International: Semester/Year Study Abroad Programs
University of Manchester Exchange Program
What is the University of Manchester Exchange Program?
To prepare for the global job market tomorrow, successful engineering students today are required to have not only a good academic standing and a firm knowledge of the sciences, but they must also be familiar with the various cultures and regulations of the engineering industry abroad. The exchange program at University of Manchester will provide interested engineering students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge in the field of engineering and at the same time introduce them to new cultures and lifestyles. This study abroad program is currently being offered to engineering students. Participants will spend one semester or one year of study at the University of Manchester. Students who have interest in the European cultures are suggested to apply for this program.
Why Manchester?
from www.visitmanchester.com
The City
A dynamic and changing city, Manchester attracts a growing number of international students and visitors each year. Like much of the United Kingdom, Manchester is a mix of old with new. Take in the neo-Gothic architecture of the Town Hall, the Central Library (inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, 
and the largest municipal library in the world), St Ann’s Church (built in 1712), and the Royal Exchange, formerly the Cotton Exchange, which houses the world’s largest theatre-in-the-round. The oldest complete structure to visit in Manchester is Chetham’s School and Library, dating back to the early 1400s. Contrast these with the glass Beetham Tower, the tallest building in the UK outside London, 171 meters high with 48 floors, the Urbis Centre for Urban Culture, and the Triangle, known for its fashion shopping, situated within the 1897-built Corn Exchange.
The People
Manchester’s continuous blending of cultures over the generations has contributed to the city’s
character of openness and a cosmopolitan feel. For example, the city has seen more than one wave of immigration over the years, including the influx of Irish and Jewish people in the 19th century, the Caribbean Migration in the 1950s and 1960s’, and Asian settlers in the 20th century. Ethnic minority migrants now make up over one eighth of the city’s population.
The Music
Manchester is well known for its music scene, which has produced such bands as The Hollies, The Bee Gees, Buzzcocks, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, The Fall, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Oasis, Take That, Simply Red, 808 State, M People, Badly Drawn Boy… the list goes on! Like live music? Around every corner you'll find the city’s 30+ live smaller music venues or Manchester’s biggest pop music venue, the Manchester Evening News Arena, which seats 19,500.
The Food
Thanks to the large student population, Manchester offers a multitude of affordable cafes and cheap eateries. Visit Chinatown to find over 40 restaurants within a quarter of a mile of each other, serving up dishes not just from China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia. Or visit “Rusholme’s Curry Mile” to find a stretch of road lined with Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants. 
The city’s squares regularly play host to a variety of food markets – organic, farmers’ and other specialties. Take The Manchester Fine Food Market, held regularly in St Ann’s Square, for example. Here you can try traditional foods produced by local farmers. If that’s not enough, walk along Deansgate in the city center and find Italian, French, Spanish, Armenian and African restaurants.
Am I Eligible?
Qualified students must have:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Achieve junior standing in their engineering courses at the time of travel.
How much time will I spend in Manchester?
Students in the University of Manchester Exchange Program will spend one semester or one year of study at the University of Manchester.
What will I study?
Catalogues and course descriptions are available for your review along with detailed information about living arrangements, orientation and advising services for incoming participants at each of the university.
What will it cost me?
Costs include University of Maryland tuition, housing and meals are paid to the host institution, health insurance, and transportation costs.
How do I apply for the program?
Interested students should visit the Engineering Special Programs Office to obtain applications and further information. Application deadlines for 2007/ 2008 are as follows:
Full Academic Year (September - June): March 16th
Fall Semester (September - January): March 16th
Spring Semester (January - June): October 1st
Campus Contact
Mr. Caine Francis
Special Programs Assistant
A. James Clark School of Engineering
1124 Glen L. Martin Hall
College Park, MD 20742-3011
Phone: (301) 405-5342
e-mail: cfranci4@umd.edu
Web site: University of Manchester
International Home | Semester/Year | Summer | Winter | UMD Study Abroad Office
