The American Exchange

Our biggest student exchangeErasmus (EU), Japan and South

Korea may be open to your programmes, but AMEX is open to almost all – 45 students last time and can take more

Only a few SH programmes where not possible because of accreditation – all Social Work , Law (SH and CHP), and Journalism (SH)

Which university?

University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire University of Southern Maine Georgia College State University University of Southern Oregon Alfred University, New York Montana State University Billings Westminster College, Missouri Shenandoah University, Virginia Lander University, South Carolina Eastern Illinois University, Illinois

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Which university for you?

There are locations that are the “best fit” for specific programmes and therefore will be the first choice

There are locations where normally only students from specific programmes go

Some subjects can go to any location

But your choice – if you have one - should not be based on location

When?

1) Semester 1 of your Yr2 – September 2016 - for most programmes; for some in Yr3 - BA Accounting

2) Semester 2 – January 2017, normally only for:

For ITE / Lander For Sport / Eastern Illinois IU For Archaeology / U Wisconsin Eau Claire

Why take part in the exchange?

Study in the US university system, taking classes alongside American (and international) students

Live in a different culture, immerse yourself in a different way of life

Meet new people, make friends, stand out from the crowd

Study what?

Choose classes from the US university’s catalogue

Must be “fit” with your degree and at the right level (year) – normally 300/0

Must be approved by your Programme Leader/s

Classes will be different, the assessments will be more frequent (“little and often”)

You get graded in America – and we adjust the grades down to match our marking scheme

How will it be different?

Classes may be early or late in the day Attendance regulations may be strict Assessments will almost certainly be

“little and often (including things like weekly quizzes to test reading) and they will be graded differently

Probably sharing a dorm room No alcohol under 21 allowed And you can be away from home for 16

weeks

Why do it?

A positive experience, both academically and personally

Good for your independence, self-reliance and self-confidence

Will improve your employability An experience you will cherish

for the rest of your life

How much will it cost? Perhaps £2500-£3000 beyond cost at home You still pay our annual Tuition Fee – it is an

“exchange” You pay for the US visa ($340 USD) Your flight (£700 approx) You pay the US university for housing, meals, etc. We provide full insurance, but some institutions

may insist you also purchase their Medical Insurance

Other expenses – academic and personal – will vary depending on your lifestyle

See the chart in the Handbook

Visa

Proof that you have sufficient funds for your visa application will be required by your US university – they are the Sponsor

Each university asks for a different sum Can include your Student Loan and other

people’s funds if they guarantee you You have to prove this – for instance via

authorised bank statements – in order to be granted your visa

Exclusions for criminal records, etc Requires a short interview at US Embassy

Financial support?

If your “household income” is £25k or under, you will get automatic support from the University – approx £600

Check your status with Student Finance England/Wales

If you are eligible, you can also get travel support from SFE/SFW

Winchester will make a discretionary payment of £300 to all students taking part who have a household income under £42k pa

Housing on your return?You can apply to Winchester

Housing as early as May 2016 to secure a place in University housing on your return

Or seek private housing on returnWe do not recommend you pay

rent while you are away – you may have to make a choice

Classes for your other semester are selected as normal

How to proceed?

Fill out and submit the Application Form (on the Registry Intranet page and on the LN) by deadline Jan 19, 2016

Form requires approval from your Programme Leader/s

An interview will be required

Post Application process

If your application and interview are successful, there is a process to follow:

Application to US university Application for visa Selection of classes at the US university

We run Pre-Departure sessions in S2 to assist you

Once selected, you must complete all of your modules in Yr1 to a good standard – if you fail the year, you are not going

Next?

Read the AMEX Handbook carefullyCheck the Intranet page,

webpages or LN for details of the Universities

Discuss it with family and friendsConsider the costs carefullyTalk to your Programme Leader/sSubmit your applicationGet in touch if problems –

studyabroad@winchester.ac.uk