St Mary's University Twickenham
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has sponsored an education abroad program at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London, England. The program requires students to register for a work module (internship) to provide on-the-job experiences while abroad.
Details
Founded in 1850, St Mary’s University Twickenham is the only Catholic university in London and the largest in the United Kingdom. The Catholic ethos of St Mary's provides students with a values-based education that is open to all, and where all students and staff are respected and valued. With a total enrollment of about 6,000 students, international students from around the world account for nearly 10 percent of the student population, bringing a unique international perspective to St Mary’s.
The beautiful St Mary's campus is situated on the grounds of the historic Strawberry Hill House making it a welcoming community for students. At St Mary's students get the best of both worlds with our beautiful green space close to the hustle and bustle of Central London only 25 minutes away by train. At the same time students have all the advantages of the restaurants, cafes, pubs, and malls of nearby Kingston and Teddington.
Eligibility
To be eligible to study at St Mary's University Twickenham, London through UW-Platteville Education Abroad, you must:
- Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university.
- Have completed at least one full-time semester of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation.
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation.
Application Requirements
In addition to any application procedures required by your home institutions, you must submit the following via the UW-Platteville Education Abroad online application system:
- $75 application fee
- Copy of U.S. passport: If you do not currently hold a U.S. passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
- Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
- International Study Course Approval Form (UW-Platteville students)
- Official academic transcript
- Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
- St Mary's University Twickenham, London Application Form
- St Mary's University Twickenham, London Course Advisement Form
- Two letters of recommendation
- UW-Platteville Education Abroad Application
You will also have access to information to assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.
Co-curricular Activities
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Internships
If you decide to study at St. Mary’s through UW-Platteville Education Abroad, you will be able to register for a work placement module in either spring or fall semester. This opportunity allows you to work in an appropriate organization for one to two days per week while also completing coursework at St Mary’s.
The work placement modules have different and distinct feels and focuses each semester. In the fall semester, the "Contributing to the Community" work placement module is sociological in its approach and involves exploring issues of community and identity.
The "Experience and Employment" work placement module for the spring semester is focused on organizational culture and economic context. In either case, the work placement modules offer opportunities in the workplace to gain valuable experience and focus on your interests and value to your future employer.
St Mary’s works to help you find a placement to match your personal abilities and ambitions and interested students should contact UW-Platteville Education Abroad to inquire about options.
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Activities
Included in UW-Platteville Education Abroad’s program fee are two activities per semester. Past activities have included day and weekend trips to locales of historical and cultural significance around England, and St Mary’s also offers students a wide range of optional activities at an affordable price. Information on the semester’s activities options will be provided during the on-site orientation at St Mary’s.
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Clubs and Organizations
St Mary’s offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations through its Students’ Union, including:
Club Sports
Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Gaelic Football, Gymnastics and Trampolining, Hockey, Hurling, Mixed Martial Arts, Netball, Rowing, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and WindsurfingSocieties
Afro-Caribbean, Cheerleading, Christian Union, Community Arts, Dance, Drama Phoenix, Film, History, Interfaith Society, Islamic Society, LGBT, Mature Students, Newspaper, RAG, Ski, and University ChoirEvents and Activities
Bowling Nights, Christmas Ball, Election Day, Festivals, Freshers Week, Karaoke, Pub to Club, Quiz Nights, RAG Week, Ski Trip, Summer Ball and Funfair, Sports Dinner, Thames Boat Trip, and Themed Discos
Housing
Students studying abroad at St Mary's University Twickenham, London (St Mary's) through UW-Platteville Education Abroad have the choice of accommodation options. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to live in accommodation that is not under the direct supervision of St Mary’s. Naturally, some adjustments with regard to customs, food, and heat must be anticipated with all of the accommodation options.
The cost of accommodation is not included in UW-Platteville Education Abroad's program fee and is paid out-of-pocket by the student directly to St Mary’s. Please see the St Mary's University Twickenham, London Dates and Program Cost page for the current homestay accommodation cost, and St Mary’s University Accommodation Office’s website for additional information.
For meals, SMU has an on-campus refectory which is open seven days a week during the term and is situated centrally on the campus. A meal plan is included in many accommodations and can be added to some accommodation packages for an additional fee. The refectory offers a wide range of food, all at reasonable prices, including a daily choice of main meals, vegetarian dishes, hot and cold snacks, burgers, and salads. There is also a snack bar and a café, Dolche Espresso Bar, on campus. All additional meals must be arranged and paid for out-of-pocket by the student.
Wi-fi is included with accommodations at no additional cost. However, adjustments with regard to speed and availability must be anticipated.
Laundry facilities are available on campus for a fee.
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De Marillac Hall
Students may elect to live on campus in the Lady Frances De Marillac Residence Hall, situated in a quiet location at the far end of the athletics track, adjacent to Graham, Wiseman and Doyle Halls. Constructed in 2005, the four-story building boasts 180 bedrooms, together with spacious utility, kitchen, and common rooms. Each single room has a single bed, radiator, bedside table, desk, shelving, pinboard, wardrobe, and shower/toilet capsule. The common kitchens include fridges, microwaves, kettles, toasters, ironing boards, sinks, tables and chairs, cupboard space, and food lockers.
Included in the accommodation cost is a meal plan for 5 breakfasts, 2 weekend brunches, and 7 evening meals at the St Mary’s Refectory.
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Waldegrave Park Houses
Students may choose to live in the Waldegrave Park Houses located on a residential road on the edge of the SMU campus, offering both single and shared rooms. These homes are managed by St Mary's University, where there are nine houses comprised of both single and shared twin rooms in Victorian-style houses. Each house also has shared bathroom facilities, wi-fi access, and 24-hour security. Each room has a desk and chair, notice board, wardrobe, and shelving unit. The kitchenettes include a microwave, toaster, kettle, and iron and ironing board. Laundry facilities are available on campus for a fee.
Included in the accommodation cost is a meal plan for 5 breakfasts, 2 weekend brunches, and 7 evening meals at the St Mary’s Refectory.
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Homestay
All homestays will be within a 30-minute walk of the St Mary’s campus, ensuring easy access to class or campus activities. The Accommodation Office at St Mary’s arranges for American students to live in British homes in the surrounding community. Some householders take just one student, while others take two, but no more than two students are placed in a given accommodation. Within the accommodation, students will have their own keys and will be free to come and go as they please, so long as they are considerate of the other people living there.
Breakfast is provided by the householder, and the evening meal is taken on campus with the other St Mary’s students. The cost of both meals is included in the accommodation cost to be paid to St Mary’s by the student. Most hosts will allow students to use their kitchen to prepare drinks and snacks, and any additional meals must be arranged and paid for out-of-pocket by the student. Laundry facilities are generally available, although in some instances this may only be for light use.
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Doyle Hall (Summer Only)
Doyle Hall offers single study bedrooms with wash basins, a shared kitchenette and bathroom facilities. Overlooking the running track, each hall has its own common room. Each room has a single bed, desk, chair, notice board, shelving unit, wardrobe, and a wash basin. The kitchenettes include microwaves, kettles, toasters, ironing boards, and sinks. Additionally, this hall offers 24-hour security, and a secure door entry system.
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Clive Hall (Summer Only)
These purpose-built halls comprise single study bedrooms with wash basins, arranged over two floors. They have shared bathrooms and kitchenettes and are located to the side of the sports fields, making them a popular choice with athletes. Arranged over three halls, this building boasts 62 single bedrooms, together with spacious kitchenette rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Each single room has a single bed, desk, chair, notice board, shelving unit, wardrobe, and shower/toilet capsule. The kitchenettes include microwaves, kettles, toasters, ironing boards, and sinks. Additionally, this hall offers 24-hour security, and a secure door entry system.
Academics
The UW-Platteville Education Abroad program at St Mary's University, Twickenham London is designed to provide students with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience at a British university. Students may participate for one semester or for a full academic year, enrolling in 12 credits (4 courses) per semester. All courses are taken alongside British and international students, and the available courses are listed in their catalog.
All students studying abroad at St Mary's through UW-Platteville Education Abroad are required to enroll in one of the following:
- A course that has significant course content about British life and culture: Courses may be in the areas of art, culture, history, literature, media studies, or social science, and students can review the Recommended Modules to Fulfill the St Mary's British Life and Culture document for ideas. If you find another course of interest, you can email studyabroad@uwplatt.edu to confirm if your course(s) of interest can fulfill the requirement.
- The Work Place Learning course: This course includes a part-time placement in a workplace relevant to your subject discipline and career aspirations, as well as attendance at class sessions and submission of coursework.
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Summer Session
The UW-Platteville Education Abroad summer program with St. Mary's University in collaboration with the University of Warwick is designed to provide you an exceptional learning and living experience at a British institution of higher learning. You will participate in a 3-week session while enrolled in one 3 credit course. Available courses can be found on Warwick's website, SMU summer course catalogue.
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Resident Credits
Fifteen British credits are equivalent to three American credits, and the grades you receive abroad will be converted to the U.S. grading system of A, B, C, etc. based on the official transcript that is received from the institution abroad. UW-Platteville Education Abroad uses the following conversion guide as a guideline, provided by World Education Services, in converting students’ grades.
Please note that this only serves as a general conversion guideline.
While all credits should be transferable, you should work with your academic advisor at your home institution to choose appropriate and beneficial courses from the St Mary's curriculum prior to the semester abroad. Courses that may fulfill specific requirements for major, minor, general education, or elective requirements towards an American degree must be approved by the appropriate person(s) at the home institution.
Visa Information
The United Kingdom is frequently updating visa regulations and procedures, so it is important to review the most current information. As of May 2018, U.S. education abroad students can enter the United Kingdom as a Student Visitor/Short-Term Student or Tier 4 Student Visa.
