Exchanges

Incoming exchange students take 120 credits over a year, or 60 over a semester*. All exchange students are advised to take our bespoke 20 credit level five module: ML5108 - Intercultural Experiential Learning

The course Intercultural Experiential Learning will facilitate the student in obtaining the best out of an exchange. The principal purpose of this module is to encourage the student to reflect upon their personal experiences as a study abroad student and how these experiences impact the student’s perceptions of their own identity, culture and history. Thoroughly grounded in theory, the course helps the student to focus upon their overseas adventures and turn them into constructive learning experiences. With this in mind, there are a number of facilitated field trips and independent adventures, the student can review systematically.

Along with this module/course, students will the take an additional four/five courses/modules equalling a further 100/40 credits, in subjects of their choice.

Students will have the opportunity to take classes in the following subject areas. For a more detailed list of the modules available in your term, please contact us at ahsplacements@chester.ac.uk.

• Biology
• Business
• Computer Science
• Education
• English
• Fine Art, Graphic Design and Photography
• Games Development
• Geography
• History and Archaeology
• Languages and Cultures 
• Mathematics
• Media
• Natural Sciences
• Performing Arts
• Psychology
• Social and Political Science
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Theology and Religious Studies

Please click here for further information on the modules available to exchange students.

Accommodation

All international study abroad students are guaranteed university accommodation. We have a range of accommodation options, both on campus and immediately surrounding. You can find additional information on our semi and self-catered properties within the Accommodation section.

Exchange: If you you join us through a partner institution or ISEP Exchange, you will continue to pay the tuition fees of your home institution. 

Study Abroad Direct: If you apply via an agent or partner institutions with Study Abroad Direct, tuition will be charged at the usual international rate. If applying via ISEP Direct, any additional costs are outlined on the ISEP website.  

Please check with your University's study abroad department to see if you are eligible. If so, your home institution can submit a nomination on your behalf directly to the University of Chester.

For all exchanges within the Centre for Student Exchange and Language Development, please email: ahsplacements@chester.ac.uk   

Personal Development

• Life changing experience which will enhance your confidence, independence and organisation skills
• New friends and contacts from all over the world
• Opportunity to explore new interests and exciting challenges like trekking or scuba diving

Academic Development

• Gain decision making capabilities, increased academic interest and open mindedness
• Varying perspectives on your area of study
• Broaden your academic portfolio

Professional Development

• Better prepared for the global job market than vast majority of UK students
• More likely to be employed in graduate level work after graduation
• Employers universally value 'transversal' skills when hiring
• May contribute towards the Chester Difference Award through fund raising, destination specific tasks, ambassadorial activities, and much more.

Bilateral Partners

You can study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral partners, or even at a different institution each semester:

Australia

• Charles Sturt University in New South Wales: This university is the regional university of New South Wales and provides study in five areas: Health Sciences, Science and Agriculture, Education, Commerce, Art across 6 campuses including a coastal campus in Port Macquarie, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.

• Federation University Australia: Mt. Helen campus: Located 10 kilometres from the Ballarat city centre, and 90 minutes by car or train from Victoria’s capital city Melbourne; FedUni Mt. Helen is surrounded by park and natural bushland and is attended by more than 4,500 students. Study is available in courses from the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education and Arts, the Faculty of Science; and the Faculty of Health.

• Alverno College, Milwaukee: A female-only college, Alverno was described by The New York Times as one of the best higher education institutions serving the needs of students. Milwaukee is only one hour north of the city of Chicago, and is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.

• State University of New York, Plattsburgh: Situated in the beautiful Adirondack region of New York State, half an hour's drive from Canada's Quebec border, Plattsburgh offers a variety of undergraduate programmes.

• Wichita State University, Kansas: A co-educational university, situated in the heart of the Midwest. Set in an attractive campus, Wichita State teaches similar subjects to those taught at Chester.

ISEP

The ISEP (International Student Exchange Programme) offers opportunity at additional study destinations around the world. With over 300 institutions in the ISEP network, you're sure to find a university that suits you.      

**If you are interested in participating in a student exchange within the European Union, please contact the Erasmus office at erasmus@chester.ac.uk.

The tuition fees for your international exchange year are just 15% of your usual fee.  You will continue to pay these tuition fees directly to the University of Chester.

There is also an ISEP exchange fee due the 15th February when your application is submitted, and an additional fee when you accept your final placement. See ISEP for details. 

Expenses

There are additional costs which you should be aware of prior to your application.  They vary significantly by destination, so please research these thoroughly, and speak to the Study Abroad team for any clarification.

These can include:

• Accommodation
• Subsistence
• Books and supplies
• Medical Insurance
• Travel (including flights home during holidays)
• Visa
• Immunisations

Funding

You may continue to apply and receive Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans, just as you would do if studying here at Chester.

Deadlines and Important Dates for year abroad exchanges. Applications open in September for Students studying at Level 5.  

Application Process:

1. Read the Global Mobility Handbook on Moodle and complete an application form. 
2. Complete an application form Please note this application form is for students who will be studying at level 5/second year in the current academic year only. You will need to log in to your University account to access this.
3. You will then be invited to a one-to-one Meeting with the Overseas Experiential Learning and Exchange Programme Leader 
4. Attend information sessions
5. Apply to placement provider
6. Complete all required paperwork/administrative tasks
7. Attend lectures
8. Attend one-to-one Getting Reading to Go Session
9. Go Abroad!
10. Share your experience once you have returned from your placement – write a blog, case study or attend Open Days and other events.

Please see the handbook for further information on the application process.