Study Abroad
STUDY FOR A SEMESTER IN SWANSEA, WALES
Check back each Fall semester for new information about the Brad Henry International Scholarship.
Each Spring, one Northwestern student will have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad studying in Swansea, Wales through the Brad Henry International Scholarship program. Think of all you'll see, experience, and learn studying at Swansea University.
BRAD HENRY SCHOLARSHIP FAQ'S
Will I still be a student at Northwestern?
Technically, yes, because you are on a scholarship representing NWOSU. However, you will be enrolled in classes at Swansea, Wales, during your "scholarship" term; not Northwestern. Whether or not this will impact your financial aid will have to be discussed with the Financial Aid office.
Aren't UK semesters different than ours?
Yes, they are. Most UK universities function with three "terms" (similar to our semesters). Check the Swansea University, Wales website for dates for the current term as they come available. Generally, their Michaelmas term is roughly equivalent to our fall semester, running from mid September to mid December. The Lent term (think Spring semester) runs from early January through mid March. Finally, their summer term runs from mid April to mid June. Traditionally, students take their major exams at the end of the Lent term, hence the large breaks between semesters. Also, UK universities don't have "fall break" or "spring break."
I've graduated--or am about to graduate--can I apply?
No, if you've already graduated. If you have not yet graduated, you are welcome to apply. However, you need to keep in mind that you must be an undergraduate when you attend Swansea so you CANNOT graduate before attending the university there. For most students, that means some adjusting of their plan of study. Because this has been a problem in the past, Northwestern now asks all applicants to write out how winning the Brad Henry Scholarship and studying for a term in Wales will impact their plan of study here at Northwestern.
The scholarship is for $12,000. What will that actually cover?
In the past, it has covered your tuition and rooming at the University of Swansea, Wales. It also covered one round-trip airline ticket for the student. The rest of your expenses you will have to cover.
2022 - 2023 APRIL SCHULTZ
"I had such an amazing time studying abroad in Swansea, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go. I made so many friends from all over the world, which was really what I had intended for my semester. I got to learn about different cultures and religious practices like Ramadan and the Welsh Independence movement called Yes Cymru! Wales is a beautiful country with hills and greenery and the language is very interesting. The people were friendly, and I felt welcomed by everyone I met. Welsh history is already fascinating, but Swansea is such a melting pot that you get the history of many other backgrounds as well. The Brad Henry Scholarship provided me with a fantastic opportunity that I am extremely thankful for." - April Schultz, Spring 2023
2017 - 2018 PATRICIA PIXLER
"Being selected for the Brad Henry Scholarship was an experience like no other. You can guess what to expect while being in Wales, but the reality is much different -- and much better. When I was in Wales, I understood why Gov. Brad Henry established the scholarship. Swansea is a world-class university, situated in a picturesque city, on the ocean. You're an hour train away from Cardiff, the capitol of Wales; you're a three and a half train away from London. You can take a bus, or a coach, or a train, or a plane to the rest of Britain and beyond. There's nothing like it in Oklahoma. It was absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm so glad I was selected. I made friends around the world, I had fantastic classes, I was immersed in British culture, and I experienced it all on a full scholarship. Apply. It is absolutely worth it." - Patricia Pixler, Fall 2017
2016 - 2017 SYDNIE LOWE
"While I have been here, I have been able to meet quite a few students from America, and it made me really appreciate my situation. My fellow Americans are here either on student loan money or money out of their pockets while I am blessed enough to be here with the scholarship. It has made the entire trip far more enjoyable because I do not have to worry about dealing with the financial side of school nearly as much. They have all struggled a bit to make sure everything is in order. It makes me appreciate the opportunity you all gave me even more." - Sydnie Lowe, Spring 2017
2015 - 2016 CHANDLER STECKBECK
Video of 2015 Brad Henry Scholarship Recipient Chandler Steckbeck discussing her study abroad trip in Wales, England.
2013 - 2014 DELTA FARMER
At the time of her selection for the Brad Henry Scholarship, Delta Farmer was a senior studying psychology with a minor in biology at NWOSU. Farmer was on the Vice President’s Honor Roll and the recipient of the Delta Zeta academic honor. She was a member of the Red and Black Scroll Sophomore Honor Society, Psychology Club and Wesley House.
Applications for the BHIS (both the official BHIS application and the NWOSU supplement) are usually due to the Study Abroad Committee for consideration during the fall semester before the spring study abroad.
Example BHIS Application - required
Example Application supplement - required