University of Sussex (Brighton, England)

Mount Holyoke generally may nominate one or two students each year for our reciprocal exchange with the University of Sussex.  The exchange is open only to students receiving need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke; students selected for the exchange are guaranteed Laurel Fellowships.  Students who are receiving little or no need-based financial aid are welcome to apply to Sussex as study abroad students rather than exchange students.

University of Sussex

• Founded in 1961, as part of a large-scale expansion of the higher education system in the 1960s
• Approximately 11,000 students (2300 international students from 130 countries)
• Comprehensive university offering a wide range of courses in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences
• Departments are organized into interdisciplinary Schools (including Humanities, Science and Technology, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences and Cultural Studies)
• Located in parkland in the town of  Falmer, about 4 miles away from the seaside city of Brighton
• Wide range of student activities, societies, and events

City of Brighton

• Located in the southeast of England
• Population about 156,000
• Borders the South Downs, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with easy access to outdoor activities
• Known for an active and diverse cultural scene, with venues for live music of all kinds, cinemas, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping

Academic Program

• Traditional British academic calendar, with three terms of approximately ten weeks each (early October to mid-December, mid-January to late March, and late April to late June)
• Many courses offered for the full academic year, but some offered for one or two terms
• Exchange students may study at Sussex for the full academic year, for the Sussex in September plus Autumn Term program, or for the Spring Two-Term program 
• Students enroll directly into courses offered by Sussex to its degree-seeking students
• Exchange students may register for courses in any combination of subjects
• Normal courseload for a full academic year is 120 credits (which transfers as 32 MHC credits)

Living Arrangements

• Guaranteed housing on campus in one of Sussex’s self-catering halls of residence

Exchange Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Must have completed sophomore year (or at least three semesters, for spring entrants) prior to enrolling at Sussex
• Must be eligible for need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke

Financial Arrangements

• Exchange student pays MHC tuition, room, and board; Sussex waives its tuition and room charges
• Sussex will provide a stipend to cover the purchase of food
• Laurel Fellowship guaranteed (though number of exchange slots is limited)
• Financial aid award will be based on total budget, including MHC tuition, room, and board; MHC study abroad fee; and allowances toward books, personal expenses, and round-trip airfare

Study at Sussex for Study Abroad (Non-Exchange) Students

• Students receiving little or no need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke should apply to Sussex as study abroad students, either directly or through the IFSA/Butler or Arcadia University programs 
• Study abroad applicants should follow general procedures and deadlines for study abroad
• Study abroad students will be billed directly by Sussex or their program sponsor for the (lower) overseas or program student and fees, rather than MHC tuition

How to Apply for the Exchange

• Submit Mount Holyoke’s Request to Study Abroad and Laurel Fellowship application according to the instructions on the Deadlines web page; applications are ordinarily due early in December for fall or full year, late March for spring 
• Students will be notified by early February (for fall or full year) or early May (for spring) whether they have been selected for the exchange
• Exchange nominee will complete Sussex’s application for admission and submit it to the McCulloch Center in March, for forwarding to Sussex; students must also be accepted by Sussex