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Global Opportunities

George Washington University

As an exchange student, there are a few things you need to know about going to George Washington University. Learn more about the location, the courses and student life! 

Visit their website for more information about studying abroad at George Washington University!

About 

The George Washington University was created in 1821 through an Act of Congress, fulfilling George Washington's vision of an institution in the capital of the United States dedicated to education and the preparation of future leaders. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. In addition to engaging in rigorous academic programs, GW students value the energy and excitement of the university's social and service-oriented communities. Students take full advantage of the fact that the world intersects GW's campus and participate in a wide range of cultural, political, culinary, and social ventures off campus.

Location

Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital and one of the most livable cities on the East Coast, is a welcoming and dynamic urban centre filled with students and young professionals. With residents of every nationality and culture, D.C. truly brings the world together to do the nation’s business.

Exchange students quickly discover the many amenities and activities that Washington, D.C., offers to enhance their time at GW, including museums, restaurants, shopping, walking and biking trails, as well as a full array of professional sports teams, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

Level of competitiveness

  • Non-Law bilateral agreement: Competitive **
  • Law bilateral agreement: TBC (approval pending)

The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students. 

Academic Calendar

  • Semester 1: August to December
  • Semester 2: January to May 

For more information, visit GWU academic calendar

Courses

Exchange students may enrol in any of GW’s six undergraduate schools and take undergraduate courses in any subject area*. A sample of the various disciplines includes:

  • American Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Communications
  • Engineering
  • History
  • International Affairs
  • Marketing
  • Media and Public Affairs
  • Political Science

Exchange students may not enrol in these courses: graduate-level courses (labelled 4999 and above), courses in the fields of interior design & architecture, law (except for Queen Mary Law students - see below), nursing, medicine, or courses in the Semester in Washington Program (denoted as PGMT).

Students are encouraged to consult the GW Bulletin and Schedule of Classes when preparing for their course registration. 

(*) Agreement pending: Queen Mary Law students would be hosted by and follow modules within the law school, GW Law. Module availability in other subject areas would be at the discretion of the host institution. 

Credits

Students need to take 4 x 3 credit modules per semester.

Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversions.

Queen Mary student feedback

Blog posts on Queen Mary Global Bloggers:

Instagram takeovers:

YouTube videos/vlogs:

Accommodation

Campus housing is the most convenient place for students to reside while studying at GW. Over 7,000 students live on campus and enjoy the proximity to the academic buildings, library, dining hall, basketball stadium, and Office for Study Abroad.

Exchange students are guaranteed housing on campus and are housed in apartment-style dorms (including a kitchen) with two or more suitemates.

Find out more about housing and residences

Go to exchange student housing application.

Cost of Living

George Washington University provides information on the cost of living as a student here. You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Washington D.C here. 

Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.  

Support Services

For information on accessibility, please visit the Disability Support Services page.

Campus Life

During your time at GW, you’ll likely find fellow Colonials who share your interests. Whether it's leadership, politics, arts and culture, athletics or service that moves you, GW students engage in more than 450 clubs and student organizations on campus.

Social Media

George Washington University: 

GWU for Study Abroad and Student Exchange: 

Resources

 GWU Exchange Programme Fact Sheet [PDF 471KB]

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