CUAbroad

Valencia, Spain
with the University of Virginia

Dates: Fall Semester: September 2 - December 18, 2009
Spring Semester: January 13- May 7, 2010

Description: On the eastern coast of Spain, on Costa del Azahar, Valencia is becoming one of the most modern cities of the Mediterranean. The new futuristic Center of Arts and Sciences lives in peaceful coexistence with the 14^th century Our Lady of the Forsaken, a perfect symbolism of Valencia's combination of old and new. With many local festivals to celebrate the local culture and customs, it is an ideal place for Spanish immersion.

The Hispanic Studies in Spain program is an enriching and comprehensive experience for the student interested in becoming well-versed in Spanish and Latin American culture and language. In addition to an extensive list of courses, taught in Spanish by University of Virginia professors, the program is aimed towards the academic enrichment of the student. The program also entails a variety of activities and experiences that will expand your knowledge of Spain and its people. Students must have already taken at least Spanish 204 to be eligible.

Accommodation: Homestays are arranged for students by the program affiliates to allow students to fully immerse themselves in the culture.

Credits: As courses are all in Spanish, students must have completed up to Spanish 204 to participate. Students can take up to 15 credits in language, literature, culture, art that are taught by UVA professors. For more information and full course descriptions, visit the program website.

Cost: CUA tuition plus a $5,000 program fee for accommodation, meals, course related day trips, orientation, International Student ID card, and OnCall International Emergency Evacuation Insurance. Airfare, visa, and personal expenses are not included. Airfare may be purchased with a group with payment made directly to the program provider. Please contact CUAbroad for the complete cost breakdown of the program.
 

Eligibility: Applicants must be a full time student, and have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA at the time of application. You also must be at least second-semester sophomore at the time of departure (have completed 45 credit hours). A disciplinary check will also be done with CUA Residence life. Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they are concerned about graduating on time.

How to Apply:

1. Consult with the CUAbroad Global Program Manager to determine the application procedures for your specific semester/year program.
    
2. Consult with your academic advisor. Make sure that the credits offered for the program will fit into your academic program.
    

3. If receiving financial aid, coordinate with CUA's Office of Financial Aid to determine your available aid for education abroad.
   

4. If you live on campus, notify CUA Housing of your education abroad plans.
   
   Submit your application materials by the deadline for your specific program to CUAbroad. Your application package must include:

• Completed CUAbroad application form
  

• $100 non-refundable application fee
  

• An official current academic transcript
  

• CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines , for CUA students only, accompanied by the course descriptions or syllabi- This form documents your initial chosen courses for your semester abroad. While changes can be made, this is extremely important, as it pertains to course equivalencies and where they will go on your tracking sheet. Students who do NOT attend CUA must complete a Non-CUA student Advisor Approval form.

   

• One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). If you do not currently have a passport your application will still be considered. Please apply for a passport immediately and inform the CUAbroad Global Program Manager. 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.
   

• 2 academic letters of recommendation from professors whom you have had in class within the last year. They should evaluate your overall academic work. Recommendations should be written on departmental letterhead and should be returned to you to include with your application.
   

• Two passport-size photographs (for your file and International Student ID card)
   

• One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad
   

• The UVA online application, including a signature verification form and home school approval form
   

UPON ACCEPTANCE
1. Submit a non-refundable $500 deposit to the CUAbroad (see instructions in your acceptance packet). Stay informed with payment deadlines and pre-departure orientation.

2. 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 the CUAbroad Financial Responsibility Form.

3. A copy of a letter from your health insurance company, on letterhead, stating that you will be covered during your time abroad.

4. Affidavit of family support during your stay to be used for student visa.

All materials should be submitted at the same time in an envelope, marked with the student's name and ID, to:

Madison Bolls, Global Program Manager
CUAbroad/Center for Global Education

McMahon Hall 111
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064

Deadline: For Spring Semester 2009: September 12, 2008
For Fall Semester 2009: March 1, 2009

Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager