The University of Tennessee is a public sun and land grant university in Knoxville, Tennessee. The University of Tennessee has over 450 registered student organizations, catering to a variety of interests such as sports, arts, social activities, government, politics, cultural issues, and Greek societies. You can also show your support for the ‘Volunteers’ and their mascot ‘Smokey’, by wearing orange and white, which were chosen as the schools colours due to the orange and white daisies that grow around campus. As one of the largest cities in the Appalachian region, Knoxville is situated in the Great Appalachian Valley (known locally as the Tennessee Valley), about halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Classified as a humid subtropical climate, summers are the warmest time of year, although due to the higher elevations it is not as hot as southern and western areas. The winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow. Knoxville is the central city in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area and home to a variety of sectors including Finance, Manufacturing, Retail, Technology and Research. With around 182 shopping centres and factory outlets, and with over 2,400 retail establishments, there will be plenty to enjoy during your stay.
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 Media, Education, Early Childhood Studies, Criminology, Social Policy, Sports Science or Law.
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 mid-August to mid-May
COSTS: The cost of living in Tennessee will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle. For more detailed information on estimated costs, visit the Programs Abroad website - https://programsabroad.utk.edu/incoming-exchange/budget-planning/
VISA: You will need a J-1 exchange visa and will be required to provide financial evidence of at least $24,000 US dollars (subject to change for 25/26). Once admitted, students will receive additional information about the immigration process from the UTK International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team.
To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an application fee of approx $185. 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: https://uk.usembassy.gov/applying-f-1-j-1-visa/
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.
ACCOMMODATION: All students are required to live on campus and will be in Clement Hall. For images and additional details on room layout, included features, and nearby amenities, visit the UTK Housing website https://housing.utk.edu/halls/clement-hall-2/
HEALTH INSURANCE: You will be required to purchase the UT Student and Scholar Health Plan.
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