UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has partnered with the University of Nottingham’s School of Biosciences in the United Kingdom to offer a new international exchange program for the spring 2023 semester.
This exchange program is unique because it was designed for College of Agricultural Sciences students, according to Ketja Lingenfelter, assistant director for student global engagement.
“Our close relationship with the University of Nottingham started with a focus on research collaboration,” she said. “It has developed into this additional, beneficial exchange program for Penn State and Nottingham undergraduates.”
Lingenfelter noted there is a lot of overlap between certain courses and majors offered at both universities, including subjects such as plant science, food science, environmental science, animal science, microbiology and biotechnology.
Rachel Jessop, senior international manager at Nottingham, reaffirmed how crucial it was for her and other Nottingham faculty to build a dynamic relationship with Penn State to give undergraduate students a well-rounded experience.
“It started with the appointment of a visiting professor from Penn State to the School of Biosciences, and then it became clear that there were major areas of potential research synergies,” Jessop said. “When the potential is there, I’m always keen to work toward a multifaceted partnership that includes student mobility at the undergraduate level as well as research collaborations.”
In the center of England, Nottingham's location is only a train ride away from London. It is a college city — an appealing and accessible option for students who might not want to study abroad in some of the U.K.’s larger cities but want all of the benefits of an urban environment. It also happens to be the setting for the legend of “Robin Hood.”
Like Penn State, the University of Nottingham offers a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities and support services, including academic support and personal tutors for students during their semester in the U.K.
“Nottingham is a college-friendly town,” Lingenfelter said, “And the support that students will receive when they are here goes beyond their courses.”
For a semester abroad, a student needs to complete a minimum of 12 credits to be considered a full-time student. The credits they earn during their time abroad will transfer into Penn State equivalent credits, which vary depending on which courses students take. The University of Nottingham recommends that U.S.-based students choose the spring semester, which runs from January through June, as this works better from an assessment and experience perspective.
Like Penn State, Nottingham has multiple campuses. Nottingham’s University Park is the main campus where most subjects are taught. In contrast, the Sutton Bonington campus is home to the School of Biosciences and includes the university’s farm and dairy center in a more rural location, but easily accessible by university bus.
Penn State students also can get involved in Nottingham’s campus life and activities. The school offers more than 300 clubs and societies and nearly 70 club sports. Clubs and societies cover various interests from the performing arts to chess and creative writing, fashion, travel, Quidditch, and international, cultural and faith societies.
A semester abroad can further students’ career goals and help them develop transferable skills, Lingenfelter added. “I think anytime that you have an experience beyond your daily life, you are going to grow, adapt and learn how to be more flexible,” she said. “You are going to improve your communication skills and your problem-solving skills, which helps you grow and mature personally.”
College of Agricultural Sciences students who choose this exchange program will be guaranteed on-campus or university-affiliated housing during their stay, which includes their own furnished room and study area, the choice of communal or ensuite private bathroom, Wi-Fi access and shared kitchen or pantry.
The program is available starting in the spring 2023 semester. Applications for the program close on May 1. For more information, visit global.psu.edu or contact Lingenfelter at ketja@psu.edu.