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Introduction
Attend Drexel University on this 4-week summer programme to learn about US values through interactive sessions on current socio-political and cultural topics and by visiting historical institutions and key landmarks in Philadelphia.
Programme Description
This summer, Drexel University’s English Language Center (ELC) in Philadelphia will host a cohort of international students from Ulster University in Northern Ireland. This four-week cultural immersion program will focus on US social history and values and will provide students with opportunities to experience it first-hand and make their own discoveries.
They will learn how Philly continues to contribute to the cultural and political fabric of the US, and they will build on their intercultural competencies by meeting and interacting with the Drexel community of faculty, staff, students, and community members. Through interactive discussions, workshops, activities, and visits to historical and cultural institutions, students will gain a fuller understanding of the American cultural fabric and present their understanding through a capstone project.
An opportunity not to be missed!
Key Information
Dates
29 June to 24 July 2026 (allow for a day or two either side for travel).
Eligibility
Open to Registered Undergraduate or Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time). Not suitable for final year students.
Programme includes
Flights, Accommodation and Activities.
Programme does not include
You will be responsible for your own meals with provisions available on campus.
There is an additional cost for the optional day trips to New York City and New Jersey Shore beach.
You will also be required to bring your own spending money for the duration of the Programme.
ESTA Visa will be required (at a cost of approx £20)
Programme Cost
Programme Cost: £2250 (approximate) to be paid by student to Drexel University.
Turing funding is available for eligible students to assist towards the programme cost.
Students will be expected to contribute the following amounts towards the programme cost :
£800 for most students
or
£500 if your household income is less than £25,000*
*you can check the full criteria for this higher Turing rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below.
Flights
Return flights will be included and booked on your behalf as a group booking with funding provided by the Irish Government Mobility fund.
Application | Applications now closed. |
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Application Deadline | Applications now closed. |
Interview | You will be invited to an online group interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. Interview dates will be released shortly. |
Interview Guidance | If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team. You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk |
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-Departure Information
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for pre-departure:
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport you hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process, but it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport may also need an additional Irish visa.
Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for the United States.
You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend.
As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form. Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required.
