University of East Anglia Exchange

Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Europe, United Kingdom, England
GPA: 3.0
Program Overview

Study abroad in Norwich, England! In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of East Anglia (UEA). This exchange program is based on intensive self-motivated study in many fields of the humanities, natural and social sciences. 

The UEA campus is a mini city. Almost every student need is met on campus, with a large food shop which includes a post office, bank, launderette, pharmacy, and Waterstone’s bookshop. There are plenty of places to eat and drink. The student union runs eateries, cafes, and shops. UEA boasts a range of entertainment and performance venues and is host to a variety of events throughout the year, including theater productions, comedy, literary events, and live music. The university is also home to the largest indoor university sports center in England, including an indoor climbing wall, two 25-meter swimming pools, soccer park, track, and two indoor arenas.  

UEA Friends Program - Current UEA students will be your Student Support Rep. and will help welcome you after you arrive on campus, help you to meet others, and get you settled in as quickly as possible.  

The Student Support Service office offers a wide range of advice and guidance to students, which include: Financial advice; Advice for international students; Learning enhancement; Disability, including dyslexia; Wellbeing; Life in residences; and General information, advice and guidance.  Exchange students also have access to Computer Labs, Student Organizations, Gym and Sports Facilities, Library, Health Services, and all services offered at the student union. The UK has laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country. 
 
UEA is located just outside Norwich, England, 115 miles northeast of London. The historic city of Norwich has a population of 150,000, giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere that offers numerous attractions to students, as well as the opportunity to participate in the social and cultural life of a provincial English city. At the heart of the dynamic East Anglia region, the city is a thriving commercial center with a bustling open-air market surrounded by department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and some 300 pubs. There is also a rich variety of entertainment to choose from, including numerous lively restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, and musical venues. Norwich has a peaceful side too: quiet gardens, cobbled pedestrian streets, five museums and an art gallery. Everywhere, you see evidence of the old and new coexisting together: the architectural modernity of the University is complemented by the medieval elegance of the city. Old buildings are rarely conserved as museum pieces - a 13th century crypt is used as a coffee bar serving a 15th century friary which is used as a concert hall. 
 
Exchange students at East Anglia are eligible for the Butex Scholarship - Visit this link to get more information about this scholarship:  http://www.butex.ac.uk

NOTE: If you decide to take a course through the Centre for Japanese Studies Summer Programme, please note that the classes are NOT for credit. You will not receive any credits for participating in these courses.

Dates and Deadlines
 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2024 2/1/2024 Late September Late December
Academic Year 2024-25 2/1/2024 Late September Mid-June
Spring Semester 2025 2/1/2024 Mid-January Mid-June

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $400 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The university calendar is comprised of two semesters, end of September through mid-December, and the end of January through the end of June. Exams are offered only at the end of the spring semester. If you are interested in a fall module with an exam, please ask UEA whether it is possible to have an alternate assessment for that module.

At UEA, modules are the equivalent to UO classes. Modules may be comprised of one or more of a number of different elements: Lecture; Seminar/Tutorial; Workshop; Orals; Lab work; Studio Time; Field Work; Placement. British higher education places a large emphasis on independent study. You will be asked to read widely on a subject, make notes, research, write and revise outside of formal teaching. On all courses you will be expected to study extensively on your own. It is important to establish a good working routine so that you use time effectively.

The curriculum is organized in semester or year-long modules of studies. Modules are available to exchange students in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences. The Course Search link on the sidebar menu lists only the modules that are open to exchange students. You must ensure that 2/3 of the modules you select are in a single Faculty (like a Department at UO).

Coursework (assessment) is a key part of your academic life. There are two functions to coursework: to help you learn through feedback (formative); to evaluate your progress within the module (summative). Formative coursework marks do not contribute to your module and degree results; summative coursework marks contribute to your module and degree results. All coursework at UEA is submitted and marked anonymously, to ensure that marking is objective.

UEA units are converted to the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) in your transcript: 

  • 120 UEA units represents a full year of study (equivalent to 60 ECTS credits)
  • 60 UEA units represents one semester (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits).

You will choose 60 UEA units (30 ECTS) per semester. Each ECTS credit is equal to 0.75 UO credits. For example, if a module has 20 UEA units, it has 10 ECTS credit points.  

Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to the University of East Anglia.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional requirements
  • Complete WR 121 and 122 or 123 with grades B- or higher  
  • Math/Science students, you must complete your 200-level math/science sequences 
  • You must be at least 18 years of age 

 

Application process

The application process for this program is competitiveGEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Housing Description

You are guaranteed housing in student resident halls on the main University campus or in central Norwich if you apply early and accept the offer made by UEA. Additional rooms are also available in the student village, at a walkable distance from campus. Arrangements are made by the University's Accommodation Office. The bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared.

There is no meal plan; all residences are "self-catering" (housing without meals but access to a full kitchen). There are restaurants and snack bars on campus. Housing fees are paid directly to UEA. The housing contract for the full year (39 weeks) includes vacation accommodation. UEA also offers accommodation in homestay. If you are arranging your own housing, you are advised to arrive in Norwich early. 


The UEA Students' Union co-ordinates the Home Run service which helps students to find private accommodation in Norwich. 

Visiting and Exchange students starting courses in September should apply for accommodation in May/June, as most offers will be sent out in July.  Applications for the Spring semester should be submitted in November.