Introduction:
In the heart of England, Birmingham is a diverse, modern and exciting city with a long cultural and intellectual heritage. At just less than two hours from London, Birmingham is situated in a prime, central location in the country, and offers everything you could desire from a capital city, within easy reach of the picturesque English countryside. The second largest city in the United Kingdom, Birmingham is famous for its historic, industrial past and is now a center of arts and culture, commerce and entertainment with a diverse and vibrant community.
Since 1900, the University of Birmingham has been a leading global university and today they have one of the largest international student communities in the UK with over 5,000 students from more than 150 countries worldwide currently studying at UoB. Their 250-acre campus is listed in the top ten most beautiful universities in Britain by The Telegraph, and provides outstanding facilities and a welcoming environment.
Credit Equivalency:
One UM credit = Four CATS Credits
Academic Areas:
Students have the freedom to study within four of their five colleges:
- College of Arts and Law
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- College of Social Sciences
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Prerequisites:
3.0 GPA. The semester programs are open to any major.
Accommodation & Meals:
International Exchange students are guaranteed accommodation in University housing providing they apply before their assigned deadline. Meal plan options are available.
You Are a Guest:
As an exchange student, you will have the opportunity to experience university life in a completely different way. For example, you might find that courses abroad are not equal to three UM credits. The format of assessment might be different, with great emphasis being placed on one big test versus smaller assignments throughout the semester. The amount of time spent in class can vary greatly from country to country as well as the amount of independent learning that is expected. Exchange students are guests of the host university and will not receive any services that the local, degree-seeking students do not receive. The university abroad may not provide the same amenities as the University of Miami and the level of customer service can vary.
Exchange programs open the door for students to have the experience of a university student in a different country. It is important to talk to your study abroad advisor about your level of comfort with the challenges that await you abroad. Your advisor may be able to suggest an exchange program that offers more of the services to which you have become accustomed, or can direct you to a semester on location program. Students who have chosen to embark on an exchange program have reported that by overcoming obstacles encountered abroad, they have gained independence and self-confidence, and were challenged to broaden their perspectives.
Dates:
Academic Year: Late September to early June
Fall: Early September to mid-December
Spring: Early January to early June
