Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as EuroLearn, offers a study-internship combination program at Swansea University for fall semester study abroad students. 

Founded in 1920, Swansea is a vibrant, research-led university at the forefront of academic and scientific discovery. Set in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, the University's location is captivating.

Swansea University has nearly 12,000 students and offers over 500 undergraduate and 130 postgraduate courses in a wide range of subject areas, from American Studies to Zoology. A full range of social, cultural, and sporting amenities complements the campus lifestyle and contributes to the strong sense of community that the University embraces.

Recent surveys and league tables have consistently placed Swansea among the top 20 universities in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction. The results reflect the University's aim to deliver an outstanding student experience alongside teaching of the highest quality that produces graduates equipped for exceptional personal and professional achievement.

"...a strongly campus-based lifestyle; a stylish campus, near the sea, or city, or mountains; generous accommodation either on campus or in a student community close-by; a wealth of cultural activity on campus; lots of high-quality sports provision - and a sound academic reputation! An impossible dream? Well without going too far over the top, we have to say that Swansea has it all..." - The Potter Guide to Higher Education in UK Universities & Colleges

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Study Internship Combination

Internships: An Overview

Swansea University offers part-time unpaid internship opportunities for Fall Semester GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students. 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.

Internship placements are only available for the Fall semester at this time.

Who should apply?

Students who are accepted to the Swansea Academic Year or Fall semester 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

Interns complete a minimum of 100 contact hours at the internship placement. The internship assessment process is academically rigorous and consists of five parts:

1. 3,500-word photo-essay.
2. Evaluation by host supervisor detailing attendance, attitude and aptitude.
3. Attendance at a mid-term Internship program meeting.
4. End of program interview with the Internship Academic Director.
5. Assessment from the American Studies Exchange Office.
    

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 to the Academic Year or Fall Semester GlobaLinks 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
studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org  

Questions?

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

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, theatr, 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. 

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Academic Highlights

Swansea 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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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 cookers, 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

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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.

Examples of how you can get involved in the community:

Swansea Conservation Society
This organization aims to provide practical experience and educational opportunities in conservation for all members, by undertaking activities in order to contribute to the preservation of the local environment. These activities include: Dolphin Conservation, Bushcraft Training, Beach Cleaning and National Trust Nature Reserve work. http://green-students.co.uk/

Discovery
Discovery is a volunteer organisation 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. http://www.swan.ac.uk/study/current/Discovery/  
 

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Special Programs and Excursions

British Culture and Politics Since 1945 - Pre-Sessional Course

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

 

Additionally, the American Studies Exchange Office also organizes trips of a more cultural nature such as: 

• Museum of Welsh Life and Big Pit Mining Museum 
• Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey 
• Historical City of Bath
• Avebury and Stonehenge
• Glastonbury

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Trips and Excursions

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

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org. 

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Photo Slideshow

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

Ask an 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 studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org 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

All fees are quoted in US Dollars unless otherwise specifically stated. Program Fees include tuition for full-time semester status, university and program administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), accommodations, health insurance, a bus pass for the Swansea area, ISIC card, and the Bridging Cultures Program. Tuition fees are based on the arts and social science tuition charged by this university. There may be higher tuition associated with certain disciplines. Where applicable, this difference in tuition will be added to the total Program Fees. Fees include all pre-departure services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing support (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. A housing deposit is not included in this fee. Where required to reserve accommodations in advance the student will make direct payment for the refundable housing deposit. Students who select “personal apartment living arranged upon arrival by the student” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Europe Coordinator

Name: Katiana Brenner Title: Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Europe Programs Team BIO: As an outreach and student services coordinator for the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad European programs, Katiana handles enrollment and returned student services for programs in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Katiana graduated with a BA in French from the University of Northern Colorado. She spent a year studying abroad in Dakar, Senegal and has also spent some time in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland.