Scotland: Stirling Semester

University of Stirling in Stirling

The University of Stirling was opened in 1967 on a brand new campus built on the estate of the 18th century Airthrey Castle. Currently approximately 11,500 students are enrolled, with 19% from overseas. The 2006 Times Higher Education Supplement ranked the University of Stirling in the top 10 in UK for the best student experience, whilst the International Student Barometer, 2007, voted Stirling 1st in the UK for a 'good place to be'.  In 2009, Stirling earned the distinction Scottish University of the Year, by The Sunday Times.

The University has some of the finest sports facilities on a single site in the country, including its own golf course and golf academy, a state-of-the-art fitness center and appropriate arenas for all the major indoor and outdoor sports.

Course Offerings

The academic semester is based on the U.S. semester schedule, which permits ease of credit transfer. CCIS students generally take three courses (modules) per semester for fifteen U.S. college credits. The study abroad course catalogue is available on-line at:

http://www.stir.ac.uk/study-abroad-exchanges/module-information

Courses are available in the following subjects:

Accounting and Finance
Aquaculture
Biological Sciences
Business Management
Computer Science
Economics
Education
English Studies
Environmental Science
Film & Media Studies
French
Global Cinema
History
Journalism
Law (including business law)
Marketing
Mathematics
Nursing and Midwifery
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Religion
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
Spanish and Latin American Studies
Sports Studies

Academic Highlights

With 19% of its students coming from overseas and more than 85 nations represented on its campus, the University of Stirling is a truly international institution.  It consistently receives high ratings for teaching and research and has over thirty years experience of study abroad. 

 

Student Life

Students can pick from a variety of university accommodations, including on campus residence halls or chalets, or rooms in flats on or off campus, all of which are without board. There are approximately 2,300 residential places on campus and the centrally situated facilities encourage a strong community feel. Students have much to occupy their time outside of the classroom. Student life takes many different shapes through student clubs, outstanding sport facilities, on campus stores, bars, cafes, and other social facilities. Modern computer labs with email/internet access are available to students at all times.

Student Services

The University of Stirling provides very comprehensive student services and student support.  Students can make use of the optional Glasgow and Edinburgh airport pickup service and the onsite orientation program at the start of each semester.  A detailed Welcome Pack gives students information about student services.  The International and Study Abroad Office provides information about a variety of tours (from half day to week-long) to attractive destinations all over Scotland, such as St. Andrews, Loch Lomond and the Isle of Skye.  These are organized by an on-campus travel agency and additional charges will apply. Advisors counsel students who have academic questions.  Many excellent services and amenities are available on campus including a four-floor library, 24/7 computer labs, laundry facilities, 50 meter swimming pool, state of the art fitness center, six indoor tennis courts, outdoor sports facilities, an arts center, shops, a post office, a movie theater, a travel agent and 70+ clubs and societies.

Housing

University accommodations are available on-campus within a short walk from all teaching facilities or off-campus in Stirling city which is readily accessed by regular bus services. The University of Stirling guarantees to house all study abroad students who apply on time in single study bedrooms for the duration of their program. There is no guarantee that this housing will be on-campus.   Most housing has Internet access in the rooms.

Alumni Feedback

"Studying abroad has been, and probably will remain, one of the best experiences of my college years. I made friends with people from around the world, sampled a variety of activities/foods that I don't have the opportunity of trying at home (anybody ever heard of haggis?), and learned the culture and lifestyle of another nation. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!"
- Devin Nelson

"Everybody who has the ability to study abroad should study abroad, it will change your life in more ways than you yourself ever thought possible."
- Elyse Vautrin

"My time at Stirling U. was completely life changing. I have never been in a place so beautiful that every morning on my way to class my breath was taken away. It was an experience that I will never forget and never want to either!"
- Laura Nywening

 

Duration

Fall:                         September 9 -December 16, 2013
Spring:                     February 10 - May 31, 2014
(Note: Both Fall and Spring semesters include a 1-week mid-semester break)

Application Deadline(s)

Fall semester:            March 15
Spring semester:        October 1

Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Aid

The British Universities Transatlantic Association (BUTEX)awards up to eight scholarships for North American students studying in the UK. The application deadline is May 31.

A College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) scholarship is available to students from member institutions. CCIS students should check with their study abroad advisor for applicable campus deadlines.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
Minimum of 15 college credits
Minimum age of 18

Costs

$8,975

*Fees are subject to change due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, fees, pre-departure and on-site orientation, sickness and accident insurance.

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($1,200 approx.), accommodations ($2,575 approx./per semester), Food ($1,100 approx./semester), personal expenses ($2,000 approx./semester), books ($225 approx./per semester), and optional airport pick-up ($40 approx.).

Entry Requirements

One semester (6 months or less without internship component) - Visa is generally not required: can enter UK as a student visitor

Full Year or with internship - Visa is required

For more information visit the UK Border Agency website.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

• University of Stirlng Study Abroad & Exchanges
• Wikipedia Stirling, Scotland

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Janice M. Thomas, Ph.D., Director

International Education Center
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1543
732-224-2799
732-224-2980 (Fax)
Email: international@brookdalecc.edu
http://international.brookdalecc.edu

How do I apply?

Submit the following documents to CCIS/Brookdale by October 1/March 15. Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading the forms.

YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR HOME INSTITUTIONS' STUDY ABROAD OFFICE OR ADVISOR OF YOUR INTENTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH A COPY OF YOUR APPLICATION. 

1. CCIS Application & Instructions
2. CCIS Online Student Recommendation (2 references) (DO NOT send the student recommendation form to your evaluators as an attachment. Please only send the page URL.)
3. University of Stirling Application (Send to CCIS/Brookdale)
4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
5. Statement of purpose
6. Legible copy of the biographical page of your passport
7. Application Fee $35.00 made payable to Brookdale Community College (you may pay by credit card by calling the International Education Center 732-224-2799.

You will need to choose your classes in order to complete the Stirling application. From the Stirling application, you can obtain a link to courses available for study abroad students. For, specific instructions related to the Stirling application, please click here.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.