University of Wisconsin - Stout

A Study Abroad Experience Stirling, Scotland

Coursework offered in Scotish History, International Relations, Creative Writing, Film and Media, Environmental Science, Sports Studies, Religion, Philosophy and Politics

Program Cost: $5,288/$8,599/$9,712
Summer Dates:
Block 1: June 16 – July 11, 2008
Block 2: July 14 – August 8, 2008
(Students can attend either block or both blocks together)
Deadline for Summer: February 15, 2008
Number of Positions: 15-20
Updated: February 18, 2008

Index:

 

Program Description

Map of ScotlandUniversity of Stirling's summer program is designed specifically for International students. The program is a unique opportunity to sample student life at the University, while gaining credits toward your degree program at UW-Stout. In addition to coursework, the program has been designed to incorporate a range of social and cultural activities giving you the opportunity to travel and experience more of Scotland.

The University of Stirling is ranked amongst Scotland’s best universities for teaching and research.  Stirling’s campus is located on 310 acres of stunning countryside.  The campus-based University of Stirling was founded by Royal Charter in 1967 on the historic Airthrey Estate, close to Bridge of Allan and two miles from the Royal Burgh of Stirling.  The University's location and history provide some clue that Stirling is a bit different from other UK universities.  Many prospective students and parents comment on the friendly atmosphere when they visit the University.  As a medium-sized, campus-based University, with many students living on-site, Stirling has a strong community feel and has been ranked among the top ten Universities in the Times Higher Education Supplement Award for the UK's Best Student Experience 2006.  The majority of study bedrooms are networked, and you can easily connect your PC to the University's high-speed network where you can access all the University services.  Visit the university website at http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/.

Additionally, the University is a great place for sports.  It has a comprehensive collection of sports facilities on a beautiful parkland campus.  The quality of the environment is second-to-none.  Moreover, it offers lots of classes to meet your sports and fitness requirements.  There is a really vibrant atmosphere in and around the sports facilities.

Stirling, Scotland

Busy, confident and fun, Stirling is one of the most attractive places to live in the UK, capturing the historic and contemporary in a unique atmosphere.  The City of Stirling lies just where lowland and highland Scotland meet and is only 10 minutes from campus by bus.  It has associations with two of Scotland’s historic heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, as well as an impressive medieval castle.  As a bonus, on the city’s doorstep you can find tranquility and solitude in Scotland’s unspoiled mountains, lochs and shores or a wide range of outdoor pursuits, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking and sailing.

Stirling has a thriving city center and a population of around 40,000.  Stirling is big enough to offer the full ‘city experience’ of shopping, café culture, performing arts and nightlife, yet is still compact enough to retain a warm community feel, making it a home away from home.  Stirling is well connected to the UK road and rail networks and is only 45 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.  The cost of living in Stirling is also consistently lower than that of other central belt cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Courses

The program is structured in two four week blocks which can be taken independently or consecutively. You will receive 3 credits per module that you complete thus enabling you to take 6 credits (during a 4-week block or 9 to 12 credits (during an 8-week block). Each module is made up of taught and field trip components, giving you the opportunity to learn from University teaching both in and out of the classroom.

For a listing of courses, please visit the Aberdeen course listing at http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/study-abroad/students_visiting/iss/course-modules.php

Estimated Costs

Students will pay a program fee to UW-Stout to cover the cost of tuition, housing, pick up to and from the airport, orientation, social activities, National Emergency Healthcare, sports center membership, and field trips to Scottish Parliament, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Eilean Donan Castle, readings at the macRobert Arts Centre and more. All other expenses, including flight, meals, extra travel are paid directly by students. Eligible students can use their financial aid to help pay these expenses. Costs are subject to change and can vary due to exchange rates, host institution increases, travel to, from and within the host country, and personal spending habits. Stirling has the lowest cost of living out of all UK universities.

Block 1 or 2 (6 credits):
Estimated Program Cost: $5,288
Estimated Housing Costs: included
Estimated Personal Expenses: $2,097
Total Estimated Costs: $7,385

Block 1 and 2 (9 credits):
Estimated Program Cost: $8,830
Estimated Housing Costs: included
Estimated Personal Expenses: $3,097
Total Estimated Costs: $11,987

Block 1 and 2 (12 credits):
Estimated Program Cost: $9,973
Estimated Housing Costs: included
Estimated Personal Expenses: $3,097
Total Estimated Costs: $13,070

For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).

Eligibility

This study abroad program is open to students in any program who can use the courses at University of Stirling to meet degree requirements at Stout. Students must be at least a sophomore and must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to participate. Students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher will be considered at length. Applicants will also need the approval of their program director and one letter of reference from a faculty member.

Housing and Meals

Students will be housed in on-campus apartment style accommodation. Each Student will have their own bedroom with five or six persons per apartment. Most of the on-campus accommodation overlooks the University’s loch and is only a short walk from all teaching buildings, library facilities, shops, theater, cinema and social areas. Students prepare most meals at their accommodation.

Passport/Visa

Students make their own travel arrangements to Scotland. When making travel arrangements, book a direct flight to either the Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport. If you fly to the London airports, there are very regular shuttle flights to both Glasgow and Edinburgh from London. Students will need to have a passport and Entry Clearance (visa) to study in Scotland. The cost for Entry Clearance is $208; The Office of International Education can provide more information on applying for this visa.

Students should also consider traveling around the area before or after the semester of study.

Application Procedures

Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 nonrefundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.

For detailed instructions on the application process, please see how to apply.

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