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England Study Abroad Program at the University of Essex

About the University of Essex in Colchester, England

Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
Application deadlines: October 15 for spring two terms (Jan-June)
April 15 for fall term (Sept-Dec)
April 15 for full year (Sept-June)
Program advisor: Chris Haynes

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Program Snapshot

uessex

We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Essex for your semester or year abroad. Located in Colchester, it is a great alternative to studying in London because of its access to the capital city. 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 Essex has to offer

One of the U.K.'s leading academic institutions
Modern buildings set in beautiful parkland
Seventeen academic departments grouped into four undergraduate faculties: humanities studies; social sciences; law and management; and science and engineering
A friendly and cosmopolitan campus with facilities and amenities on one compact site
More than 100 student societies for social and cultural interests
An active students' union that sponsors on-campus entertainment, including concerts and clubs
Great athletic facilities for 40 sports clubs, including a clubhouse at Brightlingsea for the sailing, windsurfing, and canoeing clubs

Housing

Housing is in on-campus single bedrooms near the main university buildings
Students purchase or prepare their own meals

Academics

Many science departments offer courses for students majoring in the arts or social sciences who want to earn credit in science
Students take four courses per semester

We look forward to working with you!

Academics

Courses

Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
Open the University of Essex 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 (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.

For each course that you list on your preference form, be sure to check the following:

When determining which courses to take, please bear in mind that the academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
- First-year (100 level) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
- Second-year (200 level) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-year (300 level) courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses.
- Fourth-year (400 level) courses and higher are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.

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

Fourth-year (400 level) courses and higher are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.

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 course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. Yearlong courses are worth 8 U.S. semester credit hours each. Fall term courses are worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours each. Spring two-term semester courses are worth 5 U.S. semester credit hours each. For information on the credit weight, please consult the chart below.

Fall term
4* Essex courses = 12 U.S. semester credit hours

Full year
4* Essex courses = 32 U.S. semester credit hours

Spring two terms
4* Essex courses = 20 U.S. semester credits hours

*Biology courses are worth 2 U.S. semester credit hours for the fall term and 3 U.S. semester credit hours for the spring. Biology students will need to take an additional course to reach the full course load required.

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Essex 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. Neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.

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 an academic record query or 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 Essex. 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?
There are six residential towers in Wivenhoe Park accommodating approximately 1,100 students. Each tower floor consists of 12 to 16 single rooms, together with a shared sitting area, self-catering kitchen, toilets and showers. All of these residences are very near the main university buildings so students can return to their rooms between classes. There are also laundry facilities available on campus.

Meals

All university accommodation at Essex is self-catering. The residence halls have kitchen facilities shared by other students on the floor. The kitchens in each residence unit are equipped with stoves, refrigerators, saucepans and kettles. If you tire of cooking, you will be able to find hot meals, vegan/vegetarian meals, snacks and beverages in one of the many restaurants and pubs located on the University of Essex campus.

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. The University of Essex housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.

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 England 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?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.

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 December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in Colchester, England

About Colchester
Population: 200,000
Location: Near the Channel, less than an hour northeast of London

City features

England's oldest town, with a Roman wall and settlements dating to the fifth century BC
A massive Norman castle built around 1100
Granted its first Royal Charter in 1189 by King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart)
A cultural center for the area, with galleries, museums, a theatre and arts center
Great nightlife and club scene as well as pubs, restaurants and cafés
Surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England

Do more!

Take a day trip to the famous university town of Cambridge
Visit Norwich to explore the beautiful coastal region
Hop on a train to London, less than an hour away
Take a bus service to nearby Stansted Airport for low-cost flights to continental Europe
Catch a ferry at the Harwich Ferry Terminal, less than an hour away, to cross to the Netherlands

Links
Visit Colchester
Colchester Tourism
Colchester Borough Council
Hidden Treasures of Essex
Essex News

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

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Important: Once you are abroad, please verify the program end date with the department(s) in which you are studying. Ending dates may vary from department to department, and you will be expected to complete all course obligations prior to your departure. Program housing is available only until the program end date.

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.

In the United Kingdom, exams are taken under formal conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals. Exams must be taken where and when scheduled.

Program Fees

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What's included in our England program fees
Expense calculator

Academic Year and Fall Payments 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.

† Housing Deposit
This program requires 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.

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.

*Student Visa: U.S. citizens studying in the U.K. for less than six months (180 days) do not need to apply for a visa, but can instead enter the country as a student visitor at no cost. Student visitors are allowed to remain in the U.K. for up to six months but are not allowed to undertake any paid work or unpaid volunteer activities. Citizens of some countries may be required to obtain a student visa. If this applies to you, your IFSA-Butler program advisor will notify you. Detailed instructions regarding U.K. visas will be sent to all students upon acceptance.

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 Essex program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the University of Essex program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:

We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Essex 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 the Essex 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 England:

Program Advisor Chris Haynes prepares students to study abroad by assisting them with the application process and answering any pre-departure questions. Chris can be reached at the email link provided above or at 800-858-0229 extn: 4251. Chris graduated from Butler University where he earned his undergraduate degree, studied abroad and even played four years of collegiate football for the Butler Bulldog football team. While abroad he taught English as a second language and traveled extensively throughout Europe. He currently advises students planning on studying abroad in England and Australia.

alt 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.

alt Student & 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, including our resident directors. Click here to read more about Resident Directors Lynne Alvarez and Andrew Williams.

alt Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. She also has taken doctoral courses at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.

Get Connected

Social Media

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