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University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship

  • Required GPA: 2.8 (4.0 scale)
  • Length of program: 8 weeks, early June-late July
  • Application deadline: April 1
    This program is now full for summer 2013. We regret that we cannot accept any new applications.
  • Program advisor: Laura Wallman
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Program Snapshot

edin-parliament

Hallo agus fàilte! We're so excited that you're considering summer study abroad through IFSA-Butler at the University of Edinburgh. The Parliamentary Internship program offers students the rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the political system of a foreign nation. We're sure you're going to love studying there!

There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.

What the University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship has to offer

  • The chance to live and intern in one of Britain's most culturally rich cities for eight weeks
  • An opportunity to pursue independent research and participate in political activity at the highest level
  • Students combine intensive coursework with a supervised Parliamentary internship placement for unparalleled access to political life in Scotland
  • Coursework component balances participation in the development of Scottish political life with learning about the history and culture of Scottish society
  • Although University of Edinburgh has no formal requirements for student background, the university may give preference to applicants with a history of involvement in politics, either through coursework or extracurricular activities

Housing

  • Students live in Pollock Halls, a 15-minute walk from classes
  • Pollock amenities include a computer lab, cafeteria, restaurant, shops and bars. Internet access is available upon request.
  • En-suite accommodation available
  • Housing is within walking distance of the city center
  • Program fee includes some meals

Academics

  • The summer curriculum includes two courses, Scottish Politics and Scottish Society and Culture
  • Students are paired with a Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) throughout the internship
  • A research project is also part of the curriculum
  • Students earn a total of 12.5 U.S. semester credit hours
  • The program begins with three weeks of intensive instruction in Scottish politics and culture

We look forward to working with you!


Academics

Academic Structure

What is the structure of the internship program?
The eight-week program is divided into two sections. For the first three weeks, you will enroll in the following courses: Scottish Politics, and Scottish Society and Culture (please see below for course descriptions). These courses, although taught intensively, are regular courses offered in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Edinburgh.

Following the completion of your coursework, you will intern for a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for five weeks. Under the guidance of your MSP, you will pursue your independent research and participate actively in political life. Your independent research project will be assessed upon completion of the internship program.

All interns will maintain an academic base in the university’s Unit for the Study of Government. Members of the department will be available to assist and guide you with your research project.

Courses

How many courses am I eligible to take?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution as defined by IFSA-Butler. At the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship, a full course load consists of two mandatory courses, plus the internship and research project.

What do the courses cover?
Scottish Politics: This course is designed to provide students with a basic introduction to Scottish politics. The course provides a brief history of Scottish political developments from the Union with England and Wales in 1707. Both the history of the nationalist movement and the structures and institutions of the current political situation will receive attention. Students will learn to analyze the potential difficulties facing the Scottish Parliament and the achievement of “new politics” within a wider context of constitutional reform.

Scotland: Society and Culture: The aim of this course is to give students a well-rounded introduction to Scottish society and culture as a basis from which to pursue more particular interests in Scotland. It is intended to complement and provide context for those parts of the course that focus particularly on Scottish politics and government. The broader significance of major policy issues should be made clearer by the information provided in this course. The course as a whole will progress from the larger context of the social and economic history of modern Scotland, to the examination of key institutions shaping Scottish life, and to social groupings and questions of identity.

What if I need to take a required course?
Due to the structure of the internship program, you may only take the two courses that are mandatory for all interns.

Course Restrictions

Due to the structure of the internship program, you may only take the two courses that are mandatory for all interns.

Credits

How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
You will receive 2.5 U.S. semester credit hours per course and 7.5 U.S. semester credit hours for the internship and research project for a total of 12.5 U.S. semester credit hours. The 7.5 U.S. semester credit hours for the internship and research project will be listed on your transcript using the title of your research project. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses.

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship program course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

Exams

What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university’s policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Edinburgh. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.

 

Housing

Housing Options

What are my housing options?
The University of Edinburgh places summer interns in a university facility located in the heart of the city with close proximity to the Scottish Parliament Building.

Halls of Residence are mixed-gender.  All rooms are singles and have ResNet, a portal providing access to the Internet and university intranet. Rooms also include a telephone and voicemail access.

Meals

Breakfast and an evening meal are provided Monday through Friday. Brunch and an evening meal are provided on Saturday and Sunday.

Housing FAQs

Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for any commuting costs you may incur.

When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Scotland for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
No. Summer students are not required to pay a housing deposit.

Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you’ve made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by May 1.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland

About Edinburgh
Population: 440,000
Location: East Lothian, in eastern Scotland

City features
  • The capital city of Scotland
  • One of the most beautiful cities in Europe
  • Pubs, trendy cafes, vegetarian restaurants, small boutiques and great clubs
  • Excellent shopping and entertainment
  • Great facilities for indoor and outdoor sport
  • Home of many film, music and cultural festivals, including the International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world
Do more!
  • Catch a train to Glasgow or St. Andrews (each one hour away) or to London (five hours)
  • Head north into the beautiful Scottish Highlands

Links
Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh's Old Town
EdinburghGuide.com
Time Out: Edinburgh
Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh News

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

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All students must arrive at the orientation accommodation in Edinburgh by 2 p.m. on the day marked "Mandatory Scotland arrival." Directions are included in the final travel newsletter.

Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.

Program housing is available only until the day shown on the calendar as “Program ends.”

Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed.

Program Fees

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What's included in our summer program fees
Expense calculator

 

Summer Payment Due: May 15
Fall/Academic Year Payment Due: July 1
Spring Payment Due: November 15

Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.

Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.

**The housing component of our program fee includes daily breakfast and an evening meal Monday through Friday. Brunch and an evening meal are provided on Saturday and Sunday.

† Housing Deposit
Semester and year students are required to pay a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name. Students in summer programs do not pay the $300 housing deposit.

Personal Cost Estimates

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Expense calculator

These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.

The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.

**Meals: The program fee includes daily breakfast and an evening meal Monday through Friday. Brunch and an evening meal are provided on Saturday and Sunday.

Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.

All costs are in U.S. dollars.

Forms

To apply to the University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:

The University of Edinburgh also requests that each applicant complete a University of Edinburgh Personal Information Form. Due to U.S. federal privacy laws, IFSA-Butler cannot require you to complete this form. However, University of Edinburgh requests this information at the time of application so as to best meet your needs. This form will not affect your admission to University of Edinburgh or IFSA-Butler. Please return the Personal Information Form to IFSA-Butler in an envelope with your name on it marked CONFIDENTIAL.

We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Edinburgh for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.

If you have already started an application to the University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Scotland:

altSenior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past five years. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.


altStudent Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.

 

 

 

altStudent & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.



Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office in Edinburgh. Click here to read more about Resident Director Ruth Casey.

altUpon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.

Get Connected

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Connect with IFSA-Butler Students

If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
Student Network
Student Blogs
Experiences Abroad Videos
For Students

 
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