International
Exchanges
Unit.
Study Abroad
Information &
Application
Package.
This is not for students interested in Europe
Study Abroad Programme
Guidelines
2010-2011.
Study Abroad is a major opportunity. It is also a major commitment.
You should only apply if you are fully committed to seeing through your application
from now until departure.
Please don’t apply “just out of interest”. Only submit the online form if you are
completely serious and committed about going abroad.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
The Programme is open to most undergraduate students (except Law, Psychology, Dentistry
and Medicine). The Law School runs its own exchanges.
Most students spend their second year abroad. Some students on four-year degree courses
go during their third year, for instance; Masters of Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering students.
It is not possible for any student to spend their final year abroad under the Programme.
If you are in your second year on a four year degree, you should check with the Study
Abroad Adviser in your department, to see if he/she would support you to apply to spend
your third year abroad (see contact details in Appendix A).
DEPARTMENT SUPPORT
A list of departmental Study Abroad Advisers is shown at the back of this pack in Appendix
A. You should discuss your interest with them and seek their advice and approval. Your
departmental Study Abroad Adviser(s) will also need to complete the tutor reference
section of the application form. Please note: dual honours students must discuss their
application with each of their departmental Study Abroad Advisers.
GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING
Applicants must be in good academic standing at the time they apply and they must
successfully complete their current year's studies at Sheffield before going away. Most
departments require you to be achieving an overall 55%, some require 60%. Please check
specifics with the adviser in your department(s).
WHAT RESTRICTIONS ARE THERE?
Departments are unable to allow students to study abroad unless they can take very similar
courses to those they would study in Sheffield. You will need to discuss you course
requirements very carefully with your tutor(s). It is not possible to study abroad without the
full support of your department(s).
POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU APPLY
WILL YOU BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE DIFFERENCES?
Check your own motives for applying. Are you strong enough academically to get through
your second/third year abroad? Are you strong enough personally to adapt to a different
country, culture, academic system and make new friends? You need to be confident of your
own academic and personal skills to cope with the work and challenges involved.
Please be aware that exchanges are not like for like. There are many differences between
the UK academic system and that of the partner institutions. The nature of campus life is
also likely to be different. You are likely to experience more classes and academic contact
time as well as more frequent tests and exams for each of the courses you follow.
THE YEAR ABROAD IS PART OF YOUR DEGREE
Recognise that your time spend abroad counts fully towards your degree. It is not a year
out but rather it is a replacement for the year you would have spent in Sheffield. The work
you do will be fully assessed by your host institution and a transcript will be sent to
Sheffield. It will be taken into account when your department decides your final degree
classification.
DO YOUR RESEARCH

Seek advice and support from your personal and Study Abroad Adviser(s). Obtain a
list of courses you will need to study whilst you are abroad. You will then need to
match these up with the universities you are choosing.

Identify universities that offer suitable courses and check that they are the sort of
university you would be happy to study at for a whole year.

Speak to the exchange students from our partner institutions who are currently
studying in your department and those Sheffield students who spent last year
studying abroad. Speak to your lecturers and tutors who may have experience of
studying or working in America/Australia/Canada/Singapore/Hong Kong. Try to get
a complete picture of what it will be like to study in these countries - there are many
differences to studying at Sheffield and some of the differences will not suit
everybody.

Speak to your parents and relatives. You will need their support and possibly their
financial assistance.
CAN YOU AFFORD IT?
Almost certainly the year abroad will be more expensive than a year in Sheffield. Leaving
aside travel costs you will need sufficient funds to cover medical insurance (c£350-£450),
visa fees, living and accommodation expenses and vacation expenses. If you qualify for an
LEA loan this should not be affected and some LEAs will pay a higher award for overseas
study, however this is at their discretion. No tuition fees are payable to the host institution.
Experience shows that students do spend more than they expected so budget carefully and
ensure you will have access to sufficient funds.
MAKING YOUR APPLICATION
Please ensure you read the “information on how to apply” section of this package. It
is very important
If you decide to apply you should carefully complete the online application form.
Application notes and information on how to apply can be found at the back of this pack.
WHERE CAN I GO?
The full list of universities available for this academic year can be found on our website.
Please be aware that University choices may vary to the ones printed in our leaflet. Please
be aware that some universities can be "closed" within an academic cycle due to
exchange imbalances. Please check the website for the most up to date information.
6 CHOICES
On your application form you will be asked to submit SIX institutions that you are interested
in applying to. You are advised to select your six institutions carefully and to list them in
order of preference.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MATCH UP COURSES
You must ensure that you have the full support of your departmental Study Abroad
Adviser(s) and that the institutions you have selected do offer the appropriate courses to
satisfy your Sheffield degree requirements.
SELECTION OF APPLICANTS
In January the Tutor Review Group will assess all the applications and choose the successful
candidates. If you are successful in getting a place, you will be allocated an institution
based upon your preferences. This is, however, subject to enough places being available at
your preferred institutions.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE TO GO ABROAD
Students on the following degrees spend a mandatory year abroad and they are always
given priority for places and at certain institutions:
Degree
Number of students
currently registered on the
course
Meng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in North
1
America
Bsc Biology with a year aboard
6
Mchem Chemistry with a year in Australia
5
Mchem Chemistry with a year in North America
3
MMath Mathematics with Study Abroad
3
Meng Mechanical Engineering with a Year in North
9
America
MPhy Physics with Study in North America
4
MPhy Physics with Study in Australia
5
TOTAL NUMBER OF MANDATORY STUDENTS
36
DECISIONS
After the Tutor Review Group has met (early January 2010) you will be notified as quickly as
possible of your success (or rejection) and your designated institution. If all available places
are full some candidates may be placed on a reserve list.
At this point you will be asked to confirm whether you wish to proceed or withdraw. If you
decide to proceed you will be invited to complete the application forms for your designated
institution and begin the formalities for your year abroad.
IF YOU ARE MADE AN OFFER
Once you are successfully through the internal procedures you will begin to complete the
application forms and formalities for your designated University. The International
Exchanges Unit will assist you in this process. Please be aware that the meetings will take
place in January or early February. You need to be in Sheffield to attend one of the
mandatory meetings. There are strict deadlines which need to be followed.
Again please be clear that the Study Abroad Programme is a major opportunity. It is
also a major commitment. Please only apply if you are fully committed to seeing
through your application from now until departure.
Please don’t apply “just out of interest”. Only complete the online form if you are
completely serious and committed about going abroad.
APPENDIX A
Departmental Study Abroad Advisers
Department
Study Abroad Tutor
Study Abroad Tutor Email
Aerospace Engineering
Dr Kais Atallah
k.atallah@sheffield.ac.uk
Animal & Plant Science
Dr Rhonda Snook
r.snook@sheffield.ac.uk
Archaeology & Prehistory
Prof Marek Zvelebil
m.zvelebil@sheffield.ac.uk
Architecture
Dr Chengzhi Peng
c.peng@sheffield.ac.uk
Engineering
Dr Linda Gray
l.gray@sheffield.ac.uk
Biblical Studies
Mrs Alison Bygrave
A.C.Bygrave@sheffield.ac.uk
Automatic Control & Systems
M.CambrayBiomedical Science
Dr Martin Cambray-Deakin
Deakin@sheffield.ac.uk
Chemical & Process Engineering
Dr Yajue Wu
y.wu@sheffield.ac.uk
Chemistry
Dr Linda Swanson
l.swanson@sheffield.ac.uk
Civil & Structural Engineering
Dr Maurizio Guadagnini
m.Guadagnini@sheffield.ac.uk
Computer Science
Dr Joab Winkler
J.R.Winkler@sheffield.ac.uk
East Asian Studies
Go to the General Office
seas@sheffield.ac.uk
Economics
Dr Arne Hole
A.R.Hole@sheffield.ac.uk
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Dr Salam Khamas
s.khamas@sheffield.ac.uk
Engineering Materials
Dr Gwen Reilly
g.reilly@sheffield.ac.uk
English
Prof Joan Beal
j.c.beal@sheffield.ac.uk
French
Dr Audrey Small
a.small@sheffield.ac.uk
Geography
Dr Frans Schrijver
f.schrijver@sheffield.ac.uk
Germanic Studies
Dr Henk De Berg
h.de.berg@sheffield.ac.uk
Hispanic Studies
Dr Laia Darder
History
Dr Andrew Heath
a.d.heath@shef.ac.uk
Human Communication Sciences
Dr Sandra Whiteside
s.whiteside@shef.ac.uk
Information Studies
Dr Daniela Petrelli
d.petrelli@shef.ac.uk
Journalism
Dr Herman Wasserman
h.j.wasserman@sheffield.ac.uk
Landscape
Dr Jan Woudstra
j.woudstra@sheffield.ac.uk
Management School
Mr Dermot Breslin
d.breslin@shef.ac.uk
Mathematics
Dr Simon Willerton
s.willerton@sheffield.ac.uk
Mechanical Engineering
Dr Christophe Pinna
c.pinna@sheffield.ac.uk
L.Darder@sheffield.ac.uk
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Dr Charlie McDonald
c.mcdonald@shef.ac.uk
Music
Dr Adrian Moore
a.j.moore@sheffield.ac.uk
Philosophy
Prof Eric Olson
e.olson@sheffield.ac.uk
Physics
Dr Susan Cartwright
s.cartwright@sheffield.ac.uk
Politics
Dr Matt Sleat
m.sleat@sheffield.ac.uk
Psychology
Dr Dan Carroll
d.carroll@sheffield.ac.uk
Russian & Slavonic Studies
Ms Liudmila Nedialkova
l.nedialkova@sheffield.ac.uk
Sociological Studies
Dr Lorna Warren
L.Warren@sheffield.ac.uk
Town & Regional Planning
Dr Stephen Connelly
s.connelly@sheffield.ac.uk
International
Exchanges
Unit
Number of places available for 2010/11:
University
Case Western Reserve University, USA
Drexel University
Number of places
1
2/3
Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
1
Griffith University, Australia
5
McGill University, Canada
1
McMaster University, Canada
4
Monash University, Australia
4
Montana State University, USA
4
National University of Singapore, Singapore
4
Oregon State University, USA
5
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
3
The University of Hong Kong
2
University at Buffalo (SUNY), USA
2
University of Alberta, Canada
4
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA
5
University of Maryland at College Park, USA
4
University of New Mexico, USA
6
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
3
University of Oklahoma, USA
5
University of Pittsburgh, USA
CLOSED
University of Queensland, Australia
4
University of Sydney, Australia
2
University of Texas at Austin, USA
1
University of Toronto, Canada
1
University of Waterloo, Canada
TBC
University of Western Australia
2
University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
CLOSED
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA
2
University of Wollongong, Australia
4
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
USA
3
Australian National University
3
International
Exchanges
Unit
Information
on
how to apply.
Please ensure that you read these notes very carefully and follow the step by
step guide before and whilst completing your Study Abroad on line application.
On line
Application
Notes
2010-2011.
This is not for students wishing to go to Europe. Please contact your departmental Erasmus
tutor for details on how to apply.
GENERAL POINTS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
1. The majority of the important application procedures are done during holidays,
exams and revision periods. All students are in the same position and this is enforced
due to tight deadlines at the overseas institutions. All deadlines must be met and
no allowances or extensions can be made because of these reasons.
2. We must have your total co-operation and assistance at all stages, as we help you to
study abroad.
3. Some people find parts of the process stressful, but we try our best to make things
as smooth as possible for you. Ask anyone who has studied abroad – most say they
had a brilliant time. Some say it changed their lives!
4. Allow enough time for paperwork. Don’t leave things until the last minute.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO APPLYING – IMPORTANT – READ CAREFULLY
1. Meet with your departmental Study Abroad Adviser (both if on a dual degree)
2. Speak to your family, friends and students who have participated in Study Abroad in
the past
3. Do your research. Visit the partner websites and read report forms from past
participants
4. Read all documents carefully, including the online application notes before
attempting to fill in the on line form. Mistakes cause delays.
5. Once your online application form is complete, print a copy for your tutor and one
for your own reference. If you are a dual degree student, you will also need to print a
copy for your second Adviser
6. Print a copy of your personal statement. Print two copies if you are a dual degree
student
7. Send a copy of the online application print out, personal statement to your Study
Abroad Adviser. Ask them to complete the on line Tutor Reference Form. If you are a
Dual Degree student give one set of documents to each of your Advisers.
8. Deadline: Tuesday 1 December 2009. Points 5, 6, 7 and 8 MUST be completed by this
deadline
9. You will get confirmation of the decision on your application in writing around 14/15
January 2010.
Things to do now which will save you time later if you are successful in securing a place:
1. Find your A-level certificates (or copies of the qualifications that allowed you to
study at the University of Sheffield), you will need these for the host institution.
2. Speak to your family about the financial guarantee (details on the FAQ sheet), this
takes the most time to get together so plan well ahead and get things in place.
3. Find/apply for a passport. Some universities want to see a copy when completing
their application form.
COMPLETING THE ON LINE FORM
The on line application is located at:
www.shef.ac.uk/studyabroad/sheffield/prospective/applying/application.html
The most important thing to remember is that you CANNOT print your application once you have
pressed the SEND button. You MUST print copies of your application (see step by step guide to
applying above), so please remember this part.
Personal Details - Section 1 of 4

Sheffield Registration Number: This is the number which appears across the middle of your
Ucard

Title, First Name and Surname, should be written exactly as they appear in your passport

Disability information: this will not jeopardise your application in any way. We need to know
any details so that we can organise sufficient support overseas if you are successful in getting
a place

Term time address & contact details: please give the FULL mailing address of where you live
in Sheffield PLUS your mobile and land line numbers PLUS your email address or addresses
you use whilst at University

Vacation address: please give the FULL mailing address of where you live when you are not in
Sheffield PLUS your mobile and land line numbers PLUS your email address or addresses you
use when you are NOT in Sheffield.
Academic Details - Section 2 of 4
1. Sheffield Degree Title: please enter the name of your FULL degree – e.g. BA English Literature
2. Please provide details of your Post 16 education – these are details of the qualifications you
gained to get a place at Sheffield. For example - A Levels, Scottish Highers, IB or international
qualifications. There is only space for 4 subjects and grades, if you have more than this,
please just write down the best 4 results.
3. Name of Departmental Study Abroad Adviser: from the list of advisers in Appendix A. You
should write down a second tutor name if you are on a dual degree.
Choice of Universities - Section 3 of 4
You must list a choice of 6 Universities in this section. Please use the full university name, as listed on
the web: www.shef.ac.uk/studyabroad/sheffield/prospective/universities.html
Personal Statement - Section 4 of 4
This must be no more than 800 words. You should type your statement in Word, do a word count
and then paste it into the box. You should then save this for future use. You will then need to print
off a copy (or 2 if you are a dual degree student) to hand into your Study Abroad Adviser/s.
Your Personal Statement should cover the following;

why you have chosen the universities you have in section 3

why you think you are a good candidate/ good ambassador for the University of
Sheffield

how the year abroad may develop you/your future career

how you think the year abroad may help develop your degree
We also recommend that you save your personal statement, if you are successful; this can then be
recycled for your host institution application.
General Questions?
Visit our website: www.shef.ac.uk/studyabroad/sheffield
Can’t find what you are looking for: call Becky Mathers on 0114 2221248 or email at
r.mathers@shef.ac.uk
Academic/course questions?
Please note that the International Exchanges Unit cannot answer academic questions - these should
be referred to your Departmental Study Abroad Adviser.