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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Natural Sciences, Sports Science, Humanities & Business
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Location
Stirling
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Host University
University of Stirling
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Term
Spring 1 2024
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Program Dates
Jan 20, 2024 - May 11, 2024
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 01, 2023
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2023
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Credit
60 SCQF Credits
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$19,350
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Stirling is centrally located in Scotland with easy access to the cities in the south and the Highlands in the north. The university is especially known for its exceptional and very modern sporting facilities with an athletic track, fitness suite, golf course, sports hall, tennis courts, pools, artificial pitches, squash courts, and much more.
All courses are taught by local university professors at the University of Stirling. You will take classes alongside British and other international students on a traditional, U.S.-style campus in the lush heart of Scotland. Some of the most popular fields are Sport Studies, Biological Sciences, English, History, Computer Science, Social Science, Humanities, and Business.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
- All applicants must have at least sophomore standing (second-year) at their home university.
- All applicants are required to submit an official transcript, academic letter of recommendation, and letter of intent along with the application.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
SCQF Credits
60
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
15
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
22
Academic Information
Course Availability & Syllabi
- The courses listed below are only a sample of what the university offers. Please see the full Stirling Module Catalog linked here for additional courses.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Scotland Program Manager.
Course Credit
- Students are required to enroll in 60 Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) units per term as determined by the University of Stirling. The university offers courses from 10 credits to 40 credits.
- Per the University of Stirling, 20 SCQF credits are considered equivalent to 5 U.S. semester credits/7.5 U.S. quarter units. Credit transfer policies surrounding SCQF credits vary across US universities and students are strongly encouraged to consult with their home university regarding the transfer of SCQF credits.
- Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
- According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed in the Stirling Module Catalog. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the Stirling module level classifications of a 8, 9 or 10 level, which correspond with the three year bachelor's degree cycle. Courses classified as level 9 and level 10 are considered upper division and recommended for juniors and seniors with 3000- and 4000-level of experience in the subject. These Stirling and ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
- These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
Understanding the Course Code (EX: ENGU9HC)
- the first three letters refer to the department the course is being offered through (ENG=English)
- the last four numbers/letters refer to the unique number assigned to the class
Transcript Information
- The transcript from the University of Stirling will SCQF credits. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Hannah Hamilton
Senior Program Manager, England & Scotland
Born in Corvallis, OR, family stories of adventures and travels were joyfully shared and impressed upon Hannah at a young age. As an undergraduate at the University of Texas here in Austin, she jumped at the opportunity to circumnavigate the world aboard a ship. The experience was life-changing and led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Education from The George Washington University. Hannah started at ISA in 2006 and worked closely with our programs in Morocco and Europe. After six years with ISA Hannah made the decision to stay home to raise her two children. She served on their school PTA board for four years, further fueling her interests of advocacy and equity in education. Having recently returned to ISA in 2021, Hannah is thrilled to continue advising students as they pursue their own international education efforts.
STIRLING TEAM
Elena White
Resident Director, Scotland
Elena White
Resident Director
Elena moved with her family from the US to Glasgow when she was a child. Having grown up in Glasgow, she studied in Santa Barbara, California and graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts. Elena has always loved to travel and counts her own university experience in California as an extended study abroad. She considers this one of the best decisions she's ever made! Elena has a history of work in communications and project management. Some of her favorite places in Glasgow include BlackPine Coffee, Hanoi Bike Shop, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery. She is always happy to chat about her experiences and looks forward to introducing you to Glasgow and the beautiful Scotland!
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the British lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average tourist. Uncovering the uniqueness of your surroundings will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will commute to class as most locals do, via the underground (aka the Tube), the overground, public bus, or walking. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Dorm
The Stirling residence halls are located on campus and in Stirling City Center. ISA does not have control over which dorm you are assigned to by the university. Dorms have shared kitchens on each floor; laundry facilities are typically available for an additional cost. You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Edinburgh
Travel into the historic Waverly Train Station in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. Learn about the history of the Royal Mile and the Old Town of Edinburgh, and stop off at chic coffee spots and local independent shops on your way to Edinburgh Castle, set atop Castle Rock. Enjoy the rich history inside Edinburgh Castle before heading back into the old town to see for yourself some of the inspiration for the famed Harry Potter franchise.
Edinburgh
Travel into the historic Waverly Train Station in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. Learn about the history of the Royal Mile and the Old Town of Edinburgh, and stop off at chic coffee spots and local independent shops on your way to Edinburgh Castle, set atop Castle Rock. Enjoy the rich history inside Edinburgh Castle before heading back into the old town to see for yourself some of the inspiration for the famed Harry Potter franchise.
Glasgow
Glasgow, the 'Dear Green Place,' is full of parks and green spaces. With over 600,000 people, it is the country's largest and most ethnically diverse city. A few famous Glaswegians include comedian Billy Connolly, actors Billy Boyd & Robert Carlyle, Sir Thomas Lipton (of Lipton Tea), and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay!
Glasgow
Glasgow, the 'Dear Green Place,' is full of parks and green spaces. With over 600,000 people, it is the country's largest and most ethnically diverse city. A few famous Glaswegians include comedian Billy Connolly, actors Billy Boyd & Robert Carlyle, Sir Thomas Lipton (of Lipton Tea), and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay!
Highlands
Included in your trip to Skye are several stops in the iconic highlands of Scotland. The natural beauty of the highlands is evident from the beginning of your journey. Starting in Glasgow, you will travel across the highland boundary fault , encountering Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest freshwater loch (i.e., Scottish for lake). From Loch Lomond, you will travel further into the highlands, crossing Rannoch Moor. Then, you will explore Glen Coe, and have a stop in Fort William for lunch, having worked up a healthy appetite.
Highlands
Included in your trip to Skye are several stops in the iconic highlands of Scotland. The natural beauty of the highlands is evident from the beginning of your journey. Starting in Glasgow, you will travel across the highland boundary fault , encountering Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest freshwater loch (i.e., Scottish for lake). From Loch Lomond, you will travel further into the highlands, crossing Rannoch Moor. Then, you will explore Glen Coe, and have a stop in Fort William for lunch, having worked up a healthy appetite.
Stirling Castle
Stirling is affectionately called 'the Gateway to the Highlands.' You will explore the history behind the people of this proud region of Scotland, taking a guided tour of Stirling Castle and the city surrounding this strategic fortress. Today, Stirling is economically powered by a mixture of tourism, local government, higher education, retail, and financial services.
Stirling Castle
Stirling is affectionately called 'the Gateway to the Highlands.' You will explore the history behind the people of this proud region of Scotland, taking a guided tour of Stirling Castle and the city surrounding this strategic fortress. Today, Stirling is economically powered by a mixture of tourism, local government, higher education, retail, and financial services.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye (old Norse sky-a, meaning 'cloud island') is one of the largest northern islands of Scotland and one not to be missed. No matter the weather, be it sunny, cloudy or mild, breathtaking views and stunning scenery are guaranteed. Wander the beautiful velvet moors through the jagged mountain rocks and overlook the towering sea cliffs of Kilt Rock- some of the most dramatic scenery Scotland has to offer. Explore the colorful houses of Portree, waterfalls near Glencoe, and visit landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle, where you may hear the bellowing sounds of a bagpiper.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye (old Norse sky-a, meaning 'cloud island') is one of the largest northern islands of Scotland and one not to be missed. No matter the weather, be it sunny, cloudy or mild, breathtaking views and stunning scenery are guaranteed. Wander the beautiful velvet moors through the jagged mountain rocks and overlook the towering sea cliffs of Kilt Rock- some of the most dramatic scenery Scotland has to offer. Explore the colorful houses of Portree, waterfalls near Glencoe, and visit landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle, where you may hear the bellowing sounds of a bagpiper.
Cultural Activities in Scotland
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore culture of Scotland in and around your host city. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Scotland special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included lawn bowling at Kelvingrove, a Whisky Distillery tour, a Luss hillwalk, visits to the Barras Market, walking tours of the Central Station Underground, and a visit to Pollock Country park to see the Highland coos (cows)!
Cultural Activities in Scotland
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore culture of Scotland in and around your host city. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Scotland special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included lawn bowling at Kelvingrove, a Whisky Distillery tour, a Luss hillwalk, visits to the Barras Market, walking tours of the Central Station Underground, and a visit to Pollock Country park to see the Highland coos (cows)!