North America

Explore cities in USA and Canada.

Studying abroad in North America

Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most known cultures and friendly destinations, whilst studying at an exceptional education provider.

Universities are available in:

• USA
• Canada.

Find out how to apply.

Looking for more options in the US? Explore the range of destinations available through the ISEP Exchange programme.

None of our partner universities are open to LLB Law students. This subject is taught at postgraduate level.

Academic programme

When studying in the US or Canada, you will have the option to select modules from different disciplines and majors, and build your own timetable. There are a wide range of modules to choose from, but there could also be some restrictions. Research the information provided for exchange students on the partner university website.

The number of modules you study will depend on how many credits you need to study at each institution. See the tables below for details.

The academic year in the US and Canada starts and finish earlier than Sussex, with expected arrival dates in mid-August and early January for Spring semester students. You should avoid any activities (such as summer schools, internships or holidays) that might clash with your study abroad period.

American Studies (single and joint honours) and Law with American Studies

You will be required to take your courses at the upper-division level, but you have a lot of flexibility as long as your course has an American topic. We will give you more information about the courses you are allowed to study abroad during the meetings we will arrange in year 2.

Find out more about studying abroad on an American Studies course.

Living costs

The cost of living can differ greatly depending on the location where you will study, and can be higher than in the UK.

Other costs to bear in mind are airfares, health insurance and travel cover, accommodation, food, and other living expenses such as commuting and books. You should also budget for any additional costs if you are planning to travel within the country or visit nearby ones.

Accommodation

You are likely to live in university-managed housing, although it is not always guaranteed and you may need to be prepared to find accommodation in the private sector. The housing teams at partner universities will have resources for you to
consult.

In North America, it is common to have one or two roommates. Single rooms are rarely available and normally allocated to students who have specific or medical needs

Visas

Students who do not hold a US or Canadian passport will be required to apply for a non-immigrant visa (US) or Study Permit (Canada).

Find out more about the Visa application process.

Financial guarantee

Students going to the United States and Canada will be required to show evidence of funds available. This is part of the visa application process and mandatory.

Find out more about the financial guarantee. 

Insurance

You are legally obliged to purchase health insurance with your US or Canadian institution. You will also need extra cover for travel to and from the university (and for other costs not covered by the US/Canadian insurance policy). This means you need to have both a health insurance and a travel cover. You will be able to purchase the health insurance through the partner university and will recieve the travel insurance via Sussex.

The cost of the US campus insurance policies can be expensive. This cost is included in the figure you have to guarantee in order to attend that campus.

Campus carry

Firearms are widely owned in the United States. Different states vary in their approach to where and when US citizens might carry weapons.

Some states have enacted "campus carry" laws which allow licensed gun owners to carry concealed weapons onto university campuses.

Gun ownership laws can change quite frequently. Students need to be aware of the gun legislation for the state they are visiting.

American Studies

If you are an American Studies (single and joint-honours) or Law with American Studies student, the application process is different.

Find out the application process for American Studies students. 

USA

Explore where you can study in the USA. All credits are 24 (for the year) or 12 (for a semester) unless stated otherwise.

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Canada

Explore where you can study in Canada. 

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Looking for more options in the US? Explore the range of destinations available through the ISEP Exchange programme.

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