Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has designed this program in Wales with your individual student goals in mind. It is built around a unique Discovery Model which is delivered by some of the best staff in study abroad, both in the U.S. and overseas, in order to provide you with an individualized experience through discovery in 5 key areas: personal, academic, cultural, social, and professional. Learn more about the Discovery Model.

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery, and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Set in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, the University's location is captivating. With 15,421 students (inc. 2286 post graduates) and 2,510 staff, Swansea's multicultural campus community provides a global perspective and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime.

500 undergraduate and 130 postgraduate courses offered in a wide range of subject areas, along with a full range of social, cultural, and sporting amenities, complement the campus lifestyle and contributes to the strong sense of community that the University embraces.

A vibrant student city, Swansea has it all. From a thriving cultural and sporting scene to an awesome night life, stunning coastal scenery to tranquil parks, and great shopping to the best of modern city living, Swansea is the ideal place to build your future.

Learn more about Wales.

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Location

Wales

Wales is a small country with a lot to offer. It boasts a fascinating blend of history and new-world sophistication, charm and innovation, adventure and serenity. The county's motto, "Wales Forever," represents the enduring spirit that can be felt in any city, town, and village. Capitalizing on its pristine environment, its hopeful outlook, and its strong sense of national pride and identity, Wales will continue to offer a unique perspective on British culture. 

Swansea

Swansea University is set in rolling parkland overlooking the majestic sweep of Swansea Bay. The campus is a stone’s throw from the old fishing village of Mumbles, whose unique seaside atmosphere is complemented by a vibrant social scene popular with students.

Travel just a few minutes in the other direction and you reach the Maritime Quarter, a modern waterfront village complete with restaurants, art gallery, theatre, and a busy marina.

The Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, is within easy reach from the University. Unspoilt beaches and dramatic cliff-top views provide a stunning location for water sports, cycling, and walking, as well as unparalleled research opportunities for students studying natural sciences.

Swansea itself is a lively city of 230,000 people. Its friendly shopping center includes a world-famous indoor market that dates back to the Middle Ages and offers traditional, locally produced food.

Culturally, the city is home to the Dylan Thomas Centre, which celebrates the life and work of the great Welsh poet. Theatres, festivals, museums, and galleries enhance Swansea’s rich cultural diversity.

London is less than three hours away by train, Cardiff an hour. But with parks, castles, woodland, wildlife centers, and breathtaking coastal scenery surrounding the city, why would you want to go anywhere else?

Around the University

Swansea University is actually located on the coast, with the campus being a two minute walk from the beach! It is situated half way between the city centre to the east and the historic fishing village of Mumbles to the west. Both locations are no more than a ten-fifteen minute bus ride, so you can enjoy the museums, city shopping and vibrant night life the city has to offer. Alternatively, Mumbles offers a ruined castle, quaint coffee and craft shops, also with an abundance of restaurants to suit every taste!

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students have a bus pass to cover all local travel for the duration of the program, so having access to all places couldn’t be easier, you simply have to wait for the next bus, no more than fifteen minutes!

If you enjoy walking, there is a foot path which follows the sweep of Swansea Bay and the University itself is located within Singleton Park, which boasts rolling green pastures, a rhododendron garden and a small botanical garden. 

Swansea city also boasts a Premier League Football Club, affectionately known as The Swan
 

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Academic Highlights

Swansea University has been awarded a 5 star rating for its Teaching Quality (Published by the QS Stars global university ratings system). The University offers a diverse range of subject areas in which you can choose to study. In all instances you will be fully integrated with UK students.

• American Studies 
• Ancient History & Egyptology 
• Applied Social Studies
• Business 
• Computer Science 
• Economics
• Engineering 
• English Literature 
• History 
• Law 
• Mathematics 
• Media & Communication Studies 
• Physics 
• Politics and International Relations 
• Psychology

Hear what an alum has to say about academics at Swansea! Click here>

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Internships

Internships: An Overview

Swansea University offers part-time unpaid internship opportunities for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students during the spring semester only. Worth 3 U.S. credits, these internships allow you to apply academic theory to work experience and strengthen your resume. By completing an internship in another country, you will gain international work experience, have a fuller study abroad experience through interactions with locals, and distinguish yourself when applying for jobs after graduation. 

 

Who should apply?

Internships are only available during the spring semester. Students who are accepted to Swansea University are eligible to apply for the Internship course in conjunction with their course pre-registration. Internships are ideal for those students wishing to combine practical experience with individual research for academic credit. Students will need to be independent and motivated to benefit fully from this experiential course. Students requesting a research based internship will be expected to be particularly self-disciplined in order to fulfill the academic requirements. Feedback has shown that visiting students who participate in internships find them an opportunity to experience greater integration with the local community. The benefits are a rich cultural experience, a working knowledge of intended majors and a potentially invaluable addition to the skills and experience you bring to prospective employment.

Please note that some internships will incur travel expenses which must be covered by the student

Internships are not guaranteed. Placements are made by Swansea University and applications may be made after initial acceptance to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad program. For a sampling of possible internship course placements by academic discipline see below.
 

Internship Areas

Assessment Criteria

Assessment for this 10 credit module consists of three parts: 

• Employer assessment -including communication skills, initiative and punctuality (40%). This will take place after 65 hours have been achieved.
• Essay - a 3500 word, research based, photo-essay relating in some way to the placement experience, including a minimum 500-word reflective account of roles undertaken. (55%)
• Assessment from the academic convenor 
  

How to Apply

In addition to your GlobaLinks Learning Abroad application, you will be required to send the following to GlobaLinks:

• Your top 3 choices for internships placements
• A 200 word statement as to what you hope to achieve from an internship placement
• Resume

Your choices and statement can be sent to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad office. Please note that internship placements will not be reviewed until after a student has been accepted semester/year abroad program. Your internship application will then accompany all course selections or pre-registration request for Swansea University coursework.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad

12050 N. Pecos Street, Suite 320
Westminster, CO 80234
Fax: 1-303-446-5955
[email protected]  

Questions?

Please contact the GlobaLinks office if you have any questions about internship placements, Swansea University, or the application process. 

Housing

Most of the University's self-catering accommodation is at Hendrefoilan Student Village also known as the Student Village or just HSV. While most residents are in their first year at Swansea, the number of continuing students who also live there makes for a lively and varied social scene.

Students from each house or flat share a bathroom and kitchen facilities. Kitchens are equipped with ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, and freezers and have plenty of storage space.

The Hendrefoilan Estate is two and a half miles from the campus, just off the main Swansea to Gower road, set amongst mature woodland with open grassy areas and consists of: 1610 single rooms, 34 places in twin rooms for 2 sharing contained in flats for 4 or 6 & 7 and Houses for 8, 9 or 10.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants have a bus pass included in the program fee which covers all local travel for the semester/year.

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University Services

International students have access to all academic, sporting, and recreational facilities on or near campus:

• Sports Centre incorporating:
  • 50 m pool – brand new facility
  • Fitness Centre 
  • Tennis & Squash Courts 
• Libraries
• E-mail account and internet access
• Bars and cafes
• Theatre: live performances and film
• Banks
• Accommodation service 
• Counselling & Chaplaincy services 
• Health center 
• Student advisors 
• Study skills assistance 
• Bookshops 
• Post office 
• Computer labs

*Fees may apply General facilities

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Orientation

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>
 

University Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program, all students will participate in a university specific orientation. Detailed information is forwarded to all applicants and upon arrival. The friendly staff hold a comprehensive session to both welcome you to Swansea and also help you adjust.

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Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Europe.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participant, you will be directly enrolled as a student in the university abroad. This allows you to take advantage of every opportunity to be culturally integrated in the campus environment and culture by participating in university activities with resident students. Swansea University’s Student Union & Athletic Union is one of the liveliest, hence its award in 2005 for the best student experience in the UK! The Student Union organizes many live social events on campus embracing music and comedy. They also run fully escorted trips to Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, and London. The Athletic Union also offers a wide range of sporting activities.

Check out how one of our alumni, Patrick Warren, got involved on campus! Click here. 

Community Involvement

Getting involved abroad can enable you to meet local students, make a meaningful connection with your campus and community, and enhance your study abroad experience. Your coordinator will connect you with local resources if you wish to volunteer for community projects through your host university. It is important for you to find the right combination of academic, cultural, and leisure activities in order to take full advantage of international learning and cultural immersion.

All students are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities at or near their campus, where permitted under host-country immigration regulations. Service learning is an integral piece of a well-rounded education, and we support students’ efforts to integrate into the local culture through volunteer activities. Students are provided with information on volunteer opportunities on campus or within the community during the orientation and preparation process.

Example of how you can get involved in the community:

Discovery
Discovery is a volunteer organization and an excellent way to meet people both in the University and the community. Discovery has helped to place over 2000 people in a wide range of projects. The office is located on the ground floor of Fulton House. Schedules are normally free of lectures on Wednesday afternoons to enable students to participate in projects like these. Students who wish to volunteer during their time abroad in Wales will need to apply for a different visa. Your program manager will explain the visa process to you during the pre-departure process. Learn more here. 

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Special Programs/Excursions

British Culture and Politics Since 1945

Swansea has developed a 2-week upper-level class on "British Culture and Politics Since 1945" for study abroad students. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students will participate in this intensive class which takes place during the two weeks prior to the start of each term.

This course covers modern British culture society a politics since the end of the Second World War and is taught with an emphasis on literature and film. It includes excursions to places of historical and cultural interest in Wales and England as follows:

• Gower Peninsula
• Museum of Welsh Life and Big Pit Mining Museum
• Historical City of Bath

This course is worth 10 Swansea Credits. Students take a total of 50 credits per semester which is worth approximately 12 US semester credits. 
 

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>
 

Discovery Activities

Planned Excursions & Events

Our in-country resident staff arranges scheduled activities with students throughout the year. Activities are optional and designed to explore the five key areas of discovery: academic, social, personal, cultural, and professional. These are not just visits to tourist attractions. For example, these are activities such as networking opportunities, local festivals, gallery openings, and other similar events that you can’t find in a travel book. These activities will truly enhance your experience.

On-Going Activities

Your exploration of the culture, the academics, the people, and yourself is what will truly enhance your experience. Through the Discovery Model, our in-country staff will provide you with advice and recommendations for other types of activities you can undertake in order achieve your individual goals.

Other Trips and Travel Available

Beyond our included orientation and excursions, you will be able to pre-book a wide variety of day, weekend, and week-long tours at a discounted price through our travel partner, STA Travel. These trips provide the ultimate flexibility for you to travel where you want to go, when you want to go, and with whom you want to go. Most trips have open dates, so you can pre-book the trip(s) that interest you, yet choose your dates later on in your semester. This flexibility also means friends that you make from other countries/programs or even your friends and family who are visiting you abroad can also participate. Learn more>

The Students Union Travel Shop arrange fully escorted trips to Bath, Dublin and Paris. Locally trips of a more cultural nature are arranged for Swansea University students, such as:

• Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey
• Avebury and Stonehenge

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Enhance Your Experience Online

Global Citizen Development

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory; however, we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.  

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact [email protected].  

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Photo Slideshow

Watch a short slideshow of photos of the Swansea University campus and surrounding area

Ask Our Alumni

Ever wonder what it's like to live in Europe? Are you having trouble finding the right university for you? Speak to students that were already there! They are truly experts on their universities and cities, and want to help you go abroad too.

Email [email protected] with your name, email, and your specific program of interest and we'll email you with the contact details for one of our 20,000 alumni!

Please don't hesitate to contact us as well with any questions.

Fees

Fee Includes

Your Personalized Semester/Year Program Includes

• Tuition and instruction
• Host university activity and insurance fees
• 24/7 support for students and parents at home and abroad
• Pre-departure materials and travel gear
• Global Citizens online cultural preparation
• Comprehensive assistance
• Personal program manager
• Scholarship and financial aid assistance
• Facilitation of course selection / credit transfer

Activity and Excursion Package

• Multi-day on-site Bridging Cultures Program
• Local Discovery Activities hosted by on-site Resident Coordinator
• Welcome and farewell events
• HTH Worldwide health insurance protection
• Alumni opportunities, including professional ambassador program
• International Student Identity Card
• Exclusive Career-Building Alumni Institute (add-on option)

Additional Housing Fee

Housing amenities are generally:

• Single room
• Technology package available
• Linen package available

An additional refundable housing deposit may be required for your housing selection. This housing is self-catered, therefore you will have access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

*All fees are subject to change.

Dates

Entry Requirements

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Program Team

	Program Manager Corey Westbury [email protected] 1-800-980-0033 X 143
	Program Assistant Brad Bruchs [email protected] 1-800-980-0033 x124
	Resident Director Robin Buck [email protected]
	Resident Coordinator Vicky Ucele [email protected]