The Catholic University of America

Getting Started

 

Before submitting an application for an education abroad program, all CUA students are strongly advised to follow the steps outlined below. 
 
1. Attend an "Education Abroad 101" general information session
Come and learn about education abroad opportunities and how to apply for a semester, year, or short-term program in the country of your interest. These small group sessions are offered regularly during the fall and spring semesters. Check the CUAbroad web site for days and times or stop by the CUAbroad office to find out when these sessions are offered. These meetings are held in Rm. 111 McMahon Hall, please email cua-cuabroad@cua.edu or stop by the office to sign up.
 
2. Choose your destination, select a program and have your program approved (if non-CUA program)
You may select from a variety of options offered by both CUA and by other institutions in the US and overseas or by other providers. You can review CUAbroad program options here.
If you are selecting a non-CUA program, you may wish to follow the guidelines provided for you on the CUA website, under "Non-CUA programs." In order to have a non-CUA program approved, the student must consult with the Global Program Manager and present materials that prove that the host institution and/or the program provider are accredited AND that the particular program has a good reputation for quality, as well as health and safety in general and at that location in particular.
IMPORTANT! A student intending to study abroad through another institution in the same country and city where an existing CUA-sponsored or affiliated program is located must submit a written petition explaining the reasons why the non-CUA program is preferred to the existing CUA sponsored or affiliated program. Programs are given individual approval based on the following criteria: academic fit with the CUA curriculum and with the student's academic/cultural goals, and the quality of student support services. The petition must be addressed to the Director of Education Abroad. Students seeking individual approval are required also to meet with the Director of Education Abroad to discuss feasibility. There is no guarantee that the non-CUA program at the same location will be approved, but every effort will be made to find an appropriate program.
 
3. Do your homework
Read program brochures, web sites, application forms and instructions very carefully, print and save course descriptions and syllabi, and submit all materials well before the deadline. The application is not complete until all materials are submitted. Ask questions during the application process if you are uncertain about something. Research programs that you are considering carefully and in detail before completing and submitting application materials. Some programs may require deposits or application fees along with your application.
 
4. Make an appointment with the Global Program Manager in CUAbroad
Review application and transfer of credits procedures with the Program Manager if you any questions.
 
5. Consult with your CUA academic advisor
Tell your advisor as early as possible that you intend to study abroad. During the meeting with your advisor, review your degree plan. Make sure you understand your CUA tracking sheet and determine which courses - major, minor, electives - you must take to fulfill your degree requirements and whether these courses can be taken overseas for credit. Also, discuss residency requirements as required by your School.
Transfer students may need to pay particular attention to working with their academic advisors, as there is a limit on the number of courses one can take at another institution that count toward a CUA degree.
 
6. Meet with the Transfer Coordinator in the CUA School where you are pursuing a degree
Discuss with the Transfer Coordinator how proposed courses will count toward your degree.
Complete the CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines.
 
7. Submit your Application

APPLICATION DEADLINES
Spring semester: October 1
Fall semester & Academic Year: March 1
Applications received after these deadlines will be processed on a space available basis

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
At the time of application, all applicants must be:
  • Enrolled full-time at CUA or at another accredited institution of higher education (for summer programs, full-time enrollment may not be required)
  • In good academic standing (i.e. not on academic probation)
  • Must have completed 45 credits before the program begins (for semester or academic year programs). For short term or summer programs there is no such requirement.
  • Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative G.P.A. for semester and academic year programs and 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. for summer and short-term programs. Some programs have a higher minimum G.P.A. requirement, so student must consult the individual program's website.
  • CUAbroad does conduct a disciplinary check with the CUA Office of Student Life to assure that the student is in good disciplinary standing and not on disciplinary probation.

What to submit to CUAbroad:
  • CUAbroad online Application (print a copy for your file)
  • $100 non-refundable application fee
  • An official CUA academic transcript
  • CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines, accompanied by the course descriptions and/or syllabi. This form lists the courses that you intend to take during the program and it requires the signatures of the Academic Advisor, Departmental Advising Coordinator, and the Transfer Coordinator
  • One-page biographical essay explaining your background and your objectives for education abroad.
  • Two academic letters of recommendation from recent Professors. These need to be on letter head and in a sealed envelope
  • One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). Please apply for a passport immediately and inform your Program Officer and turn in a copy before you leave. Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her passport. If you do not get a passport before the departure of the program, you risk not being able to participate on the program.
  • Two photographs (passport size) pictures can be taken at your local Wal-mart or CVS. They should look something like this:
  • Any additional forms, housing application, extra photographs, or documents required by the host institution. These are mentioned on the CUAbroad program website, and should be submitted directly to CUAbroad.
After Acceptance
  • Submit non-refundable $500 deposit directly to the CUAbroad Office
  • Meet with the office of Financial Aid to determine the necessary steps in assuring your aid will cover your tuition and program fee, and submit to CUAbroad the Financial Responsibility Form
  • Provide proof of health insurance and that your policy will provide international coverage
  • Research visa requirements for your host country, and make the proper arrangements to apply for your visa
  • Make the necessary airline arrangements, and submit your flight itinerary to CUAbroad

HELPFUL HINTS
  • Apply Early. Space in each program - especially in reciprocal exchanges - is limited. Some programs may fill up before the application deadline, so it is a good idea not to procrastinate. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered or only on space available basis.
  • Submit the CUA application online and print one set of photocopies for your files. With the exception of official academic transcripts and confidential letters/ forms of recommendation in sealed envelopes.
  • Get organized. Set up a filing system and keep important documents or copies together in one place. We recommend that you group your papers together in a way it makes sense to you. It is a good idea to keep CUA forms; host institution application, housing application, copy of passport & visa, travel itinerary, scholarship applications, etc. together.
  • Keep a copy of everything you submit or sign for your own files for now and for the future. This includes application forms, transcripts (opened or unofficial), visa application, non-confidential (or open) letters of recommendation, etc.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE CAMPUS
  • Attend the mandatory "Know Before You Go" Pre-departure orientation
  • DO NOT REGISTER FOR ON-CAMPUS CLASSES AT CUA FOR THE TERM ABROAD. This may result in double billing. Drop on-campus registration if already registered.
WHILE ABROAD
As soon as possible, check with CUAbroad by email once you arrive overseas.
Obtain appropriate approvals for any change in course(s). It is the student's ultimate responsibility to contact his or her CUA academic advisor from abroad to evaluate all courses for transfer credit
At the end of your program, request an official transcript to be sent directly to CUAbroad in order to complete your transfer of credits. Do NOT have your transcripts sent to the Office of the Registrar!
 
Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, Global Program Manager for CUAbroad.