International Study Centre

The inaugural International Study Centre will run 20th June 2013 - 7th July 2013. Students from any discipline and any year (both undergraduate and postgraduate and including final year students) will be eligible to apply for a total of 25 places. Applications from both Home and International students will be given equal consideration.

The ISC will consist of an exciting three day cultural experience in New York followed by an intensive cross discipline academic programme in Leadership and Social Change based at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. The participating students will work with local community based organisations in order to apply the theory to real world situations. The aim of the programme is to provide a rewarding international experience while at the same time enhancing student's global competencies and improving employability, leadership and advocacy skills.

Employers value proven international experience in their employees. The University is committed to increasing the number of students who leave York having taken part in an international experience during the course of their degrees. This programme is designed to appeal to students who may not want or be able to consider a full year study abroad placement.

Please see here for further details about the International Study Centre. ISC details (PDF , 224kb)

Please see here for draft outline of the course curriculum. Please remember that this is a draft and is subject to change. Modules Draft (PDF , 142kb) Leadership Modules Draft (PDF , 216kb)

Costs and Funding

  • The total cost of the programme, including tuition fees, room and board at Mount Holyoke College, the cultural experience in New York City, international flights and transfers is expected to be approximately £2000.
  • Selection for the programme will automatically include a bursary of £500 towards costs.
  • There will be a total of 5 places funded to the value of £2000 available on a competitive basis. Preference will be given, but not limited to, students who are in receipt of an Undergraduate bursary or a Scholarship for Overseas Students. Other applications for full funding will be considered on a case by case basis. If you would like your application to be considered for full funding please write a separate personal statement of not more than 300 words making your case and email as an attachment in confidence to Jenny Oxley. Please also confirm in your email that you give permission for the Study Abroad Office to seek information about your financial circumstances from the appropriate office.  Please note you are not eligible for a Santander International Connections Award.
  • Offers of acceptance are expected to be made by end January 2013. A deposit will be required in order to secure your place. A payment plan will then be put in place to allow successful applicants to stagger payments.

Application

  • The deadline for application to the ISC via your e:vision account is 11th January 2013. At the bottom of the 'Your study' page you should see a 'Study Abroad' section on the left hand side. The Global York International Opportunities application form can be found here. If you have any difficulties accessing the form, please contact the Study Abroad Office.
  • There are a total of 25 places available for the ISC.
  • The application can be saved and completed over several sessions before final submission.
  • The application will allow you to apply for both a World Wide Exchange and the ISC, however if you are successful in your application for a WWE you will no longer be eligible for the ISC.
  • Please ensure that you have discussed the scheme with your Supervisor so they can write an informed reference on your behalf (the Study Abroad team will request references directly for shortlisted applicants).

Visas and Insurance

  • All students selected to partipate in the ISC will be responsible for obtaining a tourist visa allowing travel to the USA. British passport holders can apply online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), this costs around £9 and once approved is then valid for two years. Passport holders from other countries will be responsible for ensuring they are eligible for travel to the USA.
  • The University's insurance provider has agreed to cover all participating students for the full duration of the programme. This will be free of charge but in order for the cover to be valid students must complete a Travel Log with full details of the trip, accessed with a University of York username. Students will be responsible for ensuring their personal Travel Log is completed.
  • Should any student decide to remain in the USA for independent travel following the end of the programme, they will no longer be covered under university travel insurance. It will be the personal responsibility of the student to arrange subsequent travel insurance.

Contacts

If you have any questions or you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Jenny Oxley.