Kinesiology at York St. John University College in England (UK)

Fall Semester 2010

13 weeks (late September to late December)

Sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Education

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This program provides students majoring in Kinesiology at Michigan State University the opportunity to study abroad at York St. John University College in England - one of the top ten higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.

Majors in either the Exercise Science or Physical Education Teacher Education emphasis area can take courses in the Sport and Exercise Science Program or Sports Studies and Physical Education Program at York St. John.  Coursework will contribute directly to the requirements of the student’s degree program in a small college setting and in a culture that is unique.

Where does it take place?

York St. John University College, located in York, England, was established in 1841 as part of the University of Leeds.  Although no longer affiliated with the University of Leeds, they continue their tradition of strong programs.  The main campus of the college is adjacent to the walled city of York and its famous Minster (the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe).  The college has an enrollment of over 4,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate degrees including a B.A. in Sports Studies and Physical Education and a B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science.  Several hundred international students come to study at York St. John each year.

The city of York, successively occupied by the Vikings and the Romans, is a cultural center with many interesting museums, buildings, and structures.  Additionally, York has many fine restaurants, shops and numerous artistic, musical and cultural events.  It attracts millions of visitors each year.  The city is located approximately two hours north of London, and two and half hours south of Edinburgh.

What can I study?

The program is organized for Kinesiology majors in the Exercise Science or Physical Education Teacher Education emphasis area.  Each student’s program is individually designed. 

Students are required to enroll in twelve (12) credits in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Studies and Physical Education, or a combination of courses from the two programs.  The following are potential course offerings:

Sport and Exercise Science Program

• Foundation in Sport and Exercise Science
• Analysis of Athletic Performance
• Applied Exercise Physiology
• Social Psychology in Sport and Exercise
• Sport, Exercise and Mental Health

Sport Studies and Physical Education:

• Practical Sport and Physical Education
• Research and Evaluation for the Sport and Exercise Industry
• Recreation Management
• Sports Science

Careful planning with academic advisers and the faculty leader is recommended to ensure appropriate courses are selected and progress toward a degree is not delayed. 

Students will attend regular courses taught by faculty members from York St. John.

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

This program is open to MSU students who have expressed a preference for a major in Kinesiology. 

Applicants must be of at least sophomore status and in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will live alongside British students in on-campus residence halls close to classrooms.  The International Office at York St. John will assign single rooms to students on the first day of orientation.  All residence halls have community bathrooms and telephones in the hallways.  

Small kitchenettes in the residence halls are available for preparing meals or snacks.  Students may also choose to purchase meals from on-campus dining facilities or in numerous restaurants in York.

Who can tell me more about this program?

V. Dianne Ulibarri, Ph.D.
Department of Kinesiology
101 IM Sports Circle
Phone: (517) 355-4733

Jo Hartwell, M.A., R.N.
Academic Adviser, Kinesiology
134 Erickson Hall
Phone: (517) 432-9552

You can also log-on to the York St. John University College’s Web site.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2008 was $3,146 and included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs were estimated at $4,392 for 2008.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

Exchange seats are available.  Students participating as exchange students pay MSU tuition and fees instead of Australian tuition and fees (typically more expensive).

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for fall semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for fall participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. 

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records.

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.