Ball State University

About: 

Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana. Founded in 1918, the university now has over 21,000 students enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. There are over 120 areas to major in and 130 areas to minor in, so there will be a large variety of classes that you will be able to take if you choose to study here. 

Contact at Ball State:

General email: studyabroad@bsu.edu 

Highlights: 

The Princetown review lists Ball State as one of the best universities in the midwest, and famous late night host David Letterman got his BA from this institution. There are over 400 student led organisations, so there will be something to get involved with, even for those with an acquired taste. 

Location: 

Ball State is located in Muncie, Indiana. This is 60 miles from Indianapolis, the largest city in Indiana which has a regional airport. Chicago is about a three hour drive away, and Columbus and Cincinatti, Ohio are just under three hours away. 

Courses / Modules: 

Have a look at the list of courses provided by Ball State University. Courses are subject to change each semester, however it will give you a good idea at what is on offer at the university. 

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You are required to take 15 credits per semester, and 30 credits for a full year which will equate to 120 credits from the University of York.  This has been calculated by the University of York and students should not compare it with the requirements of other universities.  Taking insufficient credits can lead to students failing the year. Any alteration to credits/modules must be discussed with your department prior to making any changes.

Teaching Periods: 

Autumn semester: August through December 

Spring semester: January through May

Language: 

This programme is taught in English.

Accommodation: 

For more information on the types of housing available, have a look at Ball State's accommodation webpage. 

Orientation / Welcome week:  

There is a welcome week to make you feel welcome at Ball State University, check the link to see what this can entail.

Support Services: 

There is a counselling centre should you encounter any issues with your mental health. There is also a health centre in case of any physical health concerns. 

Visas: 

Generally speaking, you will need a J-1 exchange student visa, which you can get through an appointment at the US embassy. Ball State University has more information on how to obtain this visa, and how to maintain legal status whilst in the US. 

Health insurance: 

All international students in the US must have health insurance. Ball State University has more information on how to obtain health insurance through the University. If you choose not to purchase health insurance through the university, you must check with the institution to see if it meets their minimum requirements. 

Travel insurance:  

If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

This is a new exchange, however, we have had many exchange programmes in the United States. To understand what it is like to study in the United States, have a look at Beloit College, which is in the Midwest.

Ezephy, Education, Year Abroad 2016/17

"I enjoyed my first semester at Beloit… [Although] I had to get used to studying for 40-50 hours per week. It’s a very (very) full timetable but it feels worth it when I think that I am unlikely to ever be taught about these subjects in the future. I’m also enjoying having more diversity in the official credits I’m taking, by studying an interdisciplinary class on Romany Gypsies and a Logic class in addition to my Education related modules.

It’s a very close community, and a very busy one. I had to get used to being in a small, isolated space without public transport, to the food, the weather, to understanding all the words used in my classes to talk about the American education system. I had to get used to living around so many other people, but also with such a small number of people too.

Now that mid-term break is approaching and I am soon to be in the final quarter of my time here, I can feel myself wishing time would slow down. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to some very close friends (some of the closest I’ve ever had) and move out of the ‘Beloit bubble’ and back into the ‘real world’".

Sarah, History, Year Abroad 2017/18

"I am friends with lots of international students as well as Americans so I feel connected to the community but also like I have friends all over the world. I have a host family who I spend time with. They have lived their whole lives in Beloit so have shown me some cool traditions like Maple Tree Tapping and real Wisconsin cheese.

The campus is fairly insular so I have felt like a member of the Beloit College community pretty much since I got there. I have enjoyed how welcoming people have been and as a Londoner being introduced to "Midwestern niceties" was a shock but one that I definitely enjoy." 

• Ball State University International Applicants

• Foreign and Commonwealth Office, USA webpage

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

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Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

Students can view  this Ball State video  about the university and campus.