The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public university in Wilmington, North Carolina. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean is a draw for many incoming students; the university offers degrees in humanities, sciences, health, business and professional fields. The university's highly ranked marine science program draws a variety of undergraduate and graduate students. In 2000, the Student Recreation Centre was opened, housing three basketball courts, exercise machines, a weight training area, an indoor running track, and an indoor climbing wall. It also includes a group exercise room, which supports multiple clubs and activities, including Yoga, Pilates, and an Aikido club. Winters are generally mild in Wilmington, with rain occurring year-round, and the summer bringing high humidity. Due to the proximity of warm Atlantic Ocean, the Wilmington area is subject to hurricane or tropical storm activity, mostly from August to early October, with an average frequency of once every seven years. Wilmington is host to many annual festivals, including, most notably, the Azalea Festival. The Azalea Festival, features a garden tour, historic home tour, garden party, musical performances, a parade, and a fireworks show.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Classics, Media, Criminology, Social Policy, Politics and International Relations, Law and Engineering.
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs from August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in North Carolina will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at UNCW. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support. More information will be provided by your host university. For 2024/25, additional costs included $185 DS 160 Visa application fee and $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website. You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process.
ACCOMMODATION: On-campus accommodation is guaranteed to students that apply by the deadline and are accepted by UNCW. Information on how to apply for accommodation is shared as part of the exchange online application.
HEALTH INSURANCE: You are required to purchase mandatory health insurance for the duration of your studies at UNCW before you depart for the US.
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