Bristol International Credit Earning Program

July 3 – July 17, 2008

The Bristol International Credit Earning Program (BICEP) is a two week intensive course of study in comparative social policy for which students can earn 6 hours of undergraduate or graduate credit in Social Work or Criminal Justice at during the summer semester at UWM. This year the program will run from July 3 to July 17, 2008, in Bristol, England.

Program Structure: The program consists of a combination of lectures by English faculty from the University of Bristol and professionals in social work and criminal justice, site visits, and assignment to a UK research advisor for individual academic assistance. Students may study in the areas of child welfare, criminal justice, health policy, mental health and family violence. Within each of these broad areas, students will choose to focus on a particular topic in order to compare an aspect of the British system to a comparable concept in the US. Students are required to attend all lectures, site visits, and write a paper reflecting their work. The paper is due August 10, 2007 and will represent approximately 75% of the course grade.

Accommodations: Students are housed at the University of Bristol student "flats" for the two weeks. These flats consist of a sleeping room, with bed and desk and a sink in the room. Two to three students share a bathroom, which consists of toilet, sink and shower. In addition, every 5-6 rooms share a "common room", which is a large kitchen with TV, ironing facilities and room to just lounge. The flats are part of a larger complex set on a large estate within walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs, book stores, antique stores, clothing stores, and parks.

Schedule: The two weeks are full, but there is time built in for you to do a little touring. One of the weekends is completely free, so you can take advantage of day trips organized by the Bristol group. In the past, these day trips have been to Wales, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, and other areas within a few hours of Bristol. The last day of the program is spent in London, with a special tour of the Houses of Parliament. Students get in with tickets to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. One year, the students were especially lucky to hear the Prime Minister Tony Blair, debate in the House of Commons, and several students even said they saw the Queen herself drive by out of Buckingham Palace.

Costs: The estimated cost of the program for 2008 is $3800, but a final cost figure will not be available until after February 1, 2008. The cost of the program includes tuition, ground transportation to Bristol and site visits, room, and about 80% of all meals. Airfare is not included, but many students have been able to get great deals by looking around and booking early.

Student Application: Download the application, print it, complete it and drop it off or mail it to Dr. Susan Rose.

If you are interested in the program, please contact Dr. Susan Rose at 414-229-6301 or sjrose@uwm.edu or http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SSW/bristol/index.htm for more information.