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      Scotland Study Abroad Program at the University of Glasgow

      University of Glasgow

      • Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
      • Application deadlines: April 15 for fall or full year
        October 15 for spring
      • Program advisor:Laura Wallman
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      Program Snapshot

      Hallo agus fàilte! We’re so excited that you’re preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the University of Glasgow as your destination. Glasgow is a vibrant city with great arts and entertainment, and lots of friendly faces. We’re sure you’re going to love studying there!

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      What the University of Glasgow has to offer

      • One of the oldest and largest universities in Britain, founded in 1451
      • Located in a vivrant urban environment with active music, art and leisure opportunities
      • Has been ranked the number-one university in Scotland and among the top 20 universities in the U.K.
      • An easygoing, friendly environment
      • A member of Britain's Russell Group of universities, similar to the Ivy League
      • One of the oldest and most extensive libraries in Europe
      • Student organizations offer a wide range of entertainment and recreational facilities, including discos, coffee bars, restaurants and bars
      • Great athletic facilities available for everything from golf and tennis to ice skating, skiing and mountaineering

      Housing

      • Housing ranges from large and small residence halls to student houses and student flats
      • Most housing is within a mile of the campus, although some require a bus commute
      • Students prepare their own meals or purchase them in cafeterias on campus

      Academics

      • Study available in 120 departments in four colleges
      • The Departments of Scottish Literature and Scottish History collaborate on a special course for visiting students interested in Scottish culture
      • A service learning option combines upper-level academic study with volunteer service in a welfare agency in Glasgow
      • Students take two to five courses per semester, depending on individual course weight
      • A member of the prestigious Russell Group of major research universities in the United Kingdom
      • AACSB International accredited business school
      • Students may take a fine arts studio course at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art
      • Students may take a special course called Bagpipes: History, Repertoire and Performance at the National Piping Centre
      • The biomedical and life sciences department offers a Functional Anatomy course geared toward students wishing to eventually enter medical school

      We look forward to working with you! You can learn more about the University of Glasgow by visiting their website here.

      Academics

      Courses

      Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
      You can find the University of Glasgow's online course catalog here.

      • In the middle of the page, click the “Online Course Catalog” link
      • Click on “undergraduate course catalog” for all level 1 and level 2 classes, which are equivalent to freshman and sophomore level classes in the U.S.
      • Click on “departmental webpages” for information on level 3 and level 4 honors classes, which are equivalent to junior and senior level classes in the U.S.

      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.

      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:

      • The semester(s) in which the course is offered. Fall semester students may find that the courses they want to take end after they will have returned home to the U.S. in December (i.e., courses that run from September to January). Glasgow allows students leaving in December to take courses that end in January for a reduced credit load. Students who depart early will be offered alternative assessments (e.g., they will write a paper instead of taking the final exam later in the year) and they will be given 80 percent of the total academic credit offered for the class.

      Also, be sure to check you have the proper academic background for the course levels you are choosing.

      • Level 1 =  High school knowledge of the subject (not necessary for all departments).
      • Level 2  = You should have successfully completed a course in this subject previously.
      • Level 3 or 4 (an honors course) = You should have taken three or four courses already in this subject area and passed successfully.
      • Level 5 = Equivalent to U.S. graduate courses. These classes are not available to study abroad students.

      Course Restrictions

      Are there any course or departmental restrictions?
      Computer Science This department is closed to study abroad students who are at the university for fall term only, as exams are held after the end of the semester (often in January or June).

      Film & Media Studies The minimum prerequisite to take a class in this department is four classes as background in the subject area.

      Education Level 3 and 4 classes are not available to study abroad students.

      Sociology This department does not have a history of allowing spring semester only students into their classes. They may make exceptions depending on the class and your background. Check with your program advisor for more information.

      Politics Students studying at Glasgow for the spring semester can take only Level 1 and Level 2 political science courses. Level 3 and Level 4 political science courses are not open to visiting students who are studying at Glasgow for the spring semester only.

      For more information about each department, please visit the University of Glasgow Department web pages. There may be course or departmental restrictions for departments that are not listed above. For more information, contact your program advisor. 

      Special Opportunities

      While studying at the University of Glasgow, can I take courses at the Glasgow School of Art ?
      Study abroad students have the unique opportunity to take courses through the prestigious Glasgow School of Art. If you have any interest in this, you can learn more here.

      There are currently three classes that are available at the Glasgow School of Art for students enrolled at the University of Glasgow. Students may enroll in up to two classes, and each class is worth 10 University of Glasgow credits. The classes are offered on Wednesdays and are taught by the Glasgow School of Art’s continuing education department. While these are introductory courses, more advanced students have the opportunity to work in the studio under the guidance of Glasgow School of Art tutors, and they often find that they are encouraged to work at a level above the general class. If you would like to take these classes, write “GSA Cont. Ed Dept – [name of class]” on your course preference form.

      While studying at Glasgow, can I take courses at the Scottish National Piping Centre?
      Students enrolled at the University of Glasgow can take Bagpipes: History, Repertoire, and Performance through the Scottish National Piping Centre. This course consists of three class hours a week at the piping centre. One hour is spent in a small group lecture learning about the bagpipes in relation to Scottish history and culture. One hour is spent in small group instruction in playing the bagpipes, and the third hour is spent in one-on-one instruction with the tutor. This course is available to students of all ability levels. If you would like to take this class, write “Scottish National Piping Centre” on your course preference form. For more information, please click here.

      What is the Functional Premed Anatomy course option?
      The University of Glasgow offers a 20 Glasgow credit course, Functional Premed Anatomy. This course is aimed at students who wish to attend medical school in the U.S. The course will be a level 2 course and the GPA requirement is 3.4. Students wishing to take this course must be pre-med or biology majors. To indicate interest in this course, please write it on the course preference form. Space in the course is limited, so acceptance is competitive. The Glasgow science department will review applications of students wishing to take this course and you will be notified of your acceptance into the course prior to departure (but after hearing about acceptance into the university). For more information, please click here.

      What is the Community-Based Learning course?
      Glasgow's Public Policy department offers a community-based learning course. Students do volunteer work for six hours per week and take a related course for 5 U.S. semester credit hours. Read more.

      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. One University of Glasgow credit equals 0.25 U.S. semester credit hours. For information on the credit weight, please consult below:

      Period of Study                  Glasgow Credits               U.S. Semester Credit Hours
      Fall semester                      60                                         15
      Full year                                120                                       30
      Spring semester                 60-72                                   15-18

      Registration

      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. Accepted students will receive their provisional schedule shortly after an admissions decision is made. This schedule will be based on the courses listed on the course preference form.

      What are the registration conditions?
      You must take a full University of Glasgow 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 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?
      The following housing options are available during your semester or year abroad.

      • Student flats
        Student flats are smaller, self-catered residences housing five to 12 students per flat. Most flats consist of single and double study bedrooms and a communal area (including the kitchen). Flats vary in distance to the university, so check out the map on Glasgow’s accommodation website. For more information on the students apartments please visit Glasgow’s accommodation website.
      • Halls of Residence
        The halls of residence at the University of Glasgow offer dorm-style living. Most halls of residence have a mixture of single and double study bedrooms. Residents in each section of a hall of residence will share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Residents will have access to a common room with couches and a TV. There are often social committees in the halls of residence that plan events for residents. The halls of residence available to international students are: Kelvinhaugh Gate, Maclay, Lister House and Winton Drive. For the most current and up-to-date information about the halls of residence housing options at the University of Glasgow, please visit the University of Glasgow accommodation website.

      Amenities

      What amenities are available in my housing?
      To compare and contrast the facilities available at the different University of Glasgow residences, please visit here.

      In general, the following amenities are provided in the University of Glasgow housing:

      • Single bed, wardrobe and/or closet, desk
      • Bed linen, a duvet (comforter) and a pillow
      • Shared kitchen facilities (cutlery and crockery can be purchased inexpensively once you are in Scotland)
      • Shared bathroom facilities
      • Wireless Internet
      • Laundry facilities
      • Iron and ironing board

      This list of amenities was correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice.

      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. Some university 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 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?
      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

      Population: 650,000
      Location:  Clyde Valley, in western Scotland

      City features

      • An energetic and hip atmosphere, center of the Scottish cultural renaissance
      • A stellar arts scene and home to the national Scottish companies of ballet, opera, orchestra and chorus
      • Offers two repertory theatres, the Glasgow Film Theatre, galleries and museums
      • Nightlife that ranks among the best in Scotland
      • Selected to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the world's second largest sporting event

      Do more!

      • Head just outside the city to beautiful areas for camping, hiking and backpacking
      • Travel north into the beautiful Scottish Highlands
      • Catch a train to Edinburgh (one hour) or London (six hours)

      Links
      See Glasgow
      Visit Glasgow
      Glasgow A to Z
      Scottish Highlands
      Welcome to Glasgow
      Glasgow News

      Dates & Fees

      Program Dates

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      * Independent travelers must arrive at the orientation accommodation in Edinburgh by 3 p.m. on the day marked “Mandatory Scotland arrival.” Students will receive orientation accommodation details and directions in the 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.

      Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Scotland, exams are taken under formal examination conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals.

      Program Fees

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      What's included in our Scotland 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: Some students will be required to obtain a student visa for the U.K. These include all full year students, any student participating in community-based learning and citizens of certain countries. U.S. citizens studying in the U.K. for less than six months (180 days) can enter the country as a student visitor at no cost but are not allowed to undertake an internship, paid work or unpaid volunteer activities. 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 Glasgow program, use our easy online application.

      Applicants to the University of Glasgow must complete five additional forms as part of the application process:

      We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Glasgow 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 Glasgow program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal.

      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:

      Community-Based Learning

      Glasgow's Public Policy department offers a community-based learning course. Students do volunteer work for six hours per week and take a related course for 5 U.S. semester credit hours. Read more.

       
      Institute for Study Abroad, Alliance For Global Education and MORE CULTURE. LESS SHOCK. are registered marks of the Institute for Study Abroad, Inc.