Deadline: 1 October 2014
Open to: recent university graduates with only a few years of professional experience
Venue: A Year in New York
Description
The Mountbatten Institute's staff and corporate sponsors, in association with the Graduate School of Management and Social Sciences of St Mary's University, Twickenham, are committed to furthering the international perspective and prospects of the next generation. A pioneer in the field of work and study abroad programmes, the Institute provides recent graduates and young professionals with the choice of two unique opportunities. We facilitate 12- and 16-month programmes to live, work and study in London or New York and provide an MBA option to spend a semester in Bangkok. Mountbatten alumni advance their careers with:
an MBA or Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Practice
a year of relevant work experience in a world financial capital
an international network of friends, colleagues and business managers.
Live, Work & Study
Mountbatten provides living arrangements in London and New York, work placement, monthly stipend, accommodation, insurance, visa assistance and support throughout, so that participants can focus on getting the most out of their experience in London and New York. For those who complete their MBA in Bangkok, Mountbatten provides additional accommodation and support services.
Options
Whether candidates choose the MBA or the PGC, the programme begins with a year in New York, with a full-time work placement and evening and weekend classes to support their academic study. MBA students complete their degree with a semester of fieldwork experience in Bangkok.
Regional Centres
North American Regional Office, New York, United States
European Regional Office, London, United Kingdom
Asia/Pacific Regional Offices in Bangkok, Thailand and New Delhi, India
Our History
Founded in New York in 1984, the organisation was named in honour of the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma, a senior member of the British Royal Family. After a distinguished career in public service Lord Mountbatten became deeply involved in international education, particularly student exchange and international study. His elder daughter, Lady Patricia, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, is our Patron. Although she is not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the Institute, she does lend considerable support and encouragement to our efforts.
Eligibility
Mountbatten programmes are designed for recent university graduates with only a few years of professional experience. For details on specific areas of eligibility, please see the sections below. Please contact your admissions office with any questions or concerns you may have.
Education
A degree from a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States is required. Applications from current students are accepted provided the applicant is scheduled to graduate before beginning a Mountbatten programme. The Mountbatten Admissions team takes a holistic approach to each application, reviewing all aspects of a candidate's experience, education, references and personal achievements. Most applicants, however, have an undergraduate degree classified at 2.2 or above.
Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 12 months full-time professional (office/administrative) work experience to fulfill eligibility requirements.
This work experience can be accumulated in several positions, and may have been acquired before, during, and/or after relevant academic studies.
Work experience must be related to one of the areas we offer placements in: Finance, Event Management, HR, IT, Law, Marketing/Communications or Non-Profit.
Voluntary/unpaid work can count towards the required 12 months.
Retail, restaurant, bar/pub work cannot be counted.
Work experience must be acquired outside of the US.
This is a non-negotiable requirement of the US State Department for the specific Trainee J-1 Visa offered to Mountbatten participants.
If you are unsure whether your experience meets these requirements, please contact your local admissions office providing information of your employment to date.
Language Requirements
The Mountbatten Institute provides no English language training. Highly proficient verbal and written English language skills are required for both the classroom and the workplace. The ability to communicate clearly using professional English plays a significant role when interviewing for placement in London or New York. For candidates whose first language is not English, any of the following certificates or scores may be provided to serve as a guideline for proficiency to begin the application process:
IELTS (academic) 6.5 overall with not less than 5.5 in any section
TOEFL minimum 575 on paper-based and 90 on internet-based
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Cambridge Certificate Proficiency (CPE)
Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP)
GCSE English grade C or above
Pearson Test score of 58 for English Academic or Level 5 General
Higher Secondary exam with 55% or higher, in English (India)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Nationality Requirements
New York programmes are open to all non-US citizens. Holders of dual nationality where one country is the US are not eligible to participate. While many Mountbatten candidates are UK or EU nationals, others will be from outside of Europe (e.g. Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia). If you are a non-UK or non-EU national, you should contact your local US embassy to find out more about immigration requirements and how J-1 visas are awarded and processed in your home country. You are also advised to contact the Admissions Team relevant to your location in London, New York, Bangkok or Sydney.
Costs
Fees vary based on the academic programme selected.
PGC Fees
One year of professional work experience and practical training in New York
Provision of shared, furnished apartment accommodation
Tuition for year-long Postgraduate Certificate Course (60 MBA Credits)
Provision of relevant course material
Professional support and advice
USD $1,050 monthly training allowance
Provision of medical insurance
For those applying through our London admissions office:
Application Fee:
GBP £55 *
Initial Deposit:
GBP £600 **
Participation Fee:
GBP £6,745 ***
Total fees:
GBP £7,400
For those applying through our Bangkok admissions office:
Application Fee:
USD $100 *
Initial Deposit:
USD $1,000 **
Participation Fee:
USD $10,900 ***
Total fees:
USD $12,000
For those applying through our Sydney admissions office:
Application Fee:
AUD $110 *
Initial Deposit:
USD $1,000 **
Participation Fee:
USD $10,900 ***
Total fees:
AUD $110 + USD $11,900
MBA Fees
MBA (12 months in New York)
Included in the fees:
One year of professional work experience and practical training in New York
Provision of shared, furnished apartment accommodation
MBA course tuition for 12 months
Provision of relevant course material
Professional support and advice
USD $1,050 monthly training allowance
Provision of medical insurance
MBA (4 months in the Asia Pacific Region, based in Bangkok)
Included in the fees:
MBA course tuition (full-time and intensive) for 4 months
Provision of relevant course material
Provision of individual studio or single room accommodation (with cleaning service)
Professional support and advice
Travel expenses (skytrain / underground) on lecture days
Provision of lunch on seminar days
Provision of medical insurance
Visa fees
For those applying through our London admissions office:
Application Fee:
GBP £55 *
Initial Deposit:
GBP £600 **
Programme Fee:
GBP £1,845 ***
MBA Tuition, New York:
USD $14,000 ***
MBA Tuition, Bangkok:
USD $18,000 ****
Total fees:
GBP £2,500 + USD $32,000
For those applying through our Bangkok admissions office:
Application Fee:
USD $100 *
Initial Deposit:
USD $1,000 **
Programme Fee:
USD $2,900 ***
MBA Tuition, New York:
USD $14,000 ***
MBA Tuition, Bangkok:
USD $18,000 ****
Total fees:
USD $36,000
For those applying through our Sydney admissions office:
Application Fee:
AUD $110 *
Initial Deposit:
USD $1,000 **
Programme Fee:
USD $2,900 ***
MBA Tuition, New York:
USD $14,000 ***
MBA Tuition, Bangkok:
USD $18,000 ****
Total fees:
AUD $110 + USD $35,900
*
Payable at Application. Non-refundable.
**
Payable on Acceptance onto the Programme.
***
Payable when placement with a Sponsor Company is confirmed.
****
A non-refundable deposit of USD $2,000 is due approximately 4 months prior to the start of the Asia/Pacific semester. The balance is payable approximately 45 days prior to the start of the semester.
The Initial Deposit is actually the first part of the Programme Fee. The Initial Deposit is fully refundable if the applicant is not placed. The Initial Deposit may be forfeited in part or in whole if the applicant subsequently withdraws from the Programme or unreasonably refuses to accept interviews or take a Placement. Candidates who accept a placement and subsequently withdraw are not normally be permitted to defer to the next intake.
Acceptance means that the applicant, having been interviewed, is considered appropriate for the Programme. Notification of Acceptance is always in writing and an Initial Deposit will be requested before any further action is taken.
Acceptance does not guarantee a Placement, since this must ultimately be at the discretion of the sponsoring company. Sponsoring companies demand a choice of candidates and as a practical matter this can only be achieved by having an oversupply of acceptable candidates.
The Programme would ideally place all accepted candidates. However, the vagaries of both the supply of candidates and the demand by sponsoring companies, coupled with requests on both sides for a specific match, make this process difficult to predict and manage. Thus, despite our best efforts, some accepted candidates will not get placed first time round. Such candidates may opt to receive a refund of their initial deposit or to stay on the lists for the next intake.
Allowances
Allowances are paid by the Programme, (your employer of record). No salary or allowance is paid to the intern by host organisations.
Training Allowance: USD $1,083 gross, paid monthly in arrears. A small amount is deducted each month for New York State taxes. The allowance is paid from the first day of training with your host organisation. Accommodation is provided free of charge. (Interns are obliged to live in the Programme's accommodation - there are no exceptions). Medical insurance is also provided free of charge. See Accommodation.
Tax Filing
Although all income needs to be reported to the IRS, depending on your overall circumstances, federal taxes are not withheld on Mountbatten generated allowances. You are responsible for filing your own tax return at the end of each calendar year over which your Mountbatten year spans. Accountants and tax preparation services are readily available during filing season in New York and online. Mountbatten Institute is in no way qualified, licensed or responsible for providing advice or assisting in the preparation of your tax return.
Security Deposit
A security deposit of USD $200 is retained by the Programme by deducting USD $100 from the first two training allowance payments. This deposit is returned 3 months after completion of the internship less any required payments for breakages, damage to apartment furniture, etc., and less any outstanding utility bills.
Other Expenses
Applicants will be responsible for their own expenses involved in obtaining their J-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. This will involve (1) a USD $160 visa application fee (2) traveling to the nearest embassy or consulate for an interview and (3) a SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) fee of USD $180, payable to the US Government (Department of Homeland Security) via the internet using a credit card. You will be sent full details in due course, but those applicants without credit cards might wish to line up their arrangements beforehand in order not to delay your visa processing. These fees were correct as of June 2012, but are subject to change without notice.
Airfare costs vary according to the time of year. Additional insurance cover may be needed - see Accommodation.
In New York, participants are responsible for their own electricity and telephone bills. Approximately USD $1,500 will be needed to cover expenses during the first few weeks. The Programme makes arrangements for participants to open a US bank account as soon as possible after their arrival in the USA.
Funding / Loans
Those candidates searching for funding opportunities may be eligible for a Professional and Career Development Loan. St Mary's University, Twickenham, is a registered learning provider with the Skills Funding Agency.
Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between GBP £300 and GBP £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year's relevant unpaid practical work). The UK government's Skills Funding Agency will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning or contact Next Step on 0800 100 900.
Please be aware that due to the nature of the our application process and the loan issuing structure, candidates might not receive approval for the loan until they secure a placement in NY.
We also recommend researching other possible grants and loans available.
Visit Prospects’ and Jobs.ac.uk websites to research postgraduate funding:
www.prospects.ac.uk/funding_my_further_study.htm
www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/studentships/1740/funding-postgraduate-study-abroad
Visit Direct Gov for bursaries, scholarships and awards:www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Typesoffinance/DG_171571
Application
We are delighted that you are considering applying.
By now you should have read ALL the pages in the New York section of this website (as shown in the navigator panel on the left of your screen). If you have any questions or concerns about either your eligibility or the Institute's requirements you should contact us before proceeding.
By proceeding you are agreeing that:
You have read and you satisfy all the criteria on the Eligibility page.
You have read, understood, and where relevant, will comply with the various requirements described in other pages in this website.
Start Dates
March 2014 programmes begin early morning on Tuesday, March 11th, 2014. Participants should arrive Monday, March 10th.
August 2014 programmes begin early morning on Tuesday, August 19th, 2014. Participants should arrive Monday, August 18th.
Application deadlines
March Intake - Applications accepted from June through to October 1 in the year preceding the programme start date. All materials must be postmarked no later than October 1.
August Intake - Applications accepted from the preceding December through to March 15 of the year of the programme start date. All materials must be postmarked no later than March 15.
If the deadline falls on a weekend or national/public holiday, we will accept applications postmarked on the following business day.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that all your references are submitted by the deadline.
The Institute does not review applications on a rolling basis - all applications are reviewed together after the respective deadline.
The Institute is usually oversubscribed and so deadlines for individual applicants are rarely extended beyond the published dates. If the published deadline itself is extended, a large red-bordered notice will appear at the top of this page.
Applications take quite some time to organise - you are strongly advised not to leave your application to the last minute.
Information and Application Pack
If you wish to apply now, or you are interested in applying later but meanwhile would like more detail, please download the New York Programme Information and Application Pack.
You must read carefully all sections of the relevant Information and Application Pack before you proceed to the online application form. This pack contains additional and critical information pertaining to the application process.
Select your New York Programme Information and Application Pack based on which admissions office you are applying through: the London Office, the Bangkok Office or the Sydney Office. Make sure you select the correct pack:
For applying through the London Admissions Office: nyc-info-pack-london.pdf
For applying through the Bangkok Admissions Office: nyc-info-pack-bangkok.pdf
For applying through the Sydney Admissions Office: nyc-info-pack-sydney.pdf
In order to apply, register HERE.
The official web-page.