A 2011/12. It was a wonderful experience, where i made loads of friends from Canada and other countries. I enjoyed my studies, and i took part in an Investment competition with CFA where I met a range of professional people, increasing my contacts. I took part in as many other activities as i could, including charity fundraising for the Turkey earthquake, raising $2200 in 1 week. This experience has been truly life-changing - i even recently received an email from my professor at UFV informing me he has an internship opportunity available for me. This semester abroad gave me lots of further opportunities - I became an Elite Student rep after my semester in Canada, I appeared on Channel 4 News, and overall it iIncreased my confidence and made me ready for the real world.