Leiden University

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. It was founded in 1575. The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom.The University has always stood for freedom of spirit, thought and speech as well as freedom in research and teaching. The University wants to create an environment in which academics and students have the opportunity to excel. The University has a responsibility to society and to future generations. This means providing excellent research and teaching that make the world a safer, healthier, more sustainable, prosperous and just place – at local, regional and global level. As a prestigious European research university, Leiden University plays a foremost role in academic research and teaching. High-quality academic research and teaching are crucial to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world. The University is committed to developing, disseminating and applying academic knowledge and is a trusted figure in societal and political debates in the national and international arena.

Leiden University is among the top 100 universities in five prominent international rankings. These rankings are based on different indicators that endorse the broad quality of our teaching and research. The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) provides an overview of the scores of all Dutch universities in these rankings. Leiden University is in 82  ^th place in the ARWU ranking (2015). Leiden University is in 67 ^th place (2015-2016) in  The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking.

It aims for excellence in all its research and teaching.The University focuses its efforts on achieving the maximum impact from its research and teaching – academic, cultural, societal and economic. Leiden University focuses on disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands. William of Orange gave Leiden Academia Lugduno Batava in 1575, it is said in recognition of the city’s courageous resistance against the seige by the Spanish invaders.

Every year Leiden University trains around 26,000 students from almost 100 different countries. It has seven faculties in the arts, sciences and social sciences, spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague. The University has over 5,500 staff members . The University is committed to ensuring that all its teaching meets the highest quality standards. Everyone is welcome to study at Leiden University, at all stages of life: as a bachelor’s or master’s  student in Leiden or The Hague, or sitting at their computer at home following free online programmes such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Part-time study options are also available, as a participant in non-curricular courses including Education for the Third Age and the Studium Generale (General Studies) lecture series, or special courses for professional in-career training. 

Leiden University has locations in two cities: Leiden and The Hague. In The Hague – city of peace, security and justice, where the University has had a campus since 1998 – the University’s teaching and research reflect the themes that are important for the capital city and for society.

Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Pennsylvania State University--University Park known as Penn State or PSU is the flagship public university of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with an historic land-grant mission of teaching, research and service. Penn State is a public institution that was founded in 1855. Pennsylvania State University--University Park's ranking in the 2015 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 48.The Pennsylvania State University is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution and its largest public university. Penn State’s land-grant mission embraces teaching, research, and public service in order to support the citizens of the Commonwealth, collaborating with industrial, educational, and agricultural partners to create, disseminate, integrate, and apply knowledge that is valuable to society. The University generates approximately $8.5 billion in direct and indirect economic impact annually within Pennsylvania.

Penn State has 24 campuses across the Commonwealth—a campus within practical commuting distance of virtually every Pennsylvanian. Most offer the first two years of baccalaureate instruction as well as a limited number of four-year degree programs. More than half of the undergraduates who complete studies at University Park start at another Penn State campus. The University includes Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, Penn State College of Medicine at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Law (University Park), Dickinson Law (Carlisle), Penn State World Campus (online programs), and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Penn State encompasses more than 23,000 acres and more than 1,784 buildings statewide, including 7,343 acres and 947 buildings at University Park.

 17,000 faculty and staff; a teaching hospital that provides care to more than a million patients a year; over one-half million active alumni; an online World Campus that empowers anyone to pursue an education—anytime, anywhere; and the largest student-run philanthropic organization on the planet.That's what makes Penn State ... Penn State.

The university enrolls more than 98,000 students at 24 campus locations statewide and the Penn State World Campus, including more than 46,000 at the University Park campus in State College. Penn State has a campus within practical commuting distance of virtually every Pennsylvanian. Many students start their degree programs at one of nineteen Penn State undergraduate campuses across the state and complete their requirements at University Park. The World Campus delivers more than 60 degree and professional programs online to nearly 14,000 students a year, including military personnel serving overseas. The university also holds a unique responsibility for outreach and engages in collaborative activities with industrial, educational and agricultural partners around the world to disseminate and apply knowledge. Penn State Outreach programs reach more than a million households in Pennsylvania each year. The university also offers degree programs at the College of Medicine at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Penn State Dickinson School of Law at the University Park and Carlisle campuses.

Boasting one of the nation's largest graduate schools, the university is a leader in engaging students in landmark research. More than $2 million in research activity takes place at Penn State each day. Opportunities for discovery extend beyond the graduate school, as Penn State undergraduates have unique opportunities to work with world-class faculty conducting significant research that advances and serves the nation in important ways. Penn State's research and creative initiatives, powered by more than $800 million in annual expenditures, range across all disciplines. Internationally recognized work is done is such diverse areas as alternative energy, nanomaterials, infectious diseases, and child psychology. With fundamental science as a foundation, translating innovative ideas and technologies into practices that accelerate economic development and improve the quality of life is a top priority. As evidence, the University's research expenditures supported by industry and private partners have exceeded $100 million in each of the last six years. Penn State's Alumni Association has nearly 173,000 members, making it the nation's largest dues-paying alumni organization, with more than 275 chapters, societies and interest groups worldwide.

There is rarely a dull moment on the Pennsylvania State University—University Park campus, also known as Happy Valley. With around 950 clubs and organizations, there are broad opportunities to get involved in campus life. The school mascot is the Nittany Lion, and teams compete in the Division I Big 10 Conference. The football  team plays in Beaver Stadium, which is one of the largest arenas in North America with room for more than 107,000 fans. Penn State is home to a thriving Greek system with nearly 90 sororities and fraternities. About 15,000 students volunteer in THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Students raise money for pediatric cancer research and awareness throughout the year and participate in a 46-hour dance marathon - no sitting or sleeping allowed. Freshmen must live in one of five housing areas on campus. Across the street from campus is State College, a bustling small town with an array of coffee shops, restaurants, shops and bars populated mostly by students. Surrounded by mountains, the school is also close to skiing, snowboarding and hiking opportunities.

Penn Staters gain the global perspective needed to become citizens of the world. The University is committed to providing students with an impressive array of opportunities to redefine boundaries by studying abroad, sharing cultures, and changing lives.

Utrecht University

Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality and the alma mater of many leading names, academics and scientists who have made an important contribution to the quality of society. These include Nobel Prize winner Christiaan Eijkman, one of the first to discover vitamins, neuro-pharmacologist David de Wied and the most recent Nobel Prize winner, theoretical scientist Gerard ’t Hooft. All these scientists and academics, from far in the past up to the present day, are what makes. Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality. This has been demonstrated for many years by its high positions in international rankings such as the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Ranking.

Utrecht University is a large and multifaceted centre of knowledge offering education and research of international quality. Its goals are to develop young people academically; to educate new generations of researchers; to educate academics who combine knowledge and professional skills; to conduct ground-breaking research; to contribute to solving issues in society.

Inspiration, ambition, independence and commitment are the core values that guide the conduct and attitude of the staff and students at Utrecht University. The strategy aims to further strengthen the university's national and international position in education, research and knowledge valorisation. Utrecht University invests in educating the leaders of the future, offering high-quality, innovative education, with a high student pass rate. In the Netherlands, Utrecht University is a pioneer in innovative educational concepts, such as that of the University College. The Utrecht model of education stands for personal and interactive education, flexibility and freedom of choice for students, and permanent professional development for lecturers.

Utrecht University organises numerous cultural, academic and scientific activities and events. Art, culture, music, symposia, lectures, debates and much more contribute to general knowledge and stimulate different ways of thinking about ourselves and society: in other words, science and culture reinforce each other. The various activities and the characteristic buildings where they are held add colour to this cathedral city. Utrecht University considers attaches great value to sport. It brings people together, and helps maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind. Sport and exercise also contribute to a positive study and working environment. Utrecht University sees the unifying power of sport, education and research as one of the cohesive factors in society that enable everyone within it to develop – professionally, socially and in the field of education and sport. This is why Utrecht University actively makes an effort to place sport increasingly on the agenda. Utrecht University has seven faculties that provide education and conduct research in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, governance and organisation, geosciences, natural sciences, veterinary medicine and medicine.

 With almost 30,000 students, over 6,000 staff, and an annual budget of 790 million euros (2016), Utrecht University is one of the largest general research universities in Europe. Established in 1636, Utrecht University has a long history and is rich in tradition. The history of Utrecht University is reflected in the buildings, gardens and street names across the city.

Utrecht University actually has its origins in the 7th century, but it was not until the 17th century that the City Council officially made this Illustere School ('Illustrious School') into a university. It was officially opened on 26 March 1636, which remains the Anniversary Day or Dies Natalis to this day. In September of each year, the traditional opening of the Academic Year is held in the city's Dom Church. The Dies Natalis, the Anniversary Day of Utrecht University, is also celebrated there on 26 March. As part of university tradition, a special anniversary, or lustrum, is held every five years. In 2016, Utrecht University will celebrate its 380th anniversary.Utrecht University also holds special events such as the Koningsberger lecture and a ceremony marking Memorial Day on 4 May.

Utrecht University is based at three locations. The University has a number of buildings in Utrecht's historic city centre, where it first originated, in an area officially known as the university quarter. The largest part of the University is located in Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof. The third location is the International Campus on Prins Hendriklaan. Outside Utrecht, Utrecht University also has the International Honours College University College Roosevelt in Middelburg.

Antioch University Seattle (AUS)

Antioch University Seattle (AUS) is at the forefront in providing learner-centered education. AUS is a non-profit, fully accredited institution of higher learning with 40 years of experience in empowering students with the knowledge and skills to pursue their career goals, lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice.

Academic departments and programs embrace the mission of intellectual, personal and social transformation with the following degrees and certifications:

·         Bachelor of Arts Completion

·         Master of Arts degrees in Education and Teaching, including Teaching Endorsements and a concentration in Urban Environmental Education

·         Doctorate in Psychology, Doctorate in Counselor Supervision and Education, and Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Couples and Family Therapy, with concentrations in Drama, Art, and Play Therapy

Across the five campuses of Antioch University, it lives by its mission every day by helping students realize their potential and succeed in their educational goals. Its offer an innovative learning environment that is rigorous and responsive to your needs.

Antioch University provides learner-centered education to empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice.Antioch aspires to be a leading university offering learners and communities transformative education in a global context that fosters innovation and inspires social action.

The University offers quality academic programs relevant to the needs of today’s learners and embraces experiential learning by bridging academic outcomes with the real-world experience of all members of its learning community.The University educates the whole person by cultivating personal growth, pragmatic idealism, and the achievement of professional goals.The University recognizes the active engagement of faculty in student learning, scholarship, and service. As well, Antioch University values the manifold ways students and graduates creatively and deliberatively apply their learning to the common good.The University maintains an historic commitment to promoting social justice and the common good. Students graduate from Antioch University with a heightened sense of their power and purpose as scholars, practitioners, and global citizens.The University nurtures inclusive communities of learners, inspiring diversity of thought and action. Antioch University engages and supports the educational, cultural, and environmental vitality of the diverse regional, national, and international communities that it serves.

Antioch University Seattle is one of five campuses of Antioch University which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region.

Antioch University has had continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1927.AUS faculty members are among the best in their fields, inspiring an equally high caliber of students. Education program students consistently score 12 percent higher than the national average in national examinations. Our MA in Clinical Psychology program boasts a 90 percent completion rate, and 87 percent of those students become employed within six months – 91 percent of them as licensed mental health counselors. Antioch’s core faculty members teach and advise full-time. Along with the other experienced faculty and instructors, core faculty have great expertise in their fields and in the art of teaching. Many faculty hone their skills by working as organizational or educational consultants, practicing as psychologists, publishing books or articles, or working for social justice or environmental causes

Most Antioch University Seattle students use financial aid to help finance their education. The Financial Aid Office can design an aid package based on your eligibility and personal level of need. Use the links at left for more information.You can arrange to pay all or a portion of your tuition each quarter in monthly installments with a tuition payment plan.

Antioch University Seattle values student diversity, and welcomes applications from qualified international candidates. Applicants from outside the United States should apply at least three to four months before the quarter starts to allow time to process all required paperwork.