Wales is located on the west coast of Britain and has a population of approximately three million. Like Scotland, the country has its own National Assembly, based in Cardiff, which has broad-ranging powers. South Wales, traditionally a steel and coal-mining region, is the most densely populated part of the country. North and West Wales are more mountainous, and largely rural.  The official languages of Wales are Welsh and English.  Welsh is one of the oldest languages in the world; today you’ll see examples on Welsh road signs, as well as on local television and radio.

Traditional Welsh culture is maintained in a strong choral tradition and in various eisteddfods—festivals of literature, music, and performance. Outside the main cities of Cardiff and Swansea, you’ll find superb walking and hill-climbing in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, and sandy beaches on the Gower Peninsula. Wales also has an abundance of medieval castles, among which Caernarfon and Pembroke are two of the best preserved.

Cardiff, or Caerdyd in Welsh—Caer = castle—is the capital of Wales and seat of its national assembly.  The city’s history can be traced back some 2,000 years to a Roman settlement.  In the 19th century Cardiff was a key port, exporting coal from the Welsh valleys to the rest of the world. City landmarks include Cardiff Castle, the cathedral, and the Millennium Stadium.Today, Cardiff is a lively commercial, retail, and recreation center, with nightly music and theater events, and a busy nightlife. Major annual events include the Cardiff Big Weekend music festival, and rugby union international matches (especially Wales v England). The city is well-connected by rail, with direct services to Bristol, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Holyhead (for the ferry to Ireland).

Program Description

Cardiff University was established in 1883 and is among the top research universities in the United Kingdom.  Its particular strengths include Law, Town and Country Planning, and Business Studies. The university boasts a student population of approximately 27,000, of whom approximately 20,000 are undergraduates.  It is located near the city center. 

Information at a Glance

• Academics

• Academic Calender

• Accommodations and Meals

• Optional Excursions

• Program Costs

• Scholarships

• Travel Brochure

For more information about this program, please visit the Cardiff University website.