Barnard College – NYC, USA Facts
Language of instruction: English Number of students currently enrolled: 33,000+ Semester 1: August - December Semester 2: January - May Important information: Barnard College is a female only institution. http://barnard.edu/sites/default/files/visp_full- year_welcome_packet_checklist.pdf
About the University
Since its founding in 1889, Barnard has been a distinguished leader in higher education, offering a rigorous liberal arts foundation to young women whose curiosity, drive, and exuberance set them apart. Ours is a diverse intellectual community in a unique learning environment that provides the best of all worlds: small, intimate classes in a collaborative liberal arts setting dedicated to the advancement of women with the vast resources of Columbia University just steps away—in the heart of vibrant and electric New York City. Website: http://barnard.edu/global/fullyear/acceptance What to expect
Application process If you are allocated for an exchange at UT, you will be officially nominated by the Go Abroad Office and will then be provided with your detailed application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated.
Academics
Course/ credit load For information on credits please consult our credit guidance sheet: https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/exchanges/before-you- go/academic-matters
Courses available http://catalog.barnard.edu/barnard-college/courses- instruction/course-search/ Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
Courses you are eligible to take while at Barnard include: Courses designated BC, C, V and W; courses numbered from 1000 through 4999. Course lists will be available in April for the Fall semester and October for the Spring semester.
Course enrolment Students enrol online during orientation week. Please note that you are welcome to search for courses but you should plan to work closely with your academic advisor during Orientation to put together an appropriate program.
Academic restrictions Visiting international students are not eligible to take any course designated G, K, I, J U or any other letter, or any course number beginning with 6000 or higher.
Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have their approval.
Accommodation
University accommodation is guaranteed to all exchange University students more info can be found at: accommodation https://www.barnard.edu/reslife/housing-options
There are several things to consider when deciding which type of housing to request. First, would you like a roommate, or would you prefer to have your own room? Note that roommates may be full-time Barnard students or other visiting students, depending on vacancies in the residence halls. Second, would you prefer to be in a room along a corridor with many other rooms, or in a suite (apartment) - style arrangement? Is it important for you to have a kitchen? Once you have thought about these questions, read https://barnard.edu/reslife/policies/housing/room-rates to pick the hall that's best for you.
Application process Students apply for accommodation through the International Programs Office. Application deadline is July 15th.
Private accommodation Students cannot stay in private accommodation.
Costs
Estimated cost of living Estimated costs of living for an academic year are around $21,000.
Insurance All students are automatically enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan at the beginning of each academic
2 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
year. Costs can be found at - https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/ There are several banks in the neighbourhood, all with Banks branches city-and-nation-wide. The various banks are on- campus during Orientation in September to help students set up accounts. International students must first get a letter from the Dean for International Students to facilitate setting up the account. Banco Popular: Broadway and 111th Street Chase Bank: Broadway at 109th Street Citibank: Broadway at 111th Street
Other
A student may work, if she is in good academic standing. Employment She must first be approved by the RO/ARO and can work on- campus up to 20/week (maximum). She could also work off- campus if there is demonstrated economic necessity, and must discuss with the Dean for International Students first.
Orientation E Barnard College’s orientation program, New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) for incoming visiting exchange students, occurs before the start of classes and lasts about 5 days. Orientation for Edinburgh students would begin on the Wednesday before Labor Day holiday. Barnard requires students to attend most orientation events, although some activities are optional, but highly encouraged.
Visas Barnard provide further advice about the visa application process on the following website:
http://barnard.edu/global/fullyear/acceptance
All students should check the US Embassy/Consulate website for up to date information: https://uk.usembassy.gov/
On no account should students enter the USA on a tourist visa.
Students with Green Cards, a US passport, or Canadian nationals do not need to apply for a visa. Canadian’s will still need an I-20 or IAP-66 OR DS-2019, which will be issued automatically.
All students must attend a US Embassy for an interview.
3 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
Financial Evidence
Exchange students must present income documentation and information regarding their family’s assets and income as part of the application for the J-1 visa.
Suitable documentation might include:
An original letter notifying you of the award of a maintenance grant and/or student loan An original and signed letter from a bank stating your current financial situation An original and signed letter from a parent or friend's bank stating their current financial situation, coupled with a letter from the bank account holder confirming their willingness to provide a stated level of financial support.
Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to disability or specific learning difficulty and you wish to study abroad please contact Thomas Ozers in the Go Abroad team ([email protected]). We will work together with you to explore the help available at your host institution. It may also be helpful if you discuss this with your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office as well.
What other students had to say about the University
The best part?
2015/16
Meeting new people.”
The weather.”
Subjects at uni and making new friends.”
Living in the co-op.”
Meeting the wide range of people, and joining a spirit group, which is a social girls group, which allowed me to become involved in so many
4 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
activities and volunteering around campus, and meet people I would never have met.”
ACL, FFFest, living at Pearl Street.”
Making new friends and travelling”
2016/17
Joining clubs and societies and taking classes not offered at Edinburgh.”
Travelling the USA and meeting new friends.”
Having the opportunity to experience such a different way of life from anything I was used to but still being able to have world class academic facilities and a friendly atmosphere to live in.”
Advice for future exchange students
Accommodation
2015/16
Try to find a shared house, like the I-house.”
Try and live in West Campus.”
Find other international roommates.”
Consider student co-ops as an option, or private halls.”
Live in private halls in west campus, with a good location, but search around more online as lots of places are very expensive for the size of the apartment you get.”
5 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
Stay at the Pearl Street Cooperative. Make sure that you live in West Campus.”
2016/17
Use Simply International as a source for finding accommodation in Austin as they side step the need for an American Guarantor. Also be aware that areas near the campus are extremely expensive in comparison to areas further away.”
There is cheaper accommodation in Hyde Park.”
Look for accommodation once you get your offer.”
General advice
2015/16
Join a society of some sort, either sports team or a spirit group, as everyone is involved in something. Expect to eat out more and spend more money, as supermarkets are hard to access until you find friends with a car!”
Embrace the new culture and challenge yourself.”
Expect a lot of continuous assessment.”
Be sure you can afford it, have fun.”
2016/17
Enjoy your time. Travel. Experience local culture.”
Be prepared for a completely different cultural and academic experience and expect people to be friendly.”
6 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students Barnard College
The host university assess students throughout the whole semester unlike in Edinburgh. Be prepared to face a heavier workload. There are weekly assignments and monthly exams. But I still got the chance to travel during winter/spring break so it wasn't that bad.”
7 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected]