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England Study Abroad Program at the University of Kent

About University of Kent in Canterbury, 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

Program Snapshot

We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Kent for your semester or year abroad. Located on a hilltop, the University of Kent offers the comfort of a self-contained campus overlooking beautiful and historic Canterbury. 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 Kent has to offer

A diverse student population, international flavor and strong ties to Europe that enhance its reputation as the "U.K.'s European university"
Regularly receives top rankings in student satisfaction
A hilltop campus with panoramic views of the cathedral, city, farmlands and villages in the surrounding countryside
A great arts scene, including drama, film and music of all kinds, as well as on-campus cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclub
Medical service, counseling support and other student support services on campus
An active student union and more than 100 student clubs and societies
Sports halls with two gyms, a sauna and solarium, and space for many more athletic activities

Housing

Housing is with British and other international students in one of three residential colleges or in on-campus student flats
Student can purchase meals in university dining facilities or prepare their own meals in shared kitchens

Academics

Some of the best teaching faculty in the U.K.
Students normally take two to four courses per semester, depending on course weight

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 Kent online course catalog.
Be sure to pick courses that are offered in the semester and year you wish to study and under the ‘details' tab that they are offered for short term study.

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 British academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
- First-year (Stage 1) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have some prior experience.
- Second-year (Stage 2) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-year (Stage 3) courses will be equivalent to senior or graduate level U.S. courses and, if available, require a very strong background.

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

There are no course or departmental restrictions as long as the course is offered, space is available, and students meet all prerequisites.

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. A full course load at the University of Kent is 60 credits for the semester (equivalent to 16 U.S. semester credit hours) and 120 credits for the year (equivalent to 32 U.S. semester credit hours). Please consult the chart below.

Fall or Spring term
60 Kent credits = 16 U.S. semester credit hours

Academic Year
120 Kent credits = 32 U.S. semester credit hours

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full 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 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 Kent. 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:

Residential Colleges: There are three residential colleges on campus (similar to dormitories in the U.S.): Eliot, Rutherford and Keynes. The bedrooms are mainly singles. All of the colleges have dining facilities on their premises.

When a student is assigned to full-service housing, such as a residential college, there is a housing supplemental charge for full-service facilities. More details regarding this charge can be viewed on the program fees tab.

Residential colleges require students to move out of their rooms during vacation periods. If you do not want to have to move out of your room during vacation periods (which last several weeks) we advise you to request a student flat (see below).

Every student at Kent belongs to a college whether he or she lives on campus or not. Each college has a bar, common rooms, game rooms, a small shop, launderette and computer facilities. Many classrooms are also in the college buildings.

Student Flats: The University of Kent offers self-catered options at Park Wood, Tyler Court , Keynes College, Darwin College and Darwin Houses. Darwin Houses and Tyler Court are located on campus, adjacent to Darwin College. Park Wood village is about a 10-minute walk from campus and includes a student bar (Woody's), a launderette and a small shop to buy food and other essentials. Rooms are arranged in five- or six-bedroom houses. Residents share kitchen and bathroom facilities, and there is often a small common dining room. Students are expected to provide their own cooking utensils, pots and pans, and cutlery. We suggest that you wait until your arrival in Canterbury to purchase the necessary kitchen supplies, as past residents often leave assorted cooking equipment behind.

Both Darwin Houses, Tyler Court and Park Wood Village allow students to remain in their housing during vacation periods. If you are going abroad for the academic year or spring program, you are encouraged you to request a student flat so you do not have to vacate your housing during vacation periods.

Please also keep in mind that all on-campus housing is mostly occupied by first-year British students or other international students. Most second- and third-year British students live off-campus, usually in town.

What kind of furniture is provided in my room?
Each study bedroom is equipped with a single bed with mattress, mattress protector and pillow. There is a bedside table, desk with drawers, desk chair, desk lamp, bookshelves, chest of drawers, wardrobe/cupboard space with mirror, easy chair, wastepaper bin and curtains. For all accommodation, you will need to provide your own towels and bedding (except for a pillow, which is provided. We recommend that you rent a bed linen pack from the university (about £30) or purchase bed linens once you arrive.

Meals

The residential colleges of Eliot and Rutherford come with a meal allowance that covers breakfast or can be used towards your evening meal.

Accommodation in Keynes College is offered on a bed and bistro basis, which includes breakfast and dinner. All of the colleges have dining facilities on their premises.

Student flats are self-catering. Students are expected to provide their own cooking utensils, pots and pans, and cutlery.

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 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 Londonfor 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 programs or by May 1 for fall programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in Canterbury, England

About Canterbury
Population: 45,000
Location: Southeast England, along the Channel

City features

Two thousand years of history in one location
Home to one of the most historic and important cathedrals in England
Cobblestoned streets, ancient pubs, unique restaurants and cultural attractions
Plenty of modern pubs, bars and restaurants
The perfect location for a student traveler

Do more!

Explore the seaside towns and beautiful countryside of Kent, known as the "Garden of England"
Take a train to London, about a 90-minute ride
Depart from the port of Dover, just 12 miles away, for travel to France, the Netherlands and Belgium
Travel to continental Europe via the nearby Chunnel (Channel Tunnel)

Links
Visit Canterbury
Kent Tourism
Southeast England Tourist Board
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Virtual Walk
The Channel Tunnel

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

University of Kent dates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view our full England program calendars.

Program Fees

University of Kent fees for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of England fees.
What's included in our England program fees
Expense calculator

Personal Cost Estimates

Personal cost estimates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of England personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator

Forms

To apply to the University of Kent program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the University of Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 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, 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. Currently she is working on her Doctorate in Adult, Community and Higher Education 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