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England (Harrow) Fall/Winter Semester Exchange Program
| International Programs |
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| Study Abroad |
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Immerse yourself in British culture by participating in this exchange program located in Harrow, England, just north of London. Enjoy interaction with native Brits and other international students at the University of Westminster. Explore journalism and the English media system by enrolling in classes on campus. You will choose from among the available courses to earn nine hours of Journalism Elective credit and three hours of non-journalism credit.
Set just north of London, being a student at Westminster will provide you with a campus feel within big city reach. Enjoy activities and involvement with university organizations during the day, and explore shops and nightlife in one of Europe's finest capitals.
Host Institution: University of Westminster
In 1838, the Polytechnic Institution was opened in London, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. In the coming years, the Institution became the "first photographic studio in Europe" and was the host of the first moving pictures to be shown in England. One change of its name and over 160 years later, the modern day University of Westminster continues to lead the way in technological education and academic excellence. Vice Chancellor of the university, Dr. Geoffrey Copland, tells students and staff that the University of Westminster has "led the education of emerging technologies and modern professional practice."
Chosen as one of the top 15 most popular UK universities for international students, the University of Westminster is host to over 4,000 overseas students, out of the total 23,000 enrolled, from more than 160 countries around the world. Studying at the university's Harrow Campus, just a couple of stops outside of the city, students will enjoy the atmosphere of a smaller campus and student population. The Harrow Campus is home to the School of Media, Arts and Design, nationally renown for its excellence in the field of media arts, as well as the Harrow Business School and the Harrow School of Computer Science.
Although smaller than the main campus in downtown London, the University of Westminster's Harrow Campus is certainly not lacking in amenities. The campuses Learning Resource Centre makes available to students and staff over 90,000 books, CDs, DVDs and periodicals, as well as providing facilities such as the CopyShop, a post-production suite for media arts and a training suite which offers students training in multi-media applications. Doing their best in providing their students and staff adequate facilities for social gathering and intellectual stimulation, the University of Westminster's Harrow Campus is home to an expansive cafeteria, under which may be found The Undercroft Bar, a gathering place for many of the campus' students; and while the main student union may be located in London on the main campus, students in Harrow will find their student union more than accommodating. In addition, the Harrow Campus provides ample facilities for exercise and sports in the Sports Hall, and after taking part in some of the university sponsored activities students may find refuge in the Studio Bar or The Garden Room, a place designed with relaxation in mind for both students and staff, offering tea and a fully licensed bar.
Area
In the northwest end of London, just past the glow of the city lights, students will find the historic, yet ever increasingly metropolitan Borough of Harrow. A city of archeological and historic importance, Harrow was once home to Roman settlers and has even provided evidence of the presence of pre-historic man. Preservation of Harrow's history has remained a priority for the city, giving tourists and students alike an opportunity to experience sites such as the Homestead Manor, the oldest standing timber frame house in Middlesex, as well as nine archeological sites which have been "Scheduled" by the British government as having national archeological importance. The word Harrow carries with it an Anglo-Saxon meaning of temple or sacred grove; upon Harrow-on-the-Hill, believed to be the site of such a temple, visitors are able to survey the city which sprawls out beneath them, even taking in a view of London on a clear day. Amidst this abundance of history, students will find a surprising little metropolitan city which takes pride in its newly constructed modern buildings and its array of contemporary shopping. Art galleries share the streets with trendy, student filled clubs, while a quieter atmosphere may be found in the traditional pubs of the area. As a student you will experience all that Harrow has to offer, walking the streets that Winston Churchill once strolled up and down as a student at the famous Harrow School, all the while only a short train ride away from downtown London.
Eligibility
Students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who are admitted to their sequence are eligible for admission to a study abroad exchange program. Students with slightly lower GPA may be considered if their journalism GPA is above 3.0. All students must be in good academic standing.
Course Credit
For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Of that, you may earn up to nine Journalism Elective credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA.
Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program, have them evaluated by International Admissions, and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.
Costs
MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than credits taken on-campus at MU, but include new experiences, cultures, languages, and often times housing, flight costs, and other program related costs. It's highly recommended that you outline a budget for yourself of what you would spend during a semester here at MU and compare it to study abroad costs.
Because this is an exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees (12 credits) as if you were here on campus for the semester. In addition, you will also pay a $500 MU Study Abroad fee to cover MU orientation, ISIC card, administration, and assistance. Additional expenses to consider for this program include international airfare, personal transportation, insurance, on-site housing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad part of your college experience!
Financial Aid
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Please meet with the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506.
The School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester. Applications are available on our Web site. You can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our Web site for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Housing
Housing on-campus is very limited at Westminster so apply early. Some students choose to live off campus in either student apartments or houses with Brits or other international students. Because Harrow Campus is just a short tube ride from downtown London, residing in the city and commuting to campus for classes a few days a week is also an option.
How to Apply
- Deadline for Fall Semester 2008: March 3, 2008
- Deadline for Spring Semester 2009: Oct. 1, 2008
It is recommended that all applicants meet with the Journalism Study Abroad Advisor prior to applying if they have questions or concerns. Please submit the following application materials in a manila envelope to the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator, 76 Gannett by the posted deadline. Remember to sign-up for an interview time when you drop off your application! For this program you will need:
- Two letters of recommendation. We prefer one to be from an academic source and one from an employer. Please have references direct letters "To Whom It May Concern." [Recommendation Form]
PDF File: 130K
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- Deposit of $500 and Deposit Form; must pay to Cashier's Office in 15 Jesse Hall.
PDF File: 136K
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