Additional Information - United Kingdom & Ireland

To:  Students Considering Off-Campus Study

From:  The Office of Off-Campus Study and the Educational Affairs Committee

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, and almost uniformly students find it to be a life-changing experience.  Middlebury College, however, does not grant academic credit solely for life experience or cultural immersion.  While these benefits of studying abroad are of enormous value, the fundamental purpose is always academic.

The individual student has the responsibility to present to his or her Middlebury College academic adviser a compelling academic case for off-campus study.  To this end, during the advising process, the student will need to provide his or her academic adviser with: 1) the completed application form; 2) as much information as possible on the courses to be taken while abroad; and 3) an essay that presents a compelling academic rationale for off-campus study.  The student will be expected to take some courses on the culture and/or natural history particular to the site for off-campus study.

In order to present a compelling academic rationale for the time away from Middlebury, students should keep in mind, as noted above, that the College does not grant academic credit solely for life experience or cultural immersion.  The essay then must present a compelling academic case for off-campus study that uses the following criteria:

A.  The essay should spell out how the student's course of off-campus study will be integrated with his or her course of study at Middlebury, serving a major, a minor, or some other established curricular interest.

B.  In the essay, the student should demonstrate that he or she has adequate preparation for studying abroad, in the form of preparatory coursework or research.

C. The essay should demonstrate that the student is aware that he or she must take courses abroad that meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) the courses are not offered at Middlebury but are rigorous and appropriate to a liberal arts education; 2) the courses are not offered at Middlebury but are rigorous and appropriate to the student's major(s); 3) the courses are the equivalent of Middlebury courses but are unique in perspective; 4) the courses may or may not be offered at Middlebury but are unique in perspective because  they involve study of the natural history, economics, history, politics, or culture of the region where the school is situated.

D.  In the essay the student should describe how the off-campus study will not interfere with his or her ability to complete the major in a timely and reasonable fashion, through coursework while abroad and/or upon returning to Middlebury.  [Note : The student should understand that going abroad may jeopardize his or her ability to complete a major program, particularly if the student is pursuing a joint or double major.  Departments and programs cannot predict with accuracy eighteen months in advance whether or not, and when, particular courses will be offered that the student may need in order to complete the requirements for his or her major program.]

Students seeking to apply courses taken overseas toward their major, minor, distribution or culture/civilization requirements will need such courses individually approved by the appropriate department chair upon return.  Students must bring back all syllabi, bibliographies, assignments, and written work to support such claims.  The student should consult with their major adviser(s) prior to study abroad in order to ascertain whether the courses to be taken might be applied toward the major, minor, distribution, or culture/civilization requirements.

Please note:  This booklet applies specifically to the United Kingdom and Ireland and should be read in conjunction with the "Study Abroad Guidelines" booklet.

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

STUDY ABROAD IN

THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

2006-2007

INTRODUCTION

Universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland are among the most highly regarded in the world, dating back to the early 13th century with the development of Oxford and Cambridge. In the past decade, opportunities for Americans to study in their junior year in the U.K. have expanded tremendously--and Americans have taken full advantage of the situation. Each year some 20-25 percent of students studying on non-Middlebury programs study in the U.K.

EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

In deciding to study abroad, students should be aware and be prepared to accept that educational philosophies overseas differ radically from those dominant at U.S. colleges and universities.  While the American higher educational system is based on contractual relations with students and continuous assessment (e.g., homework, quizzes, weekly papers, etc.), foreign educational cultures place primary responsibility for learning on the individual student.  From this perspective, the primary goal of education is to acquire knowledge and increase understanding, rather than to focus on outcomes as measured by grades.  Similarly, the principal vehicle of instruction tends to be the lecture, while class participation and discussion usually play a minor role. However, from the viewpoint of study abroad, students' goals should be less to express their own opinions and cultural biases, than to learn about those of their host culture.   At the same time, students have greater freedom to pursue what interests them within the general framework of a given course than is often the case at home.  Students will also generally have less interaction with professors, though they are almost always pleased to interact with students who seek them out.  In short, the experience of studying abroad is likely to be very different from that to which students are accustomed. Students who do not accept this challenge will be forfeiting a unique educational and cultural opportunity.

GRADING SYSTEMS AND COURSE LOADS

U.K. and Irish Educational Systems

In England and Wales undergraduate degrees normally take three years to complete, and in Scotland degree programs are typically four years in length.  Irish degrees can take three or four years.  Teaching at U.K. and Irish institutions is most commonly done by lecture, supplemented by small group tutorials, and in some subject areas, laboratory work.  At some institutions lectures are not tied to specific courses but are university wide (e.g., Oxford and Cambridge).  There is a strong tradition of close personal contact between the student and his or her tutor, and as in most countries outside of the United States, there is great value placed on independent study.  Degree programs are fairly specialized, especially in comparison to the United States, so U.K. and Irish students are often more advanced in their areas of specialization than U.S. students are.

Assessment varies by institution, but the most common method is end-of-year examinations on which the majority of a student's grade is based.  In most cases these are now tied to specific courses, but in others they are "degree" examinations that test the students' entire year of work.  Grading scales vary from institution to institution as well, but typically scales and marks are considerably lower than US grading scales.  Usually U.K. and Irish universities use 100-point scales; however, the "A" range is usually around 65-70 and above, "B" ranges are in the 50s, "Cs" in the 40s, and so on.  Another difference is that fewer students earn the top grades at U.K. and Irish institutions than at most U.S. colleges and universities.  Nonetheless, Middlebury students who take their academic work seriously generally perform at about the same level abroad as they do at Middlebury.

Course Loads and Credit Transfer

Middlebury expects students to take a "normal" full load of courses as defined by their university abroad (NOT a "minimum" full load). Taking extra courses will not result in extra credit. On the other hand, taking less than a normal full load (as determined by the program or university attended) will jeopardize the transfer of credit. Students studying on programs sponsored or transcripted by U.S. universities that calculate credit in terms of semester/credit hours should be aware that a normal full load in such systems ranges from 15 to 19 semester credit hours (NOT 12), regardless of the number of courses taken. Often, students will take more courses than they would at Middlebury; sometimes they will take fewer courses. However, under no circumstances should they take less than 15 semester credit hours. Students should also take care to distribute their course choices and not to exceed the maximum number of course credits for the major (16 in each department).  Students should consult the International Office at their host university and Off-Campus Study at Middlebury with any questions regarding the normal full course load at the university they are attending.

Exams

Students are required to take all course-related exams when and where they are offered, whether voluntary or not. This means that Middlebury students are required to sit for exams at the same time and place as students in the host country.  Students may not avail themselves of any exceptions offered to visiting students in order to avoid the sometimes long reading period between the end of classes and final exams, and students are not normally permitted to re-sit exams due to failure.

Grades

As per a faculty vote, Middlebury transfers all study abroad grades.  All grades earned on approved study abroad programs will be recorded on the Middlebury transcript and calculated into the Middlebury grade point average.  This includes failing grades.

Principles for incorporating grades from non-Middlebury programs abroad into GPA
(Adopted by Educational Affairs Committee, April 2003):

When students' applications to study abroad are approved by the Programs Abroad Committee, the approval will indicate the number of units of credit that the student will receive upon successful completion of the program: nine units (full academic year), five units (one semester and Winter Term), or four units (one semester).

Assuming enrollment in a normal full load of coursework as outlined in the student's approval letter, the number of courses will be divided into the number of credits the student will receive to determine the weight to be assigned each course in the calculation of GPA.  For example, if a student is enrolled in five courses in a four-unit program, each course would be assigned a weight of .80.  If a student is enrolled in four courses in a five-unit program, each course would be assigned a weight of 1.25.  These calculations will be carried out to the second decimal place.  If truncating a weight after the second decimal point does not produce a sum that is equal to 4.00, 5.00, or 9.00, weights will be rounded up as necessary.  The higher weights will be assigned to the courses in which the student received higher grades.

Normally, as is the case with courses taught on the Middlebury campus, all courses in which a student is enrolled will be assigned an equal weight in the computation of the GPA, regardless of the number of contact hours.  However, if the transcript issued by the program abroad clearly indicated that a course was a double course or a half-course, the calculation of course weights will be adjusted to reflect this.

Only grades that are reported on an A-F scale, or that can be converted to an A-F scale, will be used in the calculation of the GPA, including grades of D and F.  As has always been the case, courses graded on a pass/fail or audit basis will not be transferred.  In addition, independent research projects and internships must be evaluated upon return by a Middlebury faculty member.

Since the weight to be assigned to each grade is a matter of calculation, not assessment, students may not appeal the determinations of Off-Campus Study or the Registrar's Office regarding the weight to be assigned to a course.  Students who wish to appeal their grade in a course may do so using the grade appeal procedures established by the program or by the International Office of the institution at which they were enrolled.

FULL YEAR/HALF YEAR

Of the hundred or so universities in the United Kingdom, the most common calendar is still a three term, or trimester, schedule, with one 8-10-week term before Christmas (Michaelmas) and two 8-10-week terms after the New Year (Hilary and Trinity). Courses generally run the full year, with reading periods and exams taking up much of the third term. While the system is gradually changing to semesters in order to facilitate exchanges with European and U.S. universities, it will be some time before semesters are in place, and even then year-end exams are still likely to occur. To complicate matters further, most English B.A. degrees are organized as three-year programs and are, therefore, somewhat more specialized than U.S. degree programs. The Scottish B.A., on the other hand, is constructed around a slightly more compatible four-year, liberal arts model.

It is not always easy, then, to fragment this system into American-style semesters or to make it fit our junior year abroad programs. Therefore, Middlebury's approach is to emphasize full-year study over partial-year study, except where such a "semester" system is in place and courses are offered in semester-long "modules."

Approval for Partial-Year (semester) Study in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Middlebury encourages students interested in study in the United Kingdom and Ireland to attend a university and study for a full year. This guideline is intended to ensure as full a British or Irish experience as possible (as opposed to an "American" experience). This preference is largely determined by the uniquely British academic year structure. However, the Programs Abroad Committee is willing to consider applications for semester study where the university has adopted an American-style semester calendar and "modular" courses (except for Oxford and Cambridge, which are normally approved only for full-year study). The Programs Abroad Committee does not approve single term (10-weeks or less) programs.  Therefore, students applying for spring semester study abroad at universities where there is a trimester system, must study for the two spring terms (usually January through June).

It is the student's responsibility to make the case for partial-year study in his/her essay to the committee, bearing in mind College concerns about the imbalance in fall and spring enrollments. The Programs Abroad Committee will approve partial-year study when students make strong arguments for such study and are supported by their major departments and advisers.

In making such a case to the Programs Abroad Committee and your major department you might consider the following:

1. Why you cannot go for the full year to a university.

2. Specifically why the program you have selected meets your needs; this discussion might include:

-the special benefit of courses you wish to take

-the overall academic orientation of the program

-other values of the program

3. Why the background you have had at Middlebury especially suits you for this study.

WHICH UNIVERSITY?

Oxford and Cambridge: These universities are known throughout the world as places of great academic distinction. Founded in the 13th century, Oxford and Cambridge were the only universities in England for over 600 years. Only recently has it become possible for American undergraduates to spend a junior year at Oxford or Cambridge (however, Cambridge only admits a very small number of visiting students). Admission as a fully integrated "visiting student" is open only to the most highly qualified students and is not extended by all colleges. Because of the educational structure (the tutorial system) on which Oxford and Cambridge operate, Middlebury's Programs Abroad Committee (PAC) only approves students for full-year study at Oxford or Cambridge.  In addition, the PAC does not approve "associate" student schemes (where students are not integrated) or programs that are merely "in" or "at" Oxford or Cambridge but are in fact "island" programs. The committee generally only encourages those students to apply whose goals can be best satisfied by advanced study at these universities.

Ancient Scottish Universities: Since the Middle Ages, Scotland has been a center of learning. Four of the eight Scottish universities--Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews--have roots in the 16th century and have strong international reputations. Middlebury students have found the traditional aspect of these universities appealing, making them among the most popular study abroad locations. The U.S. four-year undergraduate liberal arts degree was in part modeled after the Scottish system of higher education, making these universities especially compatible.

University of London: The original University of London, now University College, was established in 1826 and has evolved into a complex organization of various colleges. A number of these colleges are sufficiently large, strong, and diverse to be universities themselves, and each year attract Middlebury students. They are University College, King's College, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. Another, the London School of Economics and Political Science, is world-renowned, specializing in the social sciences.

University of Durham: This university, the third oldest in England, is located in a historic small city in northeast England, three hours from London and two hours from Edinburgh. Its entry standards are among the highest in Britain.  Durham also follows the traditional tutorial system of education similar to Oxford and Cambridge in many departments.  Durham admits study abroad students for the full year only.

Civic, or "Red Brick," Universities: These universities were established in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, growing out of local, municipal efforts to create institutions of higher learning. They are Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Exeter, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, Sheffield, and Southampton.

Technological Universities: These universities generally became fully chartered in the 1950s, evolving from Colleges of Advanced Technology (CATs). Because of the technological orientation, they are of limited appeal to Middlebury students. They are Aston-in-Birmingham, Bath, Bradford, Brunel, City, Heriot-Watt, Loughborough, Salford, Strathclyde, Surrey, Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST), and Imperial College of Science and Technology.

"New" Universities (1960s): A number of new universities were founded in the 1960s and built from scratch in order to meet an expanding need for university places. These modern universities are often more experimental and less tradition-bound than their 19th-century counterparts. Some have excellent reputations and have attracted Middlebury students in significant numbers. They are East Anglia, Essex, Keele, Kent-at-Canterbury, Lancaster, Stirling, Sussex, Warwick, and York.

The University of Wales: As in London, the University of Wales is a federation of constituent colleges. Because of the ease of diversifying courses in the Welsh system, study in Wales is appropriate for American students. Colleges suitable for junior year abroad are Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, and Swansea.

"New" Universities (1990s)/Former Polytechnics: Recently, the British government determined that a number of other institutions of higher education should be incorporated into the university system. These institutions, formerly called polytechnics, were locally administered and financed (as opposed to the national administration of the universities) and offered a wider range of courses, often quite specialized. The PAC has found that, with occasional exceptions, study at institutions that were historically polytechnics is less relevant to a liberal arts degree.

Irish Universities: Ireland also has a strong tradition of university study based on the liberal arts model. Trinity College, Dublin, was for many years the focus of American interest in Ireland. In recent years, other universities have begun to attract American students; in particular, University College, Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick in Ireland, and Ulster and Queen's Universities in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Middlebury students have studied in recent years at Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Queen's. Middlebury requires that students studying at an Irish university incorporate study of the Irish language in their program, whether or not for credit.

Middlebury Affiliated Programs

Middlebury has exchanges with the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England and the University of Nottingham in Nottingham, England, both of which particularly benefit students with significant Middlebury grant aid. Please see teh Off-Campus Study Office for more information and to apply.

Also in England, Middlebury has an arrangement with Lincoln College at Oxford University, which provides the opportunity for several highly qualified students to study for the full academic year at Oxford.  This program does not qualify for Middlebury financial aid .  Applications for Lincoln are due to Off-Campus Study in early January; please see the Office of Off-Campus Study for more information.

Choosing a University

Middlebury, unlike many other schools, does not have an "approved list" of programs abroad. Among the many options in the U.K. and Ireland we do have preferences. Generally, we prefer study that is integrated into the university system. Some universities, in particular, Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen in Scotland; Bristol, East Anglia, King's, Lancaster, Nottingham, Sussex, UCL, and York in England; and University College, Dublin, Cork, and Galway in Ireland lend themselves to partial-year study because their courses are "modular." In some cases, Aberdeen, St. Andrews, Bristol, Nottingham, Queen's and Limerick, for example, fall semester exams and some classes are held in January, which will require students to stay over the Christmas break. (Reminder: no special arrangements can be made to sit for exams prior to Christmas, even if the university gives you the option.) However, where exams are held in January, students will receive five course credits

Because of the enrollment imbalance that Middlebury is experiencing (many more students away in the spring than in the fall), it will make sense for students who wish a half-year experience to consider those universities offering a fall semester: they include UCL, King's, Queen Mary, Goldsmiths, Royal Holloway, and the School for Oriental and African Studies in London; UC Dublin, Galway and Limerick in Ireland; Queen's in Northern Ireland; Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Stirling and St. Andrews in Scotland; and Bristol, East Anglia, and Nottingham in England.

The following chart outlines which universities you can attend for specific semesters.  An "X" in the column indicates that it is possible to attend the university for the indicated semester.  Please note that this information is subject to change and depends on semester and term dates – please contact the universities directly for exact dates and check with Off-Campus Study with any questions!

* Please note that if the university has a three-term system, you are required to fully enroll for both the spring and summer terms (usually January through June).

WHERE MIDDLEBURY STUDENTS GO

In the past several years, Middlebury students have studied at the following universities:

England

Bristol

Durham

East Anglia

Goldsmiths, University of London

Kent-at-Canterbury

King's College, London

Lancaster

Leeds

London School of Economics

Manchester

Nottingham

Oxford

Queen Mary, University of London

Reading

Royal Holloway, University of London

School for Oriental and African Studies

Sheffield

Slade School of Art (UCL)

Sussex

University College London (UCL)

York

Scotland

Aberdeen

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Glasgow School of Art

St. Andrews

Stirling

Ireland

Cork

Galway

Limerick

Trinity College, Dublin

University College, Dublin

Northern Ireland

Queen's University, Belfast

Middlebury Students in the U. K. and Ireland 2005-2006

Academic Year

Willa Brown, Oxford University-Lincoln College

Scott Bulua, Oxford University - Worcester College

Nancy Fullman, University of St. Andrews

Amanda Goodwin, London School of Economics

Matthew Hershenson, London School of Economics

Taylor Johnston, Oxford University-Lincoln College

Jeff Schneider, London School of Economics

Lauren Westerfield, Trinity College Dublin

Jodie Zhang, Oxford University-Lincoln College

Fall

Viraj Assar, University of Nottingham

Hannah Baker, University of East Anglia

Edward Bentzen, University of Edinburgh

Elizabeth Chatelain, Royal Holloway

Alexander Crumb, University of Edinburgh

Daniel Feinberg, University of St. Andrews

Heather Gallagher, University of St. Andrews

Rachel, Greenhaus, University of East Anglia

Jessica Horvath, University of East Anglia

Bocar Kante, University of Nottingham

Margaret McFadden, University College Galway

Lauren Nazarian, University of St. Andrews

Elizabeth Parker, Queen Mary, University of London

Caitlin Podiak, University of Edinburgh

Leigh Polfer, University of East Anglia

Mary (Gena) Schiffenhaus, University of East Anglia

Lauren A. Smith, Goldsmiths College

Nikki Sutton, University of Nottingham

Kelsey Van Wart, University of St. Andrews

Amy Witherspoon, University of East Anglia

Lisa Yuo, University of Edinburgh

Spring 

Sasha Bronner, University of East Anglia

Rebecca Browngoehl, University of St. Andrews

Veronica Churchill, University of East Anglia

Amanda Cook, University of St. Andrews

James Ebberson, University of St. Andrews

Brett Foreman, Slade School of Art (UCL)

Matthew Friend, University of Edinburgh

Cara Gooch, Queen Mary, University of London

Evan Harris, University of Nottingham

William Hunt, University of East Anglia

Piya Kashyap, University of East Anglia

Emily Lee, Slade School of Art (UCL)

Matthew Morrissey, University of St. Andrews

Noor Puthawala, University College London

Sathyavani Sathisan, University of Nottingham

Amit Tantri, University College London

Amanda Tavel, University of St. Andrews

Zachary Toth, University College Cork

Heather Viani, University of Edinburgh

Christine Winkler, University of York

THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATION

The Office of Off-Campus Study, located in Sunderland Language Center 129, has available considerable information about study in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A study abroad resource library, where students can research study abroad options through catalogs, brochures, past student evaluations, and on the web, is located in Sunderland 124.  The study abroad home page is found at www.middlebury.edu/academics/ump/sap and has links to many universities in the U.K. and Ireland.

General Information Sources

The British Council:   This organization provides information on studying in the United Kingdom.  Their web site, which lists many resources and links, can be found at: www.studyintheuk.org .

BUTEX Directory: This brochure is published by British Universities Transatlantic Exchanges Association (BUTEX) and provides brief descriptions of most universities in the United Kingdom along with the names, numbers, and addresses of international offices at universities in the U.K.  This directory can be found at www.butex.ac.uk

The London Times Higher Education Supplement's Research Rankings: This is a listing by department of the research reputations of the various universities. It can be very helpful in determining the strengths of disciplines at particular universities.  The web site can be found at: www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,716,00.html .

The Guardian University Guide: This comprehensive interactive guide to U.K. universities, which includes rankings and student statistics, can be found at: http://education.guardian.co.uk/universityguide/0,,488282,00.html .

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA): Subject Review Reports are produced for specific subjects taught in higher education in England and Northern Ireland. They focus on the common influences that shape the learning experiences and achievements of all students in higher education. The reports can provide a helpful source of information for potential students applying to universities.  The web sites can be found at: www.qaa.ac.uk and www.hero.ac.uk/rae.

StudyInBritain.com , is a website (www.studyinbritain.com/ ) that includes information on study and travel in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.  This web site also includes information on university rankings.

Study-In-Ireland.com: This web site, a comprehensive guide to studying in Ireland, includes information on Irish universities, traveling in Ireland, and financial information.

The Underground Guide to University Study in Britain and Ireland, by Bill Griesar: This book was written by a former student who studied in Britain and is full of practical advice for students planning to study in the U.K.

Studying and Living in Britain: The British Council's Guide:   This book gives advice on choosing a university and how to make the most of your U.K. experience.

Welcoming You: A Pre-Departure Guide for U.S. Students Going to the U.K.:   This book can be viewed or ordered at www.studyintheuk.org .

UKStudentLife.com , is a website (www.ukstudentlife.com ) about British culture for students interested in studying in the U.K.

Individual University Catalogs

The study abroad resource library in Sunderland 124 contains a wide range of university catalogs (and often additional materials). Many universities present their opportunities in brochures specifically developed for overseas students. These catalogs are both generally descriptive and specific in delineating what is available to visiting study abroad students.  Many of these catalogs are also available on the Web (www.middlebury.edu/academics/ump/sap has links to many universities in the U.K. and Ireland).

Returned Students

The best resource for information about study in the U.K. and Ireland is fellow students who have spent all or part of a year there, as well as British exchange students studying at Middlebury. Meetings are organized during the fall to bring returned and exchange students together with interested sophomores.

Additional initiative should be taken to meet with individual returned students. They are interested in talking about their experiences abroad and have valuable information and insight (see the list in this booklet for names of students who studied in the U.K. or Ireland last year).

Written Evaluations

It is mandatory for students returning from study abroad to complete program evaluations before credits are transferred. These evaluations also provide useful information and are available to interested students on the web (www.middlebury.edu/academics/ump/sap ).

Study Abroad Fair

Representatives from a variety of universities and programs in the U.K. and Ireland will be at the Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, September 28, 2006 (McCullough Social Hall, 12:00 until 4:00 p.m.) to talk with interested students.  Please see the Office of Off-Campus Study for more information.

ADMISSION AND APPROVAL

It makes good sense to spend the fall term investigating the university system in the United Kingdom and Ireland by reading, talking to returned students, attending meetings, investigating the web, and talking with your academic adviser. E-mail universities that appeal to you and request applications and other relevant materials.  Please note: students must meet with Stacey Thebodo in Off-Campus Study at least once DURING FALL SEMESTER to discuss their study abroad plans.

January is a good time to complete university applications, many of which are available on the web. Generally, they are not difficult and there usually is no application fee. Middlebury students with a "B" (3.0) or "B+" (3.3) average will likely be admitted to many of the universities to which they apply [with the exceptions of Oxford, Cambridge, The London School of Economics and Political Science, University and King's Colleges, London, and the University of Durham, which require around an A- (3.7) average or above]. Spaces for English majors are almost always more scarce than for majors in other disciplines.  As admission at all UK and Irish universities can be competitive, it is recommended that students apply to several universities.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

It is the student's responsibility to present to Middlebury College a compelling academic rationale for study abroad.  Students should begin discussions with their major advisers during the fall semester, and finalize plans during the registration process for winter and spring terms. This should not be left to the last minute; faculty are often more difficult to contact during winter term.  Also, students must meet with the appropriate adviser in the Office of Off-Campus Study at least once DURING FALL SEMESTER to discuss their study abroad plans.

When meeting with their academic adviser during the application process, students should bring:  1) the completed application form; 2) as much information as possible on the courses to be taken while abroad; and 3) an essay that presents a compelling academic rationale for off-campus study (see essay section below).

Students must complete the following:

Study Abroad Application Form: available from the Office of Off-Campus Study.

Major Adviser's Form: the front page to be completed by the student; the back of the page and the course approval section to be completed by the major adviser(s).

Essay:   Students should submit an essay of 300-500 words giving their academic reasons for seeking to study abroad.  Students should explain how their proposal relates to their major/minor and general academic goals, as well as why the particular program of study was chosen and why they have chosen a semester or year abroad.

In order to present a compelling rationale for the time away from Middlebury, students should keep in mind that the College does not grant academic credit solely for life experience or cultural immersion.  The essay then must present a compellingacademic rationale for off-campus study and should:

i.  spell out how the student's course of off-campus study will be integrated with his or her course of study at Middlebury, serving a major, minor, or some other established curricular interest.

ii.  demonstrate that the student has adequate preparation for studying abroad, in the form of preparatory course work or research.

iii.  demonstrate that the courses are appropriate to a liberal arts education, the student's major(s) or other academic interests, and/or are unique in perspective and involve the study of the natural history, economics, history, politics, or culture of the region where the school is located.

iv.  describe how the student is able to complete the major and other requirements in a timely and reasonable fashion.

Spring semester only students should also include the following in the essay:

®  an academic justification for spring term study only.  (See section on fall/spring enrollment imbalances.)

Regardless of how many applications students make to universities , only one PAC application should be completed, indicating the first choice. If students write a convincing and coherent essay, have their major adviser's endorsements, and have achieved at least a "B" (3.0) average in the major [and a "B-" (2.7) overall], they will likely be approved for study abroad and transfer of credit.

DEADLINES

January 12, 2007: Deadline by which students must submit the above items to their academic adviser(s).

February 1, 2007: Deadline for submitting the completed application, including a completed adviser's form, to the Office of Off-Campus Study.

Please note:  It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all the aforementioned forms, including the required signatures, are submitted to Off-Campus Study no later than February 1. Students submitting applications after the above dates run the risk of having their applications rejected. Sufficient time must be allowed in order to obtain required signatures and comments from major advisers (faculty support is an important factor in committee decisions); hence, the January 12 deadline for submitting materials to the adviser(s).

DIRECT APPLICATION VS. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Most Middlebury students apply directly to universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland, just as they applied from high school to American undergraduate colleges and universities. All arrangements are made independently by the student with the university. British universities have made the recruitment of visiting study abroad students a high priority and have well-developed procedures for orienting and integrating these students into their academic and residential programs.

It is also possible to attend a university in the U.K. or Ireland through a U.S.-sponsored program. In this format, the program takes care of most of the practical arrangements. Many universities in the United Kingdom are affiliated with a number of programs and welcome American applicants whether they apply directly or through a program. Programs offer services for which they charge fees. The two largest programs that place American students in British universities are the Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad and the Institute for Study Abroad at Butler University.

In general, students whose grades are strong enough [usually a B (3.0)/B+ (3.3) or above] to be admitted to a given university will be accepted independently of whether they apply through a program or not. Universities do not save places for programs, though they often limit the number of visiting students they admit.

FEES AND FINANCIAL AID

Students studying abroad (except those on official exchange programs) are charged an administrative fee of $1,050 per semester abroad. Be sure to tell your parents/guardians about this fee, which covers some of the costs associated with the administration of the study abroad process, from the initial search for a program through the application and approval processes, to the final transfer of credit. In addition, the Office of Off-Campus Study maintains links with students abroad in order to help facilitate room draw and registration for classes on their return, as well as to keep students informed of important campus news or in the case of emergencies.

Federal grants and loans can usually be applied to any approved study abroad in the United Kingdom or Ireland; however, Middlebury financial aid is not available, except in the case of the Nottingham and East Anglia exchanges. Check with the Financial Aid Office for more detailed information. Scholarships are generally not provided by study abroad programs, though there are exceptions.  Also see the booklet "Study Abroad Guidelines" for a listing of non-Middlebury sources of financial aid.

Look closely at program fees. Programs advertise fixed costs; often there are significant living and transportation expenses that must be calculated by students. In general, most study abroad experiences can be achieved well within the total cost of a semester or year at Middlebury. Students returning from study abroad are the best source of information about the real expenses of such study abroad.  Note that studying in London or Oxford is more expensive than other locations in the U.K. or Ireland.

EXPENSES AND DEBTS INCURRED WHILE ABROAD

Students are reminded that they are responsible for their own expenses and the settlement of any outstanding debts in the country in which they have studied. Failure to pay such debts reflects poorly on both the student and Middlebury College and jeopardizes our relationships with institutions overseas, as well as opportunities for future students. In such cases, credit for study abroad may be withheld until the matter is settled.

FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Students are encouraged to attend events conducted by the Office of Off-Campus Study throughout fall semester to investigate their study abroad options.

A Study Abroad Fair

will be held

Thursday, September 28, 2006, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

in the McCullough Social Hall.

Students can collect information and speak with representatives from

programs and universities around the world.

Also, meetings will be held during fall semester to connect students interested in studying abroad with returned students (see Off-Campus Study for dates and times).  Students are reminded that they must meet with an adviser in Off-Campus Study during the fall semester.  The staff in the Office of Off-Campus Study is happy to answer questions and meet with students interested in and applying to study abroad; see the contact list below.

Office of Off-Campus Study

Sunderland Language Center 129

tel:   (802) 443-5745

fax:   (802) 443-3157

e-mail:  studyabroad@middlebury.edu (non-Middlebury programs)

schoolsabroad@middlebury.edu (Middlebury Schools Abroad)

URL:   www.middlebury.edu/academics/ump/sap

Jeffrey W. Cason, Dean of International Programs

Liz Ross, Associate Director

Stacey Woody Thebodo, Assistant Director (non-Middlebury programs)

Julie Good, Coordinator (Middlebury Schools Abroad: China, France, Germany, & Russia)

Nicole Chance, Coordinator (Middlebury Schools Abroad: Italy, Latin America, & Spain)

Jamie Northrup, University Relations Coordinator

Christie Jones, Program Assistant   

(Rev 8/06)