Program Snapshot
Hallo agus fàilte! We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Stirling for your summer abroad. As The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year in 2009/10, the University of Stirling offers a unique setting for students to immerse themselves in Scottish culture. We're sure you're going to love studying there! Watch a video of Stirling's summer program.
What the Stirling International Summer School has to offer
- A liberal arts institution that ranks high in teaching and research quality assessments in the U.K.
- A true campus environment with 310 acres of parkland and woods
- Study on the shores of a loch by an 18th-century castle
- Modern, well-equipped buildings and student residences
- An arts center that offers excellent performances in drama, film, music and dance
- Excellent recreational and athletic facilities
- Easy access to historic and dynamic Edinburgh, just 45 minutes away by train
- The second-lowest cost of living of Scotland's universities
- An internship option is available
Housing
- Single study-bedroom in a self-catering flat on campus
- You may cook for yourself or eat at one of the restaurants on or near campus
- Housing is located just a two-minute walk from classes and entertainment
Academics
- Two four-week sessions available
- Students may attend the first session or both sessions
- Students take 1 to 2 courses per session
- Each course is worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours
We look forward to working with you!
Academics
Academic Structure
What will studying at the university be like?
The program is structured into two four-week blocks of courses in a variety of subjects. The program has been designed to incorporate a range of social and cultural activities to give you the opportunity to travel and experience more of Scotland.
Will I have classes with local students?
Although IFSA-Butler is committed to providing integrated programs, summer courses abroad are often geared toward study abroad students only. Please be aware that your contact with local students may be limited, as you will likely attend classes and live with U.S. and other international students. All courses are taught by host university faculty.
What are the withdrawal deadlines?
Stirling charges IFSA-Butler a penalty for students who withdraw from the program after the Stirling withdrawal deadline. Students whose applications remain incomplete on Stirling’s deadline of May 1 will be withdrawn from the program.
Courses
Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
Open the University of Stirling online course catalog.
What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
Course Restrictions
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full summer course load at the host institution. A full course load consists of two courses for students attending Stirling for one session. If a student chooses to take two sessions of courses, a full course load is three or four classes. Each course is worth 11 University of Stirling credits or 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Students can take two to four courses and earn 6 to12 U.S. semester credit hours. For information on the credit weight, please consult the information below.
11 University of Stirling credit hours = 3 U.S. semester credit hours
Registration
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Stirling summer 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.
The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind.
Students are required to choose two courses for Session 1. If you choose to attend Session 2, you can choose one or two additional courses. Registration for courses occurs prior to arrival overseas and is based on the courses listed on the course preference form.
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 Stirling. 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?
Stirling summer school students live on the main campus in shared, apartment-style (flat) accommodation. The flats are organized into four-, five-or seven-person accommodation. Every student has a single-study bedroom within the flat and most bedrooms have their own sinks. Students in a flat share a bathroom, living/dining area and kitchen. There is a building close to the hall of residence that offers coin-operated laundry facilities. Bed linens and cooking utensils are provided, but you must bring your own towels. Classes are just a short walk from your accommodation.
Will I have an Internet connection in my room?
All of the rooms in the Fraser Flats are wired for access to the Internet. Students who connect their computers to the Stirling network in this way will have access to all of the Stirling computer resources, including filestore, e-mail and print facilities, and use of the Internet for restricted web browsing. Further details about information services at Stirling can be found here.
What other facilities are available on campus?
Stirling summer students will have access to the university library and computer labs. The university has a small shopping area that includes a bank, post office, travel agent, pharmacy and supermarket. The Robbins Students’ Centre features several bars and a nightclub. Students can dine at various cafes and restaurants around campus. The University of Stirling also has some of the best sporting facilities in all of Scotland, including the National Tennis Centre and a nine-hole golf course.
Is there a social program at the University of Stirling?
Yes. There will be several social activities planned throughout the summer. There will even be a Scottish ceilidh so you can learn Scottish dancing! Also, almost all the courses offered have an element of experiential learning or field trip. Many of the courses will also utilize the MacRoberts Arts Centre on campus that is home to film, theatre, dance, music and comedy programs. There are also extensive sports facilities at Stirling, including a golf course, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a gym. There is also a monument to famous Scotsman William Wallace right on campus.
Meals
Is there a meal plan?
All university accommodation at Stirling are self-catering. No meals are provided, but you will have access to kitchen facilities where you may prepare your own meals. If you prefer not to cook, you can find several cafes and restaurants on the Stirling campus and nearby in town.
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 the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will not receive your housing assignment until you arrive abroad. Our resident staff will give you this information during the IFSA-Butler orientation.
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 Stirling, ScotlandAbout StirlingPopulation: 40,000
Location: Central Scotland
City features
- “Gateway to the Highlands”
- Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland
- A center for local government, retail and light industry
Do more!
- Learn about the Scottish battles for independence reflected in the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and the field of Bannockburn
- Visit both the Highlands and the Lowlands and hike in the Trossachs, a beautiful set of peaks that form the boundary between them
- Take a bus or train to Glasgow or Edinburgh, both less than an hour away
Links
Stirling Online
Scottish Heartlands
Scottish Highlands
Stirling News
Dates & Fees
Program Dates
Dates for summer 2012 coming soon!Click
here to view our full summer program calendars.
Personal Cost Estimates
Personal cost estimates for summer 2012 coming soon!Click
here to view a full list of summer personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator
Forms
To apply to the University of Stirling summer program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the University of Stirling summer program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
The University of Stirling also requests that each applicant complete a Supplemental Application Form that requests personal information. Due to U.S. federal privacy laws, IFSA-Butler cannot require you to complete this form. However, the University of Stirling requests this information at the time of application so as to best meet your needs. This form will not affect your admission to the University of Stirling or IFSA-Butler. Please return the Supplemental Applicatiion 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 Stirling 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 Stirling summer 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:
Senior Program Advisor Lindsey Jendraszak assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Lindsey can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, extn. 3638. Lindsey has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past four years. After studying abroad herself as an undergraduate in England and Ireland, Lindsey earned a masters degree in student affairs and came to work for IFSA-Butler. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.
Student 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.
Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, 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.
Upon 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.
Photos
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Internships
The University of Stirling International Summer School Internship program places interns with a local employer for four weeks during the second block of summer courses. Students will need to take two courses during Block One, and can then take the internship course in Block Two. Though the actual work experience is the main component of each internship, students will also receive help and instruction from classroom teaching sessions, review days and online tutorials.
Internships are available in the areas of sports, environment, politics, marketing and charity/not for profit organizations. Interns and employers will agree on a project that will be of benefit to both parties.
The internship replaces one course within Block Two of the University of Stirling International Summer School program and is worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Students who are placed in internships will need to obtain a Tier 4 visa, which costs approximately $455. IFSA-Butler will assist students with this process. Please note that the deadline for applying for an internship is March 15, earlier than the regular summer program application deadline of April 1.
Scotland 
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