University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus

Fast facts:

• Language of instruction: English 
• Number of students: 8,990
• Opened in 2005
• Students from 80 different countries
• Academic year: September - April
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January - April
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of North America’s largest public research and teaching institutions, and one of only two Canadian institutions consistently ranked among the world’s 40 best universities. Purpose-built for the 21st century in 2005 UBC Okanagan has undergone rapid growth and is continuing the trend as one of Canada's fastest growing university campuses. The campus is located in the southern interior of the province, in British Columbia's scenic Okanagan Valley.

Areas of study include arts, sciences, creative and critical Studies, engineering and management.

Location

• 5 hour drive or 1 hour flight to Vancouver
• 4 ½ hour flight to Toronto
• 5 ½ hour drive or 1 hour flight to Seattle

The campus is located in Kelowna, a town of
127,500 people in the Okanagan Valley in the heart of ski country.

Travel opportunities

The Okanagan campus is 5 minutes’ drive to the Kelowna International Airport which then gives access to the rest of Canada and even further afield.

There are many fantastic cities to visit including Vancouver which is a 1 hour flight or 4 hour drive,  and Niagara Falls and Montreal which are within a five hour flight. It is possible to drive through Canada to the U.S.A and the city of Seattle is particularly close to the border, with a five hour drive time.

Things to do

UBC Okanagan campus is located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley which is home to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. It is a region renowned for having ski resorts with terrain to satisfy every level of skiing and snowboarding ability with up to 7.5m of snow in a single season. There are buses from campus directly to the ski resort and the university even provides discounted buses at $10 on some evenings and weekends. 

More on skiing and outdoor adventure at Okanagan

There is easy access to swimming, paddling and water-skiing at the lake and waterfront.  For the less adventurous, it is also an area with many museums, galleries and over 300 scenic trails.

Further out the Myra Canyon Park and Lake Okanagan also provide plenty of opportunities to explore Canada’s landscape.

Climate

Kelowna’s climate is relatively mild for Canada. Warm summers are characterized by low humidity, along with winters with average lows of -7ºC. It is also a very rainy region.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their School to check what is permitted.

The University of British Columbia website

This is only available as a 1st choice option

Fast Facts:

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 44,882+
• Number of campuses: 2
• Academic year: September - April
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January - April
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) opened in 1915 and since then has evolved into a leading research university now ranked as one of the top 20 public universities in the world. The University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus is more than 400 hectares in size, surrounded by forest on three sides and ocean on the fourth and is just a 30 minute bus ride to Vancouver's downtown core.

Area of studies include arts, business, architecture, science, economics and law.

Location

• 4 hour flight to Toronto
• 2 hour flight to San Francisco
• 1 hour flight to Seattle

Vancouver is the eighth largest city in Canada located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains. Vancouver is well known as the gateway to Whistler, the famous ski resort. In the winter you will find some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America on UBC’s doorstep. British Columbia is both a place full of natural wonder and active adventure.

Things to do

The Vancouver campus boasts some of the city's best attractions and recreation facilities, including the Museum of Anthropology, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, and endless opportunities to explore forested trails in the adjoining 763-hectare Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Top attractions: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island Market, BC Palace Stadium and Grouse Mountain Skyride.

Travel opportunities

Vancouver is the eighth largest city in Canada located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains. Vancouver is less than 1 hour from Seattle, just over 2 hours from San Francisco and 5½ hours from New York. Vancouver is well known as the gateway to Whistler. In the winter you will find some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America. British Columbia is both a place full of natural wonder and active adventure.

Climate

Vancouver is Canada’s third wettest city with an average rainfall which is twice that of London.

Temperatures range from an average of 2ºC in the winter and 26ºC in the summer. Most rainfall occurs between October and March although rain and cloudy days are common at any time of year.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

Concordia University website 

Fast Facts:

• Language of instruction: English and French
• Number of students enrolled: 45,915
• Number of campuses: 2
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January - April
• Montreal ranks first worldwide in the “Student View” category of the QS Best Student Cities 2018 index
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study* 

About

Founded in 1974 as a result of the merger of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College, Concordia is a public university in Québec with two campuses: one in downtown Montréal and the other in the city’s west end. Concordia University is among the largest urban universities in Canada and among the top-ranked universities founded within the last 50 years worldwide.

Areas of study include arts, sciences, engineering, computer science and business.

Location and language

• 1.5 hour flight to Toronto and New York
• 3 hour flight to Miami

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, with a population of over 3 million and is one of the oldest cities in North America. It is located in the south of the beautiful province of Quebec. Concordia University’s Sir George Williams campus is located in the heart of downtown Montreal. The official language of Montreal is French and it is the second largest primarily French-speaking city in the Western world after Paris. Most citizens however are bilingual and you do not have to speak French to study at Concordia.

Things to do

From Montreal you can travel to nearby Quebec City and Toronto by bus or train. Montreal is only 37 miles from the United States border, bringing New York within easy reach. A number of winter sports including ice skating, ski-ing and snowboarding, are possible from Montreal.

Top attractions: Underground City (shopping area), Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal lookout and Jean-Talon Market.

Climate

Montreal is beautiful throughout all four distinct seasons. With average highs of 26°C in the summer and lows of -5°C in the winter, Montrealers fashionably adapt to the weather. In winter, enjoy crosscountry skiing and tobogganing in Mont-Royal Park or ice skating on one of the many outdoor rinks. With the underground city and extensive Metro system, it’s easy to keep warm. In the spring Montreal transforms. Outdoor patios open and parks fill with people relaxing, playing games, having picnics and enjoying the sunshine. 

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

University of Manitoba website.

Fast facts:

• Language of instruction: English 
• Number of students enrolled: 29,844
• Number of campuses: 2
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – April
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

The University of Manitoba is western Canada’s first university, established in 1877. Its main campus is Fort Garry, 280 hectares of land, 20 minutes from the city centre. There are over 200 different student groups available to join. Manitoba has one of largest indigenous student populations in the country. 

Areas of study include agricultural and food sciences, architecture, business, engineering,  humanities, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and geography. 

Location and language

• Under 3 hour flight to Toronto and Vancouver 

• 5 and half hour flight to New York 

• 9 hour flight to Yellowstone National Park 

Winnipeg is very close to the US border, with North Dakota being the nearest US state. This gives it a similiar feeling to a US city.

Winnipeg was originally an aboriginal trading centre before the arrival of the Europeans. It became the centre of Canada’s fur trade and is known as the "Gateway to the West". It sits on Lake Winnipeg the worlds 11th largest fresh water lake. Winnipeg has developed into a cosmopolitan city complete with restaurants, boutiques, exciting attractions and an arts and culture scene. It hosts numerous annual festivals, including the Festival du Voyageur, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Jazz Winnipeg Festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, and Folklorama.  

Manitoba runs a Welcome Mentor programme. This connects up incoming exchange students with existing University of Manitoba students. 

Things to do

The key meeting place in Winnipeg is The Forks, a riverside site that hosts events, entertainment, food market and many restaurants.  

For those keen to participate in outdoor activities, just outside of the city is a six hundred and forty acres of prairie land at FortWhyte Alive. There are many trails which in winter can be used for skiing and snowshoeing and a Toboggan slide.  

Winnipeg also boasts a 20 block historical district with key turn of the century architectural sites. The area has a great coffee and café culture, galleries, vintage and antique shops and lots of restaurants and bistros.  

If you are interested in the arts then Winnipeg is home to Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Manitoba Opera. 

Climate

Winnipeg experiences a continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Average temperatures range between -12°C (+10.4°F) in the winter months to +26°C (+78.8°F) in the summertime. Due to its northern location, Winnipeg residents enjoy 2,300 hours of sunlight annually and up to 16 hours of sunlight daily during the summer months. Winnipeg averages approximately 51.4 centimetres (20.2 inches) of precipitation each year. 

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted. 

McGill University website.

This is only available as a 1st choice option

Fast facts:

• Language of instruction: English & French
• Number of students enrolled: 34,480+
• Number of campuses: 2
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – April
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

McGill is the oldest university in Montreal and one of just three English language universities in Quebec. McGill is recognized around the world for the excellence of its teaching and research programmes. The main campus of the university is in downtown Montreal at the foot of Mount Royal. The second campus is 18 miles west of the university in a more rural environment.

Areas of study include agricultural, environmental sciences, arts, engineering, law, management and sciences.

Location and language

• 1.5 hour flight to Toronto and New York
• 3 hour flight to Miami

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, with a population of over 3 million and is one of the oldest cities in North America. It is located in the south of the beautiful province of Quebec. McGill’s downtown campus is located in the heart of the city.

The official language of Montreal is French and it is the second largest primarily French-speaking city in the Western world after Paris. Most citizens however are bilingual and you don’t have to speak French to study at McGill.

Things to do

From Montreal you can travel to nearby Quebec City and Toronto by bus or train. Montreal is a short flight from the United States border, bringing New York and Detroit within easy reach. The McGill International Student Network also arrange trips around Canada for exchange students. A number of winter sports including ice skating, ski-ing and snowboarding, are possible from Montreal.

Top attractions: Fortifications of Québec, Château Frontenac (in Old Québec), Petit-Champlain District and Montmorency Falls Park

Climate

Montreal is beautiful throughout all four distinct seasons. With average highs of 26°C in the summer and lows of -5°C in the winter, Montrealers fashionably adapt to the weather. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and tobogganing in Mont-Royal Park or ice skating on one of the many outdoor rinks. With the underground city and extensive Metro system, it’s easy to keep warm. In the spring Montreal transforms. Outdoor patios open and parks fill with people relaxing, playing games, having picnics and enjoying the sun.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

Memorial University of Newfoundland website

Facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 19,020+
• Number of campuses: 4
• Academic year: September - April
• Autumn semester equivalent: September - December
• Spring semester equivalent: January - April
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

Memorial University of Newfoundland was established as a memorial to the Newfoundlanders who lost their lives on active service during the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Memorial University is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada and the only university in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Areas of study include humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, business and music.

Location

• 1 ½ hour flight to Halifax
• 2 ½ hour flight to Montreal
• 3 hour flight to Toronto
• 3 hour flight to Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland and Labrador form the most easterly province of Canada and MUN is located in St. John's, which is the oldest city in North America. It is a unique and safe city which is attractive, friendly, rich in culture and has a total population of 150,000 inhabitants (2015).

The time difference between Newfoundland and the UK is only three and a half hours.

Things to do

The natural environment in Newfoundland and Labrador is an endless bounty of interesting and inspiring things to do. St. John's Newfoundland is the oldest city in North America and is a prime location for hiking, kayaking, swimming and skiing, as well as whale watching and fishing.

There are also a variety of intricate shops and boutiques, lively pubs and cafés and unique art galleries.

Top attractions: L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Johnson Geo Centre, Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and Bonne Bay Marine Station.

Travel opportunities

Flight times to Halifax from St. John's is roughly 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours to either Toronto or New York. There are also regional airlines which service smaller destinations and operate flights within the province.
There are ferry routes between Labrador and Nova Scotia to either Port aux Basques or Argentia and you can also drive to the mainland of Canada, via Québec.

Climate

The island of Newfoundland has an average summer temperature of 16ºC (61ºF), while the winter hovers around 0ºC (32ºF). In Labrador, the winter climate is somewhat harsher, but temperatures can top 25ºC (77ºF) during the short but pleasant summers.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

The University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus

Fast facts:

• Language of instruction: English 
• Number of students: 14,547
• Students from 160+ different countries
• Academic year: September - May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January - May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is widely acknowledged as one of the best universities in Canada and the world. The campus is a 300-acre site located in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough in the Highland Creek Valley, one of Toronto’s most spectacular natural settings.

Areas of study include arts, culture and media, Sciences, computer science, mathematics, english, management, political science, psychology, sociology and human geography.

Location

• 45min drive to UT's St George Campus in downtown Toronto
• 1 hour flight to Ottawa and Montreal
• 1 ½ hours flight to New York and Chicago

The campus is next to popular natural landmarks in Toronto’s greenest area, and is situated in one of Toronto’s most diverse and multicultural
neighbourhoods..

The city of Toronto is the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada. The city is home to more than 2.7 million people and is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

It is said that more than half of the people living in Toronto were not born in Canada. This has helped to make it one of North America's most culturally diverse and exciting cities, which is reflected in its internationally renowned restaurants and social and cultural resources.

Things to do

Toronto gives you the opportunity to visit world-famous landmarks including the CN Tower, the world’s tallest freestanding tower in the world, and Niagara Falls. Excellent sports and recreation facilities are available on campus and many students take advantage of Toronto's relatively long winters to enjoy one or more winter sports such as skating, skiing, etc.

Toronto Zoo, the largest in Canada is a 10min drive from Scarborough campus.

Scarborough is also home to two swimmable beaches, Bluffers Park Beach and Rough Beach and also has world class swimming facilities that were built for the PanAm games in 2015.

There are several parks in and close to Scarborough with beautiful scenary and many miles of nature and walking trails.

Top attractions: CN Tower (World’s Tallest Building), Canada’s Wonderland (themepark), Harbourfront Centre, St Lawrence Market & Hall and 401 Richmond. 

Travel opportunities

From Toronto you can travel to Montreal and Quebec City by bus or train. Toronto also enjoys excellent rail and bus connections with all major North American cities, bringing New York within easy reach. It is an excellent base for travelling around Canada and the USA.

Climate

Toronto's climate ranges from near tropical in the summer (up to 35° C), to occasional lows of -20° C in the winter, with an average winter temperature of -4.6ºC. The first snowfall in Toronto usually happens toward the end of November, but it is very light and usually melts away the same day. Heavier snowfalls usually happen between December and February, although it does not snow every day. Snow season usually finishes by the end of March.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

The University of Toronto, St George Campus

Fast facts:

• Language of instruction: English 
• Number of students: 65,617
• Students from 160+ different countries
• Academic year: September - May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: September – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January - May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is widely acknowledged as one of the best universities in Canada and the world. 

There are over 800 student clubs and Toronto has he 3rd largest library system in North America. 

Areas of study include arts and science, applied science and engineering, architecture and music. 

Location

• Yorkville, central Toronto
• 1 hour flight to Ottawa and Montreal
• 1 ½ hours flight to New York and Chicago

Yorkville is a diverse area, with residences, businesses and some of Canada’s most exclusive shopping. In the 1960s it had more of a hippie feel, being a centre for the arts and music, producing singer/songwriters Joni Mitchell and Neil Young and the iconic Canadian writer Margaret Atwood. It then began its transition to a high end shopping destination. 

The city of Toronto is the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada. The city is home to more than 2.7 million people and is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. 

It is said that more than half of the people living in Toronto were not born in Canada. This has helped to make it one of North America's most culturally diverse and exciting cities, which is reflected in its internationally renowned restaurants and social and cultural resources. 

Things to do

Toronto gives you the opportunity to visit world-famous landmarks including the CN Tower, the world’s tallest freestanding tower in the world, and Niagara Falls. Excellent sports and recreation facilities are available on campus and many students take advantage of Toronto's relatively long winters to enjoy one or more winter sports such as skating, skiing, etc. 

Top attractions: CN Tower (World’s Tallest Building), Canada’s Wonderland (themepark), Harbourfront Centre, St Lawrence Market & Hall and 401 Richmond.  

Travel opportunities

From Toronto you can travel to Montreal and Quebec City by bus or train. Toronto also enjoys excellent rail and bus connections with all major North American cities, bringing New York within easy reach. It is an excellent base for travelling around Canada and the USA.

Climate

Toronto's climate ranges from near tropical in the summer (up to 35°C), to occasional lows of -20°C in the winter, with an average winter temperature of -4.6ºC. The first snowfall in Toronto usually happens toward the end of November, but it is very light and usually melts away the same day. Heavier snowfalls usually happen between December and February, although it does not snow every day. Snow season usually finishes by the end of March.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

Tecnológico de Monterrey's website

Fast facts

• Language of instruction: English & Spanish
• Number of students enrolled: 94,424
• Number of campuses: 31 across Mexico
• Academic year: August – May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: August – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – May
• Tec de Monterrey has the first business school in Latin America to win the "Triple Crown":, the three most important accreditations in the world for business schools and programs: AACSB (USA), EQUIS (Europe); and AMBA (United Kingdom).

About

Tec de Monterrey was founded by a group of Mexican industrialists in 1943, and its ties to the business world remain strong today. Tec has 31 national campuses in 25 cities throughout the country. The Institute is the only Latin American institution at the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) and in Universitas 21.

Areas of study include humanities, social sciences, law, architecture, business, journalism, agriculture, IT and electronics.

Location and language

The University of Nottingham has links with the following campuses at Tec de Monterrey:

• Mexico State, 1 hr from downtown Mexico City
• Mexico City, capital and largest city in the country
• Monterrey, the flagship campus, located in the north-east
• Guadalajara, second largest city, located in the west
• Querétaro, smaller state in central Mexico
• Puebla, smaller state located east-central

In the past Nottingham students have attended the first five campuses on the list.

The official language of Mexico is Spanish but a wide range of modules at Tec are taught in English and Spanish language classes are offered to exchange students as standard. It’s possible to study abroad at Tec if you are not a Spanish speaker. However you are encouraged to learn some basic Spanish prior to departure.

Travel opportunities

Mexico is a well known tourist destination, offering the fabulous beach destinations of Acapulco and Cancun. According to the Lonely Planet “Mexico is packed with history and culture” including 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the remains of the Mayan and Aztec civilisations, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City.

Travelling around the country is straightforward due to “comfortable buses that run almost anywhere and an extensive domestic flight network”.

Things to do

Weekend trips to the beach are a cheap and popular way to spend time with friends. Tec offers a fantastic array of culutural activities avialable for free. Learn salsa in the sun or perfect your Mexican cooking skills. The weather gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor life, from hiking to snorkelling.

Climate

Mexico has a semi-arid climate. It’s warm from spring to autumn with hot summers; temperatures reaching 42°C. Winters are short and mild. Rainfall is scarce, but more prominent during May through September.

University of Arizona webpage

Facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 38,528+
• Number of campuses: 1
• Academic year: August - May
• Autumn semester equivalent: August - December
• Spring semester equivalent: January - May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

The University of Arizona is located in the bustling town of Tucson, one of the oldest towns in the United States. The campus consists of more than 350 acres, much of it green space. The University is a long-time partner with NASA and has been a part of every planetary mission.

Areas of study include agriculture, architecture, business, humanities, arts, sciences, engineering and social sciences.

Location

• 5 hours drive to Grand Canyon
• 1 hour flight to Las Vegas
• 2 hour flight to Los Angeles

Tucson is the second largest city in the state of Arizona and is considered as a crossroad of different cultures due to its location. The city offers an exciting social life with activities and attractions including a vibrant art culture, unique biodiversity, and ample opportunities for shopping from boutique shops to mega malls.

Arizona’s many national parks provide ample opportunity for a range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and water sports.

Travel opportunities

Tucson is located in the Southern part of Arizona and is perfectly situated to visit a number of world famous sites, including the Grand Canyon. Arizona also boasts a number of beautiful national parks, including the Petrified Forest National Park and the historical Canyon de Chelly. The national parks provide ample opportunity for a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, water sports and there are also over 300 golf courses in the state.

Getting around

The Cat Tran Shuttle Service operates four routes, free of charge, that take you around the campus and into town. The University also has a free SafeRide scheme to provide nighttime transportation to staff and students.

Climate

Tucson has over 350 days of sun every year. Days are warm and sunny and nights are cool. Spring, autumn and winter tend to be mild. Summer temperatures peak at 38ºC. Humidity is low so even hot temperatures are bearable.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

University of Connecticut website
Fast facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 32,669
• Number of campuses: 5
• Academic year: August - May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: August – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is one of the top public research universities in the nation, ranking within the top 20 overall. UConn is based in the university town of Storrs, campus life includes a vibrant student union, a host of volunteer opportunities and over 400 social, sport, hobby, travel and religious clubs.

Areas of study include agriculture, business, engineering, arts, law, liberal arts and sciences.

Location

• Half an hour drive to Hartford
• 2 hour drive or 3 hour bus to Boston
• 2 ½ hour drive or 4 hour bus to New York
• 2 hour flight to Toronto

Connecticut and neighbouring states are in the region of New England which is famous for its white wooden panel churches, red brick buildings and fall scenery. There are some great beaches and national parks along the north east coast and the area is well known for its outdoor activities such as mountain biking and skiing. Top attractions: Avery’s soda factory, Lake Compounce Theme Park and Connecticut Wine Trail.The University of Connecticut offers a range of culturally – and gastronomically – rich attractions. Tour the diverse and distinct museums; attend world-class performances in music, theatre, and the performing arts; or enjoy homemade ice cream at the UConn Dairy Bar.

There’s a wealth of things to see and do at the Storrs campus, including the Student Union (the U) with its own movie theatre, game room with video games, pool and bowling, TV lounges and food court; you can watch American football, basketball and baseball on campus; enjoy free sports facilities including an Olympic sized pool, gym, classes, and the unique OOzeball – UConn’s traditional mud volleyball tournament; join hundreds of student clubs and organisations; enjoy entertainment including concerts, stand-up comedy and plays; and chill out at UConn Late night every Friday with free food, karaoke and massage.

Travel opportunities

Storrs is a great location to start your travels in the USA, sandwiched between the famous cities of Boston (1.5hrs drive) and New York (3hrs drive). It has a good rail network and several bus companies including Greyhound buses offer transport along the East Coast from the nearby state capital, Hartford. Regular internal flights also operate from Bradley International Airport near Hartford. Further afield, Niagara Falls, Toronto and Ottawa in Canada are easily reached by train from New York or Boston.

Climate

The climate in Connecticut is characterised as a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot humid summers. In summer average temperatures are around 27ºC with regular thunderstorms. Winters are usually cold and snowy, with average temperatures of -3º to 2ºC.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

Oregon State University website
Fast facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 35,000+
• Number of campuses: 2
• Academic year: September - June
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: August – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – June
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

Oregon State is an international public research university with its main campus in Corvallis, a small university town located 85 miles south of Portland. Sport is a huge part of the university; there is an American football stadium with a capacity of 45,000 on campus, a baseball stadium, sports centre, two enormous gyms, swimming pool and indoor running track as well as an indoor climbing wall. There are no charges to use the sports centre.

Areas of study include agriculture, business, engineering, liberal arts and sciences.

Location

• 1 ½ hour drive or 2 ½ bus ride to Portland
• 1 hour fight to Seattle and Vancouver
• 2 hour flight to San Francisco

Corvallis is a small university town located 85 miles south of the state capital Portland, on the Pacific coast in the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Nearly any kind of outdoor activity imaginable can be enjoyed in Oregon including skiing, white water rafting, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and hiking. The state has 1,500 camping areas scattered across the state and backpacking and camping gear is available for rent on campus. Top attractions: Oregon Zoo, Pearl District boutiques and restaurants, Crater Lake National Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden and Portland Saturday Market.

Getting around

The campus is around 20 minutes’ walk from downtown but buses are free to OSU students. Cycling and walking is also very easy and popular in the area.

Travel opportunities

Portland Airport, the nearest international airport, is 1.5 hours’ drive from Corvallis and is located in the state capital, the state’s most populous city. This is the gateway to travelling in the US and Canada, including Seattle and Vancouver – only 1.5 hours flight away. Within an hour or two of the campus are the beautiful Oregon coastline, the majestic Cascade Range and the Columbia River Gorge. Further afield, you can visit California to the south, Nevada to the southeast and Idaho to the east to explore iconic destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park. 

Climate

Oregon’s climate has been described as similar to that of the UK, but with clearly defined seasons: colder winters and warmer summers. Winters are cool and rainy (average minimum 1°C) with little snowfall, whilst summers are warm and dry (up to 27°C).

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

University of South Florida website

Fast facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students enrolled: 49,708
• Number of campuses: 5
• Academic year: August - May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: August – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

The University of South Florida (USF) is a large, public university located on a campus covering 1700 acres about 20-30 minutes from downtown Tampa. There is a lot going on at USF including sports facilities, food and drink outlets, shops and an active students’ union. There is also a theme park located 20 minutes’ walk from campus and a water theme park a short drive away.

Areas of study include arts, sciences, business, engineering and global sustainability.

Location

• 1 ½ hours to Orlando
• 1 ½ hour flight to New Orleans
• 4 hour drive to Miami

There is a lot going on at USF including sports facilities, food and drink outlets, shops and an active students’ union. There is also a theme park located 20 minutes’ walk from campus and a water theme park a short drive away.

Further information is available from their website. 

Top attractions: Tampa Theatre, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and Walt Disney World

Travel opportunities

The Sunshine State offers fantastic travel opportunities including Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Florida's world famous theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando are within easy reach, along with dozens of smaller attractions and water parks.

Florida beaches, whether quiet and secluded or bustling with activity, are ranked among the best in the country for beauty, accessibility and facilities. Further afield, the Bahamas, Cuba and New Orleans are popular tourist destinations.

Climate

The weather in Tampa is characterized as a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and chilly to mild winters. It rains frequently during warm weather so bring a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. The average temperature in Tampa is 17°C to 27°C.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.

University of Texas website

Fast facts

• Number of students enrolled: 52,384
• Number of campuses: 2
• Academic year: August - May
• Autumn Semester Equivalent: August – December
• Spring Semester Equivalent: January – May
• Alternative assessment or overseas exams for spring semester study*

About

UT Austin is the flagship school of the University of Texas System, which includes nine academic universities and six health institutions statewide. The campus is located in the centre of Austin but is its own city with museums, 100,119 seater American football stadium, multipurpose sports arena, indoor and outdoor pools.

Areas of study include liberal arts, natural sciences, architecture, business, law and engineering.

Location

• 3 ½ hour flight to Dallas
• 4 hour flight Cancun Mexico
• 10 hour drive to Memphis

The University of Texas is located in the centre of Austin. The city is situated on the banks of the Colorado River in Central Texas. This part of Texas is also known as the Hill Country and is characterised by lakes and streams, making it a beautiful place to live and study. Austin is known for its vibrant cultural scene including art exhibitions and its numerous local festivals.

Things to do

Austin’s central location makes it a perfect base to explore the rest of Texas and the neighbouring states. You can explore The Alamo in San Antonio, visit one of Dallas’ famous steakhouses or walk down the beaches of Galveston Island after visiting the big-beef meat market in Houston.

Top attractions: Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Texas State Capitol, Downtown Texas, Barton Springs Pool, Hamilton Pool (a swimming hole with its own waterfall) and Austin Music Festivals.

Travel opportunities

Outside of the main cities there are miles of unspoilt coastline along the Gulf Coast; this area is becoming an increasingly popular surfing destination. In addition The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its fantastic hiking and backpacking opportunities and offers beautiful vantage points.

Finally, for an Old West experience visit El Paso where you can take a day trip to Mexico, shop for a handcrafted cowboy hat and eat enchiladas.

Climate

The climate of Texas varies across the state. Most of the state is classified as “Subtropical” and consequently sees hot and humid summers and cool winters. In the summer temperatures peak at 35°.

*Students studying at this destination for spring semester only will require either an overseas exam or an alternative assessment for their January exams. Students will need to speak to their school to check what is permitted.