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Swansea University: A Welsh Study Abroad Experience

By Christina Maness

Many people looking to study abroad in the United Kingdom often focus on universities in England. However, students who look west of England will find Wales, a country of fascinating combinations, such as lush hills and modern cities or conversations in English and Welsh. Swansea University, on the southern coast of Wales, offers students a British academic experience with Celtic flair. International students at Swansea can create a unique study abroad adventure, filled with innovative academic credits, majestic beaches, and friendly people.

Gower Peninsula, Wales

Academic and Internship Opportunities

Swansea University allows students to undertake course work in a variety of subjects ranging from engineering and life sciences to the arts. Students at Swansea University can also enrich their academic experience outside the classroom through exciting work and travel opportunities. If you are looking to gain valuable work experience while studying abroad, Swansea’s internship program will suit your needs. Preparing to study abroad requires plenty of time and effort; however, adding an internship to your experience does not involve any extra work at Swansea. Their American Exchange Office performs the necessary legwork in finding and placing its students in a work environment tailored to individual interests. Since I was studying chemistry, the American Exchange Office helped me land an internship in the National Center for Mass Spectrometry, which is located on the university’s campus. During my internship I independently worked on analytical equipment that was often reserved for PhDs in labs back in the United States. My coworkers were also friendly and played an important role in showing me Swansea culture. Interested in immersing yourself in England’s vibrant capital? Swansea also offers a “London pre-sessional” experience, which allows students to earn academic credit while living in the city for three weeks. This program allows students to visit many of London’s museums and historic buildings, while learning about British culture and politics.

Student Living in Swansea

If you are interested in living with many people while abroad, the Hendrefoelan Student Village (HSV) will certainly not disappoint. In the village, students live with up to six other roommates in “flats” containing private bedrooms and a community kitchen and bathroom. The village also offers the opportunity to mingle with British classmates and people studying abroad from all parts of the globe. My “flatmates” hailed from cities all over Wales and England. While living at the village, I learned to cook English dishes like “Toad-in-the-Hole,” which is similar to a pot-pie dish with sausages and gravy, and reaffirmed the fact that almost no British citizen is exempt from a hot tea addiction. In the evenings, students at the village go to Idols, the village pub, to play pool and watch popular sports on a big-screen television. A great experience in understanding national identities occurred as I watched English and Welsh students divide Idols during an exciting clash of British pride during a Wales v. England rugby match. The village also has a convenience store and laundry facility, which ensures that students can meet all their basic needs within a short walk from their flat. Buses run regularly from the village to the campus and city center and tuition generally includes a pass for free use of public transportation throughout Swansea. For those students who desire more time for introspection, Swansea University also has on-campus single dorms with private bathrooms. Many of these dorm rooms also have views looking out into the picturesque Swansea Bay.

Seeing Swansea and Travel

How about walking out of a lecture and stepping onto the beach? The university campus is just a five-minute walk from Swansea Bay, where there is always a sandy spot for contemplation or a nice conversation. For runners and cyclists, the Bay has miles of paved path for an invigorating seaside workout. Also a short walk from campus is Swansea’s city center, which offers excitement for every traveler. In the city center, students can shop for all the latest British fashions or find comfort in a favorite pub or cafe. Often I started evenings at The Potter’s Wheel, with the fish and chips and a “pint.” For local foods, visit the market and eat laver bread, a popular seaweed dish, or try Welsh cakes for your sweet tooth. If you love the nightlife, Swansea offers a vibrant bar and club scene. Walking down Swansea’s Wind Street on a typical evening, you are likely to find jolly groups singing and skipping while bar hopping. Dancers will find tunes at clubs along this street ranging from techno and British pop to classic soul. After a couple of nights of Swansea bar hopping, I discovered that British people will move their bodies to any tunes. Put a techno beat to Pink Floyd and British people will refuse to stand like another brick in the wall. On Wind Street, no one ever scoffed at me for dancing to my own beat and I discovered that Spice Girls lyrics are like riding a bicycle—you never forget. Many bars also offer live music for those who simply enjoy tapping their toes while watching a performance. Sin City and Brangwyn Hall frequently host live bands.

Rugby is the national sport of Wales. Students interested in the true Welsh experience can take an hour train ride to the country’s capital, Cardiff, and see a rugby match at the Millennium stadium. If you prefer castles, a visit to Cardiff castle is also an excellent day-trip. In addition, Swansea is only a short bus ride from the Gower Peninsula, where lush, rugged cliffs meet the beach and the sea. Swansea-born poet Dylan Thomas was said to have found his inspiration from the Gower beaches. On a nice day at the Gower’s Rhosilli Beach, visitors are likely to share the cliffs with wandering sheep.

Christina at the Louvre, Paris

Swansea University also has a travel center which offers smart deals on group travel and accommodations to popular European destinations, such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Prague. These trips are great for travelers who want the freedom to explore these cosmopolitan cities, but do not want the hassle of arranging transportation and hostels. I used the service and now no other St. Patrick’s Day will top spending the holiday in Dublin with my university friends.

Getting there

United States citizens do not need a visa to study in the UK for less than six months. However, if you are interested in making some cash while studying abroad, you will need a visa in order to get a job. Direct trains frequently run between Swansea and London. By train or bus, travelers can reach Swansea from major international airports in 3-5 hours. For more information, visit Swansea University’s website for prospective international students: http://www.swan.ac.uk/international/. For US students, follow the links to the American Studies Exchange Office, to get specific information regarding programs.