INTRODUCTION The Leeds Exchange Program, initiated in 1984, is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by Penn State in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. OBJECTIVES The Penn State Leeds Exchange Program functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to: 1. enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture, and to enrich their general academic studies; 2. provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; 3. allow students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad, as well as gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country; 4. promote the university's educational goals by providing opportunities for students to participate in a program designed to increase international understanding; 5. provide opportunities for students from cooperating universities in foreign countries to benefit from study at Penn State through reciprocal exchange programs. Specifically, the Leeds Exchange Program aims to: 1. enable Penn State undergraduate students to enroll at a British university in courses centrally related to their academic program; 2. enable students to interact with British professors and students in lectures, laboratories, and other academic activities as an integrated part of the academic community at Leeds; 3. promote an awareness of, and to provide the opportunity to participate in the cultural, social, and educational life of Great Britain, which has so profoundly influenced cultural, social, and educational developments in our own country; 4. provide an opportunity for the University of Leeds students majoring in Civil, Electrical, and Architectural Engineering to spend an academic year at Penn State, where they may enroll in regular courses and participate in the full educational, social, and cultural life of the University. LEEDS The Metropolitan District of Leeds, with a population of about 3/4 million, lies between one of England's' foremost manufacturing regions on the west and south and an agricultural region on the north and west. Leeds is a center of communications and regional government as well as an important junction of transportation routes. It has been a leader in the manufacture of woolen goods since the 14th century; it is known for its production of metal goods, leather, chemicals and glass. The city is now an important financial, commercial and cultural center. It has a classical town hall that was constructed in 1858 that has become the site for a well-known triennial music festival and regular orchestral concerts. Other points of interest in the city include St. Peter's Church, the Cathedral of St. Anne, St. John's Church, and the City Art Gallery, Kirkstall Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is also near the city. Since 1974, Leeds has been part of the new Metropolitan county of West Yorkshire. THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS One of the first great city universities established in England, the University of Leeds is today one of the largest universities in Great Britain. It has become a renowned center of learning and research with an enrollment of around 10,000 students. The University Library is one of the major academic libraries in the country with over two million volumes. The University of Leeds has its own modern theater, television studios, art gallery, museum, and computer center as well as extensive sports facilities. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Leeds Exchange Program enables Penn State students from a wide variety of majors to enroll in courses directly related to their academic fields at the University of Leeds; in return, students enrolled at the University of Leeds are able to take Penn State courses that contribute to the fulfillment of their Leeds degree requirements. Participants in the program spend either the full academic year or the spring semester at the University of Leeds and enroll full-time in regular courses. Because there is no prescribed program of study, students are free to select any field(s) related to their total academic program at Penn State. Participants must, however, enroll in and complete a full-time course of study; (24 to 36 credits for the full- year program and 13 to 18 credits for the spring semester program). Upon acceptance into the program, students plan their academic program at Lees in consultation with their Penn State academic adviser and with the Office of Education Abroad Programs. GRADING As with any course at The Pennsylvania State University, responsibility for assessing the student's academic achievement rests with the course instructors. Grades are recorded on each student's transcript. COURSE SELECTION Courses to be taken at Leeds are selected and approved in advance in consultation with the student's academic adviser. Participants may choose from a variety of courses as listed in the latest University of Leeds course catalogues. Exact registration is subject to availability of courses on site. All courses will be accredited by Penn State. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Penn State students are accommodated in either student residence halls or self-catering university residences at the University of Leeds. ELIGIBILITY The exchange program at Leeds is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State. Applicants must be in good academic standing, show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Participants are typically juniors while studying at the University of Leeds, and should have a 3.0 grade-point average or better. Final decision on acceptance of the Penn State nominees rests with the University of Leeds. PROGRAM PREREQUISITES See a study abroad adviser for details about program prerequisites. ORIENTATION A specially designed orientation program, conducted during the semester immediately prior to departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in Great Britain. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. COSTS Tuition for the Leeds Exchange Program is the same as the University Park Campus. Room and board costs may be somewhat higher. Depending on the kind of accommodation students select, some, but not all food expenses are covered. Both tuition and room and board are payable at the Bursar's office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park Campus. Students are also required to pay a $150 nonrefundable program fee at the time of accepting an enrollment offer. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad Programs has a cost estimate sheet of the overall expenses for reach semester. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State while abroad, financial aid packages continue during the period of time students are enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional cost incurred by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest grant-in-aid fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. HEALTH INSURANCE All students are expected to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. PLANNING AHEAD To exploit the many advantages and benefits of a study abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their faculty advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning, every program participant, regardless of major, not only gains regular Penn State credit but can apply the credits earned abroad to General Education elective, language and/or major and minor requirements. Like all Penn State's semester and year-long Education Abroad Programs, this program satisfies the University's cultural diversity requirement. As part of the application process, students are required to check with their advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on their progress toward graduation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS, CONTACT YOUR CAMPUS EDUCATION ABROAD ADVISER OR: Office of Education Abroad Programs 222 Boucke Building University Park, PA 16802-5900 Tel: (814) 865-7681