Study in England at
University College Chester
History of Chester College
Chester College is one of Britain's leading institutions
of higher education. It was founded in 1839 and recently
celebrated its 150th anniversary. The original buildings were
opened by W.E. Gladstone in 1842. Since that time there has
been a steady program of expansion both in size and academic
interests. There are approximately 4,000 full-time students at
Chester from all areas of Britain and a few from America and
Hong Kong. The college occupies a thirty-acre self-contained
site, half a mile from the city Wells. The campus is a blend
of the old and the new as you would expect of a college with a
150 year history.
The City of Chester
The city of Chester, like the college, is a blend of the
ancient and modern. Its history spans 2,000 years since its
time as a Roman fortress built to resist Welsh tribes. It also
served as a medieval port and a commercial and administrative
city. The walls that encircle the old city provide a pleasant
two-mile walk with superb views of the city and the
surrounding countryside. The city's unique features
include "The Rows" shopping galleries above street
level, the Eastgate Clock, erected in 1897, which is perhaps
the most photographic clock after London's "Big
Ben" and the Cross where four Roman streets meet and the
town crier delivers public proclamations.
Educational Programs and Facilities
Courses in art, biology, computer science, drama and theatre
studies, English literature, foreign languages, mathematics,
geography, history, music, physical education and sports
science, psychology, religious studies and theology, music and
professional studies in education are offered as well as a
number of other disciplines. The principle facilities are
comprised of lecture rooms, science and physical education
laboratories, a well-equipped library located in a new
building, a language laboratory, a drama studio, two gymnasia,
a 25-metre swimming pool, a chapel and a professional center
for teachers. There are facilities for rugby, soccer, field
hockey, cricket, tennis and athletics as well as for dramatic,
musical, artistic and other cultural activities.
Exchange Program Periods
Fall or spring semesters or a full academic year.
The fall term begins in mid-September and ends mid-December.
The second term begins in early February and ends in May or
early June. There is a three week vacation during the Easter
holidays. Students who have participated in the program in the
past have spent weekends in Paris and Ireland and have
traveled to Denmark, Switzerland and Italy during the Easter
break. Students complete the academic program in mid May and
often travel before returning home.
Credits
Students are expected to enroll in the equivalent of 12-15
hours of course work per semester or 24-30 for the academic
year.
Housing
Students will be housed in the residence halls, called
hostels, on the Chester College campus. Accommodations range
from converted Victorian houses to modern units. The majority
of rooms are singles.
Financial Information and Expenses
Room, board and fees are comparable to SUNY Plattsburgh's
fee schedule. This is a SUNY exchange and OAP (Overseas
Academic Program). SUNY students pay SUNY tuition, fees, room
and board. The program fee for administrative costs associated
with the exchange is $500 per year or $275 per
semester. Students applying to the program pay a nonrefundable
$15 application fee. The International Student Identity
Card (ISIC) is included with the program fee. Scholarships are
available for Plattsburgh students, and students are eligible
for most forms of financial aid. For more information, please
contact your Financial Aid Office.
Travel To and From England
There are several student organizations which offer discounted
rates. The ISIC, International Student Identity Card, included
with your program fee includes additional insurance along with
discounted rates through council travel. Plattsburgh assists
in making group flight arrangements if there are a sufficient
number of students.
Insurance
Students participating in this program MUST have accident and
health insurance that provides coverage while traveling and
studying abroad. SUNY does offer study abroad insurance which
may be waived if students have personal coverage.
Eligibility
Sophomores, juniors and seniors (status at the time of
anticipated participation) in good academic standing are
eligible to apply. A minimum 2.7 GPA is required of all
applicants. Non-SUNY students are also encouraged to apply.
Application Forms and Deadlines
Students applying to Chester must use the standard SUNY
overseas academic program application form, available at the
Center for International Programs at the address below.
Applications for the fall semester or for the academic year
are due by the preceding March 14. Applications for the
spring semester are due by the preceding October 1.
Late applications are considered on a space-available basis.
For Further Information, please contact:
Center for International Programs and Exchanges, Plattsburgh
SUNY
133 Court Street
Plattsburgh, New York, 12901
Phone: 1-518-564-2086
Fax: 1-518-564-2112
E-mail: international@plattsburgh.edu