Lancaster - Lancaster University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. Well regarded in the UK as a research and teaching institution, MU students can take part in Lancaster University's full curriculum. You will be immersed in the British style of living and learning, which differs more from the U.S. than you might expect. Lancaster offers spirited campus social life. Students can join the many professional, religious, political, social and athletic clubs. The fall trimester begins in late September and ends in mid-December, and the combined winter/summer trimester is early January through mid-June. For fall students, there is also an optional four-week presession, which lets you get used to the area and take a class in the local history and culture.

Q. What is it like there?
A. The University's campus is situated next to the historic town of Lancaster, and is a small village in itself. Although Lancaster is a small city of 50,000, it has many lively and varied attractions. There are countless pubs, restaurants and riverside walkways, a picturesque, covered market and a renowned repertory theater. Northern England's magnificent Lake District is easily reached from Lancaster. The Irish Sea and the seaside resort of Morecombe are only thirty minutes away. A highlight of Lancaster's cultural life is the Duke's, a leading repertory theater, which also offers an extensive program of films and hosts the Lancaster Literature Festival. The university's student population is 11,000.

Q. What will I study?
A. Lancaster is on the trimester system. You will take 3 - 5 classes per trimester from a range of courses offered in several fields. Lancaster's strengths are in Pre-Med, Management, English, Linguistics, Creative Writing and Women's Studies. Course information may be found at www.lancs.ac.uk/users/international/overseas/ handbook/index.htm. Spring semester applicants must complete both the spring and summer trimesters at Lancaster.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. You will most likely have a single room with your own washbasin, and will share a communal lounge and kitchen area with other students. You will pay housing fees directly to Lancaster University upon arrival. There is no comprehensive meal plan, but you can cook for yourself or go to one of the many campus restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. Off campus eating in the city or neighboring villages is within easy reach.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisor(s) to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specfic degree requirements. Prior to departure, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and arrange to meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, the information technology fee, recreation facility fees and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad administrative fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include international airfare, food and housing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. You are eligible to apply if you are a sophomore, junior or senior with at least a 2.5 GPA. Pre-medical students should have a 3.5 GPA.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Lancaster University website for more information about the program.