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SUSSEX - UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 10 (fall, spring, summer terms) |
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- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top--notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
England
Brighton is less than an hour from London by train - close enough to go for the evening or day. From London, you can catch a train to almost any destination in the country. France is only a ferry ride away from nearby Newhaven, and student travel agencies ensure you get a bargain if you want to go abroad from Gatwick Airport, which is half an hour from Brighton by train.
England is a parliamentary democracy (an eventual development derived from the ideals dictated in the Magna Carta, signed in 1215 by King John). Government proceedings take place in the House of Parliament in London.
Sussex County and Brighton
The landscape of Sussex rises and falls like waves, with downlands and trees and timberlands. It is south of London, on the English Channel, and is riddled with seaside towns. The old villages of Sussex are more intriguing and historical than the resorts of the shore, with markets, shops and even castles. In East Sussex County, on the edge of Ahown Forest, is the legendary home of A.A. Milne and the "House at Pooh Corner." This is the area where the real Christopher Robin grew up and where the timeless tales of Winnie-the Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Piglet, and Eeyore were born.
Because Brighton was once a hub for the elite, it is considered a "London by the Sea" and draws large numbers of tourists annually. In fact, the Palace Pier is the fourth most-visited tourist attraction in Britain. Brighton is also known for the extravagant Royal Pavilion, for its miles of pebble beaches, and for having one of the most active art scenes in Britain. With more than 10 percent of the population of Brighton and Hove (its next-door neighbor) being university students, the area is geared to students needs so you should find many recreational and cultural opportunities.
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: early October - mid December
Spring Term: mid January - mid March
Summer Term: mid April - late June (Students can not enroll as Summer-only; Summer term must be in conjunction with Spring term.)
NOTE: Students may participate in this exchange for the fall term (10 weeks), spring term plus summer term (20 weeks), or for the entire academic year (all three Sussex terms: fall, spring, and summer).
When reviewing the course offerings of Sussex, pay particular attention to the term(s) the course is offered, as courses can span one, two, or three terms. For example, if you choose to participate for fall term only, you must be careful not to choose any classes offered during the spring/summer nor those that run for the entire academic year.
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The University of Sussex was the first of the new British universities created in the 1960's. The school offers a unique environment for interdisciplinary study and world-class research. Students from over 100 countries are attracted to the university by its academic reputation, excellent facilities and beautiful campus. There are over 11,000 students including both the graduate and undergraduate programs.
The campus is set in an 18th century park on the fringe of the South Downs, close to the village of Falmer (in the country of Sussex). It is six kilometers from the center of Brighton and about the same distance from the East Sussex county town of Lewes.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- History, Technology, and Society
- International Affairs
- Literature, Communication, and Culture
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy, Science, and Technology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Language Information
All courses are taught in English.
Course Information
For detailed course information: click here
When reviewing the course offerings of Sussex, pay particular attention to the term(s) the course is offered. For example, if you choose to participate for fall term only, you must be careful not to choose any classes offered during the spring/summer nor those that run for the entire academic year.
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CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
Please note: Students taking a full load of courses at Sussex could possibly earn anywhere from 16 GT credits (for the fall or spring terms) to 24 GT credits (for spring plus summer terms). Students should consider how this number of credits being transferred back to GT may affect scholarship eligibility.
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
Sussex uses the following credit transfer system:
1 Sussex credit = 0.357 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
Sussex uses the following grading system listed below:
Sussex Grade = US Grade
65-100 = A
50-64 = B
40-49 = C
0-39 = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
The same matriculation, tuition and other mandatory fees (including transportation, technology, activity, health, and athletic) apply to a term abroad as would normally at Georgia Tech. Exchange students must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.
Keep in mind the costs of books, health insurance, food, living expenses, and travel money, as well as pre-departure costs like your passport and plane ticket. In general, England is more expensive than the United States so you will want to devise and use a budget.
The currency in all of the United Kingdom is the British Pound (GBP). The sterling pound is made up of 100 pence. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON"T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one term (10 weeks) at Sussex that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. If you study for the full academic year, you will be at Sussex for 3 terms (30 weeks). All costs are in USD.
Students who participate in this program are eligible to apply for a study abroad scholarship that is available through BUTEX: click here. Please contact your OIE advisor for additional details.
In State Tuition $3,035 Out of State Tuition $3,285 GT Mandatory Fees $818 Books and Supplies $350 Administrative and/or Application fees $0 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,030 Roundtrip Airfare $900 Room and Board $4,675 Additional Language Instruction $0 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $10,958 (in state) $11,208(out of state)
*Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
Sussex has a number of dormitory-style accommodations on campus as well as some properties in the city of Brighton, which it leases to students. Most accommodations are coed, with rooms varying in size and price. The houses and halls on campus are all equipped with telephones and internet access. Students studying for the academic year or fall-only are guaranteed housing. Students going just for the spring/summer terms may not receive on-campus housing. If you are gong just for the fall and spring terms (no summer term), you will most likely be placed with a host family. For detailed housing information, go to: click here
Dormitories are self-catering and are equipped with kitchens shared by no more than 12 students so you will be able to cook your own meals. You need to provide your own kitchenware and cookware. Although there are no "meal plans," there are numerous places to eat on campus, which offer reasonably priced food.
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INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The University of Sussex campus is on the edge of the beautiful South Downs: fields, farmland, villages, and vineyards to enjoy if you ride, hike or bike. Brighton provides a virtual playground for the athletic enthusiast. The seaside is a beautiful, out-door gym (complete with a boardwalk) so take your roller blades and jogging shorts. Brighton and Hove boast two swimming pools, five golf courses, watersports, greyhound and horse racing, go-carting, ten-pin bowling, dry skiing, and ice skating. Major sports events include international cycle races (including the 1994 tour de France), the BMX World Championship, the British Windsurfing Championships, the British leg of the Windsurfing World Cup and international women's tennis. Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Sussex County Cricket Club and the B52s American football team all have their home grounds in the area.
CLIMATE
Yes, England is rainy, but the temperature is very mild. It never swelters and it rarely freezes (it does snow sometimes). Evenings are cool in the summer and quite pleasant. The average temperature in this region is between 35ºF and 78ºF. Bring a rain "slicker" and you'll do fine.
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online: click here
Depending on how long you will be in the UK and whether or not you intend to work, you may or may not need to apply for a visa prior to departure. Visa regulations and interpretations can change, so be sure to check the UK Border Agency web site frequently: click here
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
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EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Becky Gunter, Semester Study Abroad Advisor
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: becky.gunter@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Brighton
England
Europe
Semester
10 (fall, spring, summer terms)
12
English
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In a semester program, you actually take classes with the host universitys students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Semester program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GTs International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan. For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here