CUAbroad

Incoming Exchange Student Program

The Catholic University of America allows visiting students to study on its Washington, DC campus for one semester or one year, as part of formal exchange agreements with the students' home universities.

Students wishing to study at CUA as an incoming exchange student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be enrolled at an institution with whom CUA has a contractual agreement
• Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the home institution
• Must be willing to adhere to all CUA policies and guidelines

Students who apply to the Incoming Exchange Student Program are expected to meet the following standards for participation:

• The student must complete all required paperwork in a timely manner.
• The student must arrive by the program start date and be able to attend all mandatory orientations as announced by CUAbroad.
• The student must be able to maintain full-time status if he/she wishes to live on campus. Full time status is defined as taking at least 12 credits (typically 4 courses).
• English Language Proficiency: Students must meet the required English language proficiency requirements, which can be found on the International Student and Scholar Services webpage.

Upcoming Term Dates:

Fall 2009: Semester begins Monday, August 31 and final exams end on Saturday, December 19. Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

Also visit the CUA calendar on the Registrar's website.

STEP 1. Apply to the Incoming Exchange Student program at CUA

Each student must submit the follow documentation to their home institution education abroad office. Once the office has collected and reviewed the materials, send them collectively to CUAbroad.

Application form found here and supporting documents indicated on the application

Biographical Essay (must be typed) explaining who you are and why you want to study at CUA. If you are doing a congressional internship, discuss the reasons for your desired placement
Official Transcript
Copy of Passport

If planning to live on campus, a CUA Housing Application form. Please note you do not have to submit an application fee or deposit
Resume (CUA-sponsored internship program students only- must be in electronic form, emailed to BOLLS@cua.edu)

Students should consult Web sites such as www.monster.com or www.careerbuilder.com to format their resumes. The resume may not be longer than two pages.

All materials must be submitted to CUAbroad

On your application, you must also fill out your selection of courses that you will take while at CUA. For a course search, go to http://cardinalstation.cua.edu, and follow these instructions:

1) Scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Schedule of Classes."

2) Select "Catholic University of America" as Institution, and desired term. Then select your desired course subject and catalog number (Catalog number not a required field). The Course Career must be "Undergraduate." Be sure the "Open Classes Only" box is checked.

3) Click on "Search"

This will allow you to see which sections of that class have available seats. Students may also use this process at the start of the semester to find out where the course will meet. Keep a copy of these for your records.

Please note: Undergraduate students should make note that they can register for courses no higher than 400 and 500 level. LAW courses and 600 level courses are not permitted. Registration for courses is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space cannot be guaranteed for visiting students.

STEP 2. Complete your immunization record

The District of Columbia Immunization Law requires all academic institutions to have immunization records on-file for all students under the age of 26. Students must submit an immunization record to the Student Health Service Office at CUA. By visiting the Student Health Service Office website, students may see a list of the required immunizations and download the form to submit. Failure to submit this information by the end of the first week of classes will result in the cancellation of the student's participation in the program. Students should send this form directly to the Student Health Services Office and ensure that their ID number is noted on the form.

STEP 3. Submit your materials to CUAbroad, and receive acknowledgement of acceptance to the program, and apply for your visa

The CUAbroad Office will formally accept eligible applicants and assign an ID number and CUA e-mail address. A formal acceptance packet will be sent that will include academic information, important visa documentation, and what to expect before your arrival at CUA. Students are required to check their CUA e-mail regularly for updates from the Center for Global Education and CUA Housing Services. Access to these accounts will be outlined in the acceptance packet, which will assist in monitoring registration, your student account, and grades.

Information in regards to applying for your visa can be found here: http://international.cua.edu/students/

Make note that you are a J-1 student.

STEP 4. Verify your course selection

Keep in contact with CUAbroad's Program Manager to assure that you have registered as a FULL-TIME student, and into the classes that are best suited to you. you can view the course catalog and schedule of classes at http://cardinalstation.cua.edu. Though course selection can be completed on your initial application, this separate course selection form may be filled out and emailed to the Program Manager.

STEP 5. Notify CUAbroad of arrival date and time

CUAbroad will host an orientation session for visiting students. This orientation session is mandatory. Students must make arrangements to arrive by the orientation date. International students will also attend an orientation by the International Student Scholar Services Office. To ensure a timely arrival, students should pay close attention to the orientation date(s) and notify the Study Abroad office of their arrival date and time. Please note that students cannot enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the program start date and arrivals more than 10 days after the program start date must be coordinated with CUAbroad.

STEP 6. After arrival, attend International Student Orientation

At the beginning of each semester, CUAbroad will host an Arrival Orientation for all visiting students. This orientation is a mandatory component of the program that will introduce students to the CUA culture and to any relevant procedures for a successful semester at CUA. Students failing to attend the orientation will be automatically withdrawn from all classes.

On-campus Housing

Students wishing to apply for on-campus housing must include their Housing forms with the intitial application materials. Upon acceptance, the student will be assigned a room on the CUA campus.

Students must check their CUA student e-mail to receive updates on their Housing assignment before their arrival.

Note: On-campus housing at CUA is competitive and space is limited. Early application to the program is encouraged in order to complete the steps necessary to be eligible for on-campus housing. During the visiting term, students who wish to live on campus must hold a 12 credit hour minimum coarse load.

The cost of housing is the responsibility of the visiting student, and will be charged to the CUA student account. This fee must be paid upon arrival.

Health Insurance

Each student is required by law to have medical insurance during their stay in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of State, this insurance must cover:

(1) Medical benefits of at least US$250,000 per person per accident or illness;

(2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of US$7,500;

(3) Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of US$10,000; and

(4) Does not have a deductible of more than US$500 per accident or illness.

Failure to maintain this insurance will result in the termination of the student's exchange program.

Students may purchase health insurance from CUA at their arrival, or provide proof of coverage in the form of a letter from the insurance company, on letterhead, stating adequate coverage.

For more information on CUA insurance for students, visit http://studentinsurance.cua.edu/, or click here for a list of Independant insurance companies.

Deadlines 

If an accepted student wishes to withdraw from the program, he/she must submit this request in writing to CUAbroad

Penalties

Students who need a replacement DS-2019 form will be responsible for the expedited shipping fee.

If a student withdrawls from the program later 30 days before the beginning of the semester, they will be charged a $100 cancellation fee.

Additional Resources for Visiting Students