Exchange Programs

Current Exchange options: 

• Pontifica Universidad Javeriana (Bogota, Colombia)
• Universidade Federal De Juiz De Fora (UFJF) - Juiz De Fora, Brazil

Note: Pontifica Universidad Javeriana, and Universidade Federal De Juiz De Fora exchange programs are open to students from various majors; however, the programs may have some restrictions such as foreign language requirements, or limited course selections in English.

Program Eligibility: 

• Sophomore + standing (some programs require students to be Junior standing by program start date)
• Good Academic Standing (Not on/completing academic probation)
• Good Behavioral Standing (No current judicial holds/sanctions; no major behavioral/misconduct records)
• 2.5 GPA minimum, 2.75+ preferred (UG); 3.0 minimum (GR) 

Course Selections:

Course selections will vary depending on which exchange program a student selects.

Regardless of location, students are expected to carry a full-time credit course load for their semester/terms abroad for either TAMU-CC or their host university. Students studying abroad for a semester are expected to take an equivalent of 12 U.S. credit hours (minimum for Undergraduates) and 9 U.S credit hours (minimum for Graduates) while abroad. Keep in mind that the credit system, and full-time credit course load may differ from one country to the next. For example, students studying in many European countries may be required to take a minimum of 30 ECTS credits per semester (approximately, 15 U.S. credit hours). 

Housing & Meals: 

Housing will vary depending on which exchange program students select. Many foreign institutions do not own their own housing accommodations, so they may work with a housing provider in order to provide accommodations to students on exchange. Many foreign institutions also do not provide meal plans for students; however, they do have dining facilities where students can purchase meals. Depending on the amenities included with the housing options, some students may be able to select self-catering housing options which would provide a kitchen/cooking area for students to prepare their own meals. Once, again, housing will vary based on program selection and the host institution. Most housing and meals are considered an "out-of-pocket" expense for students, so they should budget accordingly. 

Program Costs: 

Most exchange program participants will pay TAMU-CC tuition and insurance coverage for their term abroad. Students are expected to take a full-time credit course (minimum 12 U.S. credit hours for Undergraduates; minimum 9 U.S. credit hours for Graduates) load while abroad, and will be assessed for a minimum of 9 or 12 credit hours. Tuition fees will vary depending which college and which degree level students are enrolled in.

Tuition will be billed directly to students via their student/SAIL account. Tuition billing and due dates will follow the TAMU-CC tuition billing and payment due dates. Please check with the Bursar's Office for updated dates. 

All students participating on an exchange program will be required to enroll in the TAMU System's international insurance coverage program provided by CISI. Overall cost for insurance will vary based on the students intended program dates. The Study Abroad Office will notify students of the cost as well as how to submit payment, closer to the students intended departure dates. 

Costs for housing, airfare, meals, and other amenities provided by the host university (or the host university's service provider) will be the students responsibility and may be payable directly to the host institution or the service provider the host institution utilizes. Students will need to check with their host university on when billing and payment deadlines are. Also note, some host institutions, or their service providers, may ask for deposits/payments via wire transfer. If this is the case, students may be responsible for any additional wire transfer fees incurred for these payments. 

Airfare: 

Airfare is NOT included in the exchange program fees. This gives students the flexibility to select their own travel dates and their own preferred airline provider. Students SHOULD NOT purchase flights until they have been officially admitted to their host institution and have been provided the arrival/departure dates for their program. In some cases where a student visa is required, students should not purchase flights until their visa has been approved or if they were instructed to do so by the host university. 

Some host institutions may offer an airport pick/reception program. If host institutions provide this option, they will let students know which dates and time frames to arrive in order to utilize this service. 

Visa/Passports: 

All students will need a valid passport in order to enter/exit the country. Passports must remain valid for at least 6 months after the program end date in order for it to remain valid. Most students applying to programs that are longer than 90 days in length, will require a student visa in order to enter and legally remain in the host country. Visa regulations/restrictions will vary depending on the student's home country/country of citizenship. For example, students who are U.S. passport holders studying in Germany for a semester might not need a German student visa in order to enter the country; however, students will need to apply for their Residency Permit, within 90 days of their entry into Germany, or after their initial entry into a Schengen country. 

Students who do not have a passport, or need to renew their passport, should do so as early as possible. U.S. residents should take note that passports/renewals can take at least 4-8 months. 

The visa application process from application submission to approval may take up to 3 months. Students cannot apply for a student visa until they have been officially admitted by their host university. Because of this, students should plan accordingly, as some consulate offices require students to submit the visa application in person at the nearest consulate office (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, or Austin). Many consulate offices require students to make visa appointments weeks, if not months, in advance, so students should plan accordingly. 

To apply for an exchange program: 

All students applying to a TAMU-CC exchange program, will need to submit the following application documents to the Study Abroad Office. 

• Study Abroad Application Form
• Study Abroad Personal Statement
• Internal Records Release Form
• 2 Academic Recommendations
• Unofficial Transcripts (Accessible via SAIL Account)
• Language Proficiency Report (if applicable)