We have exceeded our capacity to accept guest students into Alma
College International Study programs. At this time only students
enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to these programs.
To submit an application directly through the program provider, visit the University of Aberdeen's website at http://www.abdn.ac.uk.
Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application
process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a
suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more
information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit
Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the
Registrar's Office.
Why Aberdeen?
Aberdeen has something for everyone. Its rich cultural heritage is combined with a thriving contemporary community. Add to this a strong economic pulse, and the Granite City becomes a lively and rewarding place to live and study.
The buoyant economy is the result of diverse commercial activities including farming, fishing, tourism and trading. More recently, it has become the hub of the world's offshore energy network and is the offshore oil capital of Europe.
The miles of golden beaches, dunes, cliffs, and nearby Cairngorm Mountains offer superb opportunities for hill walking, mountaineering and skiing. Rivers such as the Dee, the Don, the Ythan and the Ugie offer fishing, rowing, canoeing, as well as breathtaking scenery.
Aberdeen Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester are
due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for
Off-Campus Study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of
classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Dates, Fees, and Services
The School and Facilities
One of the many benefits of the University of Aberdeen is its diverse student body. Almost a quarter of the student body of 12,000 is made up of students from outside the UK.
At the University of Aberdeen, students can find a busy program of social events, including several clubs and societies. The many cultural activities on campus can be viewed online at www.abdn.ac.uk/sras.
Admission Requirements
The Aberdeen program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent at their respective colleges or universities in order for their application to be considered for review. Final admission is contingent upon acceptance to the University of Aberdeen as a visiting student.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member.
Class Structure and Credits
Students in the Alma program can enroll in nearly any class offered at the University of Aberdeen provided they have completed prerequisites. The University of Aberdeen course catalog is available online at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses.
A normal class load at Aberdeen is approximately three to four classes, based on the number of credit points awarded for each class. Students are allowed to take between 60 and 70 Aberdeen credit points per semester. Grades are recorded though it depends on each institution if grades transfer. Credit value is shown in the Credit Table.
| Aberdeen Credits | Semester Credits | Alma Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 15 | 3 | 4 |
| 20 | 3 | 4 |
| 30 | 6 | 8 |
| 40 | 6 | 8 |
It important for students to follow the procedures of their home campus prior to departure to have courses preapproved for transfer upon completion of the program.
Required textbooks can be purchased at one of the bookstores in the University area or borrowed from the University library. Book costs are approximately $270, depending on class load and selection.
Travel Documents
Passport is required and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the last date of the program.
A student visa is not required for entry into the United Kingdom, however the university will issue an Immigration Certificate after confirmation of acceptance. This certificate allows students to enter and study in the country.
Arrival Information
Plan on arriving in Aberdeen on the beginning date of the program as indicated in the acceptance letter. This is the date housing becomes available.
To be met at the airport or train station, return the Airport/ Train Station Meeting Request Form to OCS. This form is included in the acceptance packet. The on-site Resident Director's schedule is variable, but every attempt is made to meet each student.
Students are responsible for all costs associated with early arrival housing and transportation from the airport if they choose to arrive before the first day of the program as indicated in the acceptance packet.
Orientation
The Resident Director conducts orientations of the city and the university. In addition, several orientation activities take place on campus during the first week. The activities include a formal bus tour of Aberdeen, an introduction to the various clubs and organizations, and a ceilidh accompanied by a haggis dinner.
Excursions
Weekend excursions depend primarily on the availability of the students. Students experience local flavor by taking day trips to Stonehaven, Donnotar Castle and surrounding areas. During official excursions offered through the program, transportation and lunch are included.
Vacations
Personal travel should not interfere with class work. Formal vacations occur during Christmas break and in the winter semester for two to three weeks in April. Extended vacation plans that do not fit into scheduled vacations should be conducted before or after the program of study.
On-campus housing can be arranged during winter semester break. Details are provided upon acceptance.
Computers/E-mail
Aberdeen has over 1,000 Internet capable computers on the main campus and in the resident halls. A username and password allows student to access personal accounts at any of the sites. A student ID card gives access to the network 24 hours a day. Students have their own e-mail address and disk space on the central file servers. This provides access to files from any computer on campus.
Transportation
The Resident Director distributes bus passes to students during the first week of school. Transportation costs prior to receiving the passes and after the program are a student's own responsibility.
Buses are the most convenient and cost effective means of transportation. They run regularly to and from most residence halls, making several stops along High Street, the main thoroughfare through campus before going to the city center.
Taxis are available throughout the city but are more expensive. Walking is also a viable option. A brisk walk from Kings College to the city center takes 25 minutes.
Housing and Meals
Participants on the Alma program are housed in the university residence hall of Hillhead, a 15-minute walk from campus. Students request either catered or self-catered housing. Although every consideration is given to each request, it is not guaranteed. Housing options can be viewed online at the university's website address www.abdn.ac.uk. Students need to provide their own towels in both options.
In catered housing, students are placed in halls that serve breakfast and dinner Monday-Saturday, with brunch on Sunday. Refunds are not given for meals not taken. Bed linen is provided, including sheets that are laundered fortnightly.
In self-catered housing, students live in a dorm with five other students, sharing kitchen and bath facilities. The residents are responsible for their own food purchases and preparation. A reduction of $600 will apply to a student's program charges if assigned self-catered housing.
A blanket and pillow is provided in self- catered housing, however students need to provide their own sheets. Cleaning fortnightly is included.
Telephones
Telephone rates are relatively expensive in Britain. It is worthwhile to investigate inexpensive options that a U.S. phone company can provide abroad.
The University of Aberdeen has its own telephone service that allows local and international calls. For frequent local calls, the university telephone service is the most practical way to call around the area. There is a phone located at the end of each residence catered hall, and self-catered flats have their own telephone.
Personal calls can be made from public phones with phone cards purchased locally. Students might consider purchasing a mobile phone, which is reasonably priced and practical in Britain.
Students receive their housing address prior to the start of the program. Mail takes approximately two weeks or less to reach its destination. Family and friends should mail all correspondence to students at the housing address.
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the program and all students
must purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase
airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the
International Student Identification Card provided with
the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the
card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also
available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other
country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find
airfare. Travel Jems in
