Visit Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) this summer, 7 to 14 July, spending 7 days in the home of the Mustangs living and learning with fellow American students.
Location
SMSU
SMSU is a public liberal arts university located in Marshall, Minnesota; a friendly, small town of 14,000, named one of America’s Best Small Cities. SMSU is a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future.
Check out the official website of SMSU Mustangs
Through this exciting programme at the University, you will get a real flavour of the “Midwest” with the opportunity to cheer on the home team at a local sport event, visit an organic farm, learn how to cook a “Midwest” dessert and have time for sightseeing!
Southwest Minnesota
The region is rich in history, diverse in nature and full of quirky attractions.
You will find yourself immersed in the American small-town culture surrounded by picturesque farmsteads, lakeshores and scenic valleys where the spirit and traditions of the Dakota Indians and early pioneers are very much still visible.
Key Information
Departure
Sunday 7 July 2019 (Dublin Airport) pre-booked coach will transfer students from Belfast to Dublin airport. Leaving Glengall Street, Belfast 6am
Return
Monday 15 July 2019 (Dublin Airport) pre-booked coach will return students to Belfast from Dublin airport. Leaving at 12pm.
Cost
Flights, airport transfers, accommodation and some meals will be fully funded by the Office of Global Engagement.
You will be required to pay for your visa/ESTA and cover your own spending money.
Flight Information
Sunday 7 July - 12.25 Dublin to Chicago UA 153 / 19.38 Chicago to Sioux Falls UA 4869
Sunday 14 July - 15:18 Sioux Falls to Chicago UA 3920 / 21.05 Chicago to Dublin UA 152
Places
There are 6 funded places available.
Eligibility
Open to all 1st & 2nd year full time undergraduates with limited or no international travel experience who meet one of the below criteria:
- be in receipt of an Access Bursary
- permanently reside in an area of high deprivation/low participation in higher education.
- Check your score (a score more than 178 does not qualify)
- have undertaken secondary education at a state school with a free school meal entitlement rate of 40% or more.
- be in receipt of benefits which may include state income support, working tax credit or child tax credit
- have declared to the University a background of care
- have disclosed a disability to the University or be in receipt of disability living allowance/personal independence payments
Visa Information
All students travelling to the United States will require some form of a visa.
You will need to check if you are eligible for the visa waiver, if you are, you will need to apply for an ESTA, if you are not, you will need to apply for a full non-immigrant visa.
All students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the US immigration requirements.
Further information will be provided to all accepted students regarding the type of visa required and how to apply.
Application Process
You must submit an online application form.
Following this you will be invited to an interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing 29 April 2019 with a session on each campus.
Application Deadline
Midnight Friday 19 April 2019
Further Information
For further information please contact studyabroad@ulster.ac.uk
Emergency Contact Information
Should an emergency arise, students should in the first instance contact Leanne Whiteman, whom will be accompanying you for the duration of your programme.
The following Ulster University staff can also be reached in case of an emergency:
Ms Mehvish Ashfaq, Assistant Director and Head of Global Opportunities and Experience: 07525925102
Ms Kelly Helmer, Global Mobility Officer: 02890366065
In Country Key Contact Information
Mary Jones, Southwest Minnesota State University: 01 507 537 6396