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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Business, Environmental Studies, Humanities & Science
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Location
Reading
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Host University
University of Reading
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Term
Academic Year 1 2022
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Program Dates
Mid Sep, 2022 - Late Mar, 2023
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
Apr 15, 2022
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 01, 2022
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Credit
50 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
TBA
Study Abroad Program Description
The Reading campus is situated on over 300 acres of beautiful and award-winning park land and is only a short distance to London. Additionally, the Reading Student Union provides a lot of opportunities for study abroad students to get involved. During this program, you can select from a vast number of courses in a variety of subjects, enabling you to choose what fits your individual academic needs.
All courses are taught by local university professors at the University of Reading. You will take classes alongside British and other international students on a traditional U.S.-style campus. The University of Reading is AACSB accredited for business courses, and other popular subjects include agriculture and environmental science, literature, humanities, sciences, and international relations.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
- All applicants must have at least sophomore standing (second-year) at their home university at the time of participation.
- Students participating in the academic year program are required to obtain a British Tier 4 Visa.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The amount of meals and possibility of laundry services vary per location. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Hannah Hamilton
Program Manager, Europe & United Kingdom
Born in Corvallis, OR, family stories of adventures and travels were joyfully shared and impressed upon Hannah at a young age. As an undergraduate at the University of Texas here in Austin, she jumped at the opportunity to circumnavigate the world aboard a ship. The experience was life-changing and led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Education from The George Washington University. Hannah started at ISA in 2006 and worked closely with our programs in Morocco and Europe. After six years with ISA Hannah made the decision to stay home to raise her two children. She served on their school PTA board for four years, further fueling her interests of advocacy and equity in education. Having recently returned to ISA in 2021, Hannah is thrilled to continue advising students as they pursue their own international education efforts.
READING TEAM
Marina Kozhuharova
Assistant Resident Director, England
Marina Kozhuharova
Assistant Resident Director
Marina joined ISA in 2010 after graduating from King's College London with a degree in International Commercial and Financial Law. Marina has traveled extensively throughout Europe and believes that study abroad is essential to personal growth and offers fantastic opportunities to discover the world at large. Among her favorite places in London are the River Thames Embankment, Tower Bridge and Greenwich Park. Marina is very excited to show the ISA students London's diverse cultural and historic heritage.
Deiah Curtis
Student Services Coordinator, England
Deiah Curtis
Student Services Coordinator
Raised in Kansas, Deiah began her international adventure in college, studying abroad in London. The following year, she moved to Birmingham, England, to complete her Master’s in Public Relations before excepting a role in her home state as a college admissions and financial aid counsellor. It was during this position with higher education that she realized how significant study abroad programs are and the vast opportunities they offer every student. Deiah is happy to be back in London and working with ISA. She is very excited to introduce ISA students to London’s diverse culture and historic surroundings.
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the British lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average tourist. Uncovering the uniqueness of your surroundings will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will commute to class as most locals do, via the underground (aka the Tube), the overground, public bus, or walking. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Dorm
The Reading residence halls are located on campus. ISA does not have control over which dorm you are assigned to by Reading. They have shared kitchens on each floor, and laundry facilities are typically available for an additional cost. The Reading program also includes a meal plan. You will pay a $500 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the United Kingdom (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Cambridge * Optional
Cambridge is a quintessential British town. You'll get to explore traditional British architecture, visit the many street food markets, go for a punt on the river, and see the famous Cambridge University. You will have the opportunity to discover the many religious, cultural, and political influences that helped develop universities all across England.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a quintessential British town. You'll get to explore traditional British architecture, visit the many street food markets, go for a punt on the river, and see the famous Cambridge University. You will have the opportunity to discover the many religious, cultural, and political influences that helped develop universities all across England.
Stonehenge & Bath
The monument of Stonehenge is one of Britain's oldest Neolithic remnants and easily one of world's most famous sites. It is situated rather mysteriously amidst several hundred burial mounds and at great distances from any logical source for such large stones. After visiting Stonehenge, head northwest towards Bath, an ancient Roman town most famous for the baths constructed here over two millennia ago to take advantage of natural hot springs. Aside from the springs, Bath was home to many famous writers, poets, and celebrities, including the much-beloved novelist Jane Austen.
Stonehenge & Bath
The monument of Stonehenge is one of Britain's oldest Neolithic remnants and easily one of world's most famous sites. It is situated rather mysteriously amidst several hundred burial mounds and at great distances from any logical source for such large stones. After visiting Stonehenge, head northwest towards Bath, an ancient Roman town most famous for the baths constructed here over two millennia ago to take advantage of natural hot springs. Aside from the springs, Bath was home to many famous writers, poets, and celebrities, including the much-beloved novelist Jane Austen.
Stratford-upon-Avon * Optional
On this excursion, you will explore one of the most fascinating and historically significant cities in the UK. The town of Stratford-upon-Avon was chartered in 1196 and is to this day considered a market town, a special municipal status within the UK. It is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the one and only William Shakespeare. Additionally, until the Industrial Revolution, Stratford was the gateway to the British canal network and was a town of appreciable importance for commerce and trade.
Stratford-upon-Avon
On this excursion, you will explore one of the most fascinating and historically significant cities in the UK. The town of Stratford-upon-Avon was chartered in 1196 and is to this day considered a market town, a special municipal status within the UK. It is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the one and only William Shakespeare. Additionally, until the Industrial Revolution, Stratford was the gateway to the British canal network and was a town of appreciable importance for commerce and trade.
Windsor Castle
The town of Windsor is an unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Windsor Castle itself is the oldest continuously used royal residence in the world. Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
Windsor Castle
The town of Windsor is an unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Windsor Castle itself is the oldest continuously used royal residence in the world. Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
Cultural Activities in England
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore culture of England in and around your host city. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes England special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included visits to Camden Town, Windsor Castle, the British Museum, a Harry Potter walking tour, and a tour of the Tower of London.
Cultural Activities in England
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore culture of England in and around your host city. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes England special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included visits to Camden Town, Windsor Castle, the British Museum, a Harry Potter walking tour, and a tour of the Tower of London.
Brighton * Optional
Brighton is known for several things, including being one the cultural and LGBT capitals of England, inspiration for famous artists and musicians, and its architecture. Some UK polls place it as the happiest and 'coolest' (not a reference to temperature!) city in England, and its name is undoubtedly among the world's most recognizable beach towns.
Brighton
Brighton is known for several things, including being one the cultural and LGBT capitals of England, inspiration for famous artists and musicians, and its architecture. Some UK polls place it as the happiest and 'coolest' (not a reference to temperature!) city in England, and its name is undoubtedly among the world's most recognizable beach towns.