CUAbroad

Athens, Greece
with College Year in Athens

Dates: Fall Semester: August 31- December 18, 2009
Spring Semester: January 18- May 14, 2010
 

Description: Throughout ancient, medieval and modern eras, Athens has stood as an academic and cultural center of the western world. Evidence of Ancient Greece's contributions have been found throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and though the city may be steeped with such history, it is not stuck in time. Athens is a rapidly modernizing metropolis where the immediacy of the past stands in stark juxtaposition to the evolving demands of the present. Around the Greek monuments and renowned museums are modern city centers, bustling with both locals and visitors.

The College Year in Athens experience is designed to guide students to a greater understanding and appreciation of Greece-both past and present. While taking a Modern Greek language course, students may choose the "Mediterranean Studies" or "Ancient Greek Civilization" track, with both including history, literature, politics , and art courses, which are all taught in English. Excursions to sites around Greece are offered throughout the semester.

Accommodation: CYA students live in self-contained apartments in residential apartment buildings, situated a ten- to twenty-minute walk from the Academic Center. These neighborhoods are desirable for their central location, proximity to sites, monuments and museums, and access to the National Gardens and the wooded slopes of Lykavittos Hill. Housingkeeping and utilities are included, but student are responsible for food.

Credits: Students enroll in 5 courses; at least one course is mandatory for all visiting students, and all CUA students are required to take at least one Modern Greek language course.

Courses are divided into two tracks: Ancient Greek Civilization and East Mediterranean Area Studies. Students are free to select courses from either track.

Courses are offered in the following areas related to each track: Art & Archeology, Classical Languages, Ethnography, Greek Literature (in translation), History, Modern Greek Language, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion. Check out the College Year in Athens website for more information.

Cost: CUA tuition plus a $5,000 program fee, which includes accommodation, some meals, Study-travel, Airport meet-and-assist services, mobile phones, student support services, ISIC card, supplemental hospitalization insurance, On-Call International emergency evacuation insurance, pre-departure and on-site orientation. Airfare, visa, and personal expenses are not included. 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, as well as signing a financial aid contract with CUAbroad.
   
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 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.

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• 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 the CYAthens Academic Reference Form (attached to the CYAthens application) or departmental letterhead and should be returned to you to include with your application.
   

• 14 passport-size photographs (1 for your file, 1 for your International Student ID card, and 12 for your CYAthens materials)
   

• the CYAthens application form to be submitted directly to CUAbroad. This includes two academic references and a personal statement

  
  

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 Fall Semester 2009: march 1, 2009
For Spring Semester 2010: October 1, 2009

Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager