STUDENTS taking journalism courses at the University of Winchester will have the opportunity to study for a semester in the USA from 2024.

The semester abroad will be part of their second-year studies, with students having the choice of Eastern Illinois University or the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, both of which have established partnerships with Winchester.

Undergraduates enrolling on the BA courses in Journalism or Sports Journalism this September will have the chance to become the first to make the trip.

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Joe Michalczuk, programme leader, Journalism, said: “Both US universities offer quite similar practical journalism courses to ours. They have state-of-art facilities and are industry focused.

 “This link will give University of Winchester graduates a real head-start in the jobs market. US journalism is innovative and widely respected.”

Hampshire Chronicle: An aerial view of the campus at UW-Eau ClaireAn aerial view of the campus at UW-Eau Claire (Image: University of Winchester)Joe said that Winchester’s will be one of only a few BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council) accredited courses offering study abroad.

The University’s Study Abroad team will be on hand to help students through the application process and give advice on finances, travel, insurance, visas and vaccinations.

In addition to pre-departure meetings, the team will also be available to give support throughout the student’s time in the US.

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Both Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and UW-Eau Claire are roughly the same size as the University of Winchester.

EIU is in the small town of Charleston about three hours’ drive south of Chicago, and about two-and-half hours from St Louis in the west and Indianapolis in the east. Founded in 1895, the campus features a range of architectural styles including the famous ‘Old Main’ building which resembles a medieval castle.

Meanwhile, Eau Claire stands on the Chippewa River, 95 miles east of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. The city has a thriving music and arts scene and miles of waterways and walking trails.