BC-Sussex Exchange

Brooklyn College Exchange With the University of Sussex
(Sussex, England)

The Brooklyn College exchange program with the University of Sussex (UoS) is open to all undergraduates with at least 45 completed credits. Preference is given to students who have a major or minor in English. Participants will have the unique opportunity to study for a semester or year in England while paying CUNY tuition, travel, and onsite living costs. Brighton is a beautiful coastal city an hour train ride away from London. This program is competitive and spaces are limited. Students not accepted as part of the BC-Sussex Exchange have the option to enroll directly with the University of Sussex at the UoS tuition rate.

View BC-Sussex Exchange Informational Handout (pdf)

Eligibility

This program is open to all college students, though preference is given to Brooklyn College students, and to English majors and minors. Applicants should have:

a 3.00 minimum GPA,
45 college credits, and
a clear academic and disciplinary record.

Academic Credit and Course Offerings

Students receive credit and grades for the courses taken at the University of Sussex. Prior to the end of the semester before studying abroad, all participants should obtain written approval for credit equivalencies. The Study Abroad Course Equivalency Form (pdf) provides information on how to do so.

For a description of English modules, visit the University of Sussex.

Other modules available for study include, but are not limited to, anthropology, art history, business, chemistry, English, geography, history, languages, international relations, mathematics, and politics. For a full list of available modules and courses, visit the University of Sussex.

Sussex Academic Calendar/Program Dates

Fall Semester: September–January
Spring Semester: February–June

Estimated Costs for One Semester (2015–16)

The University of Sussex reports that the average student should budget between 820 British pounds (US$1,249) to 1,175 British pounds (US$1,789) per month for accommodation and other living expenses. Keep in mind variations in personal lifestyle and spending preferences.

CUNY tuition and fees.
Roundtrip Airfare: $1,200
Housing (several options): $1,581–$3,618
Meals and Laundry/Household Amenities: $1,338
Personal Expenses (local travel, books, Internet, phone, etc.): $1,612–$1,733
CUNY mandated CISI Health/Travel Insurance ($42.58 per month): $170.32

* Dollar estimate based on ENU published costs in pounds multiplied by currency exchange of one British pound is equal to $1.52 (as of March 5, 2015). Students should be sure to check online for the most current exchange rates.

† There are plenty of resources online for referencing cost of living and student expenses in the United Kingdom. For example, the Student Calculator is a good place to gain insight about the costs of living and studying in England.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Notification of Study Abroad/Brooklyn College Study Abroad Application.
- IPSA applications must be submitted to IPSA no later than April 1 for fall semesters, and October 1 for spring semesters. Due to limited spaces, interested students should submit their applications as early as possible.
After initial acceptance by IPSA, students will need to submit a Sussex online application directly to the University of Sussex.
- University of Sussex applications must be submitted no later than May 1 for fall semesters, and October 15 for spring semesters.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most scholarships and financial aid that a student receives for semester study at Brooklyn College can be applied on semester abroad exchange programs. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid about specifics on how their financial aid applies. Scholarships are also available for semester study abroad. Refer to the IPSA website or visit the Brooklyn College Office of Scholarships. If you are not a Brooklyn College student, any financial aid you are currently receiving is administered by your home institution's Office of Financial Aid. Questions about financial aid should be directed to that office.

Housing Information

Students have multiple housing options both on campus and in Brighton and Hove. Residential advisers are provided for university housing and will be your housing information resource throughout your stay. Sussex has a policy of interspersing local and foreign students together in the same housing, so you will be living with British as well as other foreign students. For a breakdown of the differences between on-campus housing and off-campus housing, review these descriptions:

Student Visa Information

Students planning to study for fewer than six months will need a Student Visitor Visa (SVV). Students can obtain their SVV free of charge upon arrival at the airport in England. To enter England and receive the SVV, students must show their original Sussex acceptance letter and proof of sufficient funds for the full semester in England. U.S. nationals do not need to complete an application in advance.

Students planning to study for a full year will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in advance of their departure from the United States. Visit the U.K. Government website for more information on Student Visitor Visas and Tier 4 visas.