Additional Academic Opportunities

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The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) provides an array of services to help members of the University of Virginia community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States. CAELC offers a number of ESL courses free of charge to students who have matriculated in a degree program at UVa. Visiting scholars and research associates may enroll in CAELC classes as space allows. Completion of the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam must precede placement in any CAELC class. Individuals can take the exam at the beginning of each semester and by appointment throughout the year. CAELC also administers the SPEAK Test in August, December, and May. The SPEAK Test is used to assess the oral proficiency of prospective graduate teaching assistants whose native language is not English. CAELC also offers several courses designed to help prospective teaching assistants develop the communication skills needed for teaching in a U.S. college or university. CAELC offers an intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through the University’s Summer Language Institute, mid-July through mid-August. The EAP program is for entering students and research associates. CAELC endorses the NAFSA Principles of International Educational Exchange and the TESOL Standards for Post Secondary Programs. Information on testing, classes, and other services is available at www.virginia.edu/provost/caelc, caelc@virginia.edu, or (434) 924-924-3371. 

The Center for Undergraduate Excellence advises U.Va. students regarding undergraduate research opportunities and national scholarships and fellowships. We encourage students to visit the center throughout their undergraduate careers. We are located on the third floor of the Harrison Institute/Small Special Collections Library. For further information visit http://www.virginia.edu/cue/.

The University of Virginia views Education Abroad as an important academic endeavor, enriching both intellectually and personally, and crucial in preparing students for the realities of an interconnected world. This unique learning environment stimulates exchange of ideas with  people from various cultures. It provides opportunities for students to gain an international perspective on their chosen academic field or career path as they learn and practice important life skills - critical thinking, creativity, independence, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to interact and communicate across differences. 

Eligibility:

• Any degree seeking undergraduate UVa student who has completed at least one semester at UVa, has attained 2.5 Cumulative GPA, and is in good academic and disciplinary standing is eligible to study abroad.
• Transfer students should consult with their respective schools for any additional criteria.
• Please note that some programs may have admissions requirements different from and in addition to the general study abroad eligibility requirements.

Education Abroad Advising: The key to a successful Education Abroad experience lies in early planning. The first step for students interested in studying abroad is to complete the on-line Education Abroad Workshop (EAW) on the International Studies Office (ISO) Education Abroad website www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. After completing the EAW and conducting initial research into program offerings, students work with their academic advisor and one of the education abroad advisors in the ISO to identify programs that best match their academic and personal goals and to prepare for the sojourn.

Financial Considerations: UVa is committed to making education abroad affordable and accessible to all of its students. Students receiving financial aid through Student Financial Services can apply that funding towards their study abroad program expenses. Additional funding is available through several study abroad scholarships administered through the ISO and individual schools and departments.  The Education Abroad website and Education Abroad Library provide information on a variety of national and program-specific funding sources.

Health and Safety in Education Abroad: The University’s Committee on Health and Safety in Education Abroad works closely with the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the State Department to ensure maximum safety of UVa students on study abroad programs. UVa policy limits undergraduate study abroad in areas of the world for which an active State Department Travel Warning is in effect. Through mandatory pre-departure orientations, the ISO offers resources in collaboration with the Dean of Students Office and the Elson Student Health Center to ensure that all students are aware of possible health risks and have access to required and recommended vaccinations, medications, and medical care.

Types of Study Abroad Programs

UVa programs: University of Virginia faculty members have developed and are directing close to 50 study abroad programs. Costs differ by program. Depending on the program, students receive either UVa credit or transfer credit. Summer and January term programs span the globe. Among the 2012-2013 destinations were Argentina, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Morocco,  South Africa, Spain, and the UK. The curriculum is varied as well. For example, students can choose from intensive language and culture studies, Anthropology, Art History, Business, Literary Studies, Global Development Studies, Philosophy, Public Health, Marine Biology, Engineering, Education, Nursing, or Architecture. Semester-long programs include:

• UVA in Florence at Palazzo Rucellai
• UVA in Lyon
• UVA in Siena (in affiliation with CET)
• UVA in Tibet (in affiliation with the University of Tibet)- Fall semester only
• UVA in Valencia
• UVA in Venice (Architecture, Fall semester only)

UVa Exchanges: UVa has established close to 100 bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements with foreign universities. Under these agreements, UVa students enroll at partner institutions as visiting students, while students from partner universities study at UVa. Faculty both from UVa and the partner universities communicate about departmental requirements and curricula to ensure maximum benefits for the student. If English is not the language of instruction at the host university, UVa students need to meet a prescribed language requirement prior to participating in the exchange. UVa students on exchange programs pay regular UVa tuition and fees; room and board expenses are paid abroad.  Exchange programs are highly competitive since UVa can nominate a limited number of students for any particular exchange. Applicants need to have a GPA of 3.0 or above and demonstrate significant independence and maturity. Students are advised to start planning early and meet with an education abroad advisor well ahead of deadlines.
 
UVa-Approved programs: The International Studies Office, in collaboration with academic departments, has approved a number of well established and reputable non-UVa programs for UVa student participation and credit transfer. In order to participate in these programs, students need to complete both the ISO application process and the program sponsor application process. Application deadlines may vary.

Other programs: Students interested in a program not included in the current UVa education abroad offerings should consult with an Education Abroad advisor and petition for the program to be approved on a case-by-case basis. Petitions must be submitted within the appropriate timeline and approved by the ISO and the appropriate academic departments.

Extensive information on all types of programs, specific education abroad program details, deadlines, costs, study abroad advising hours, as well as the application materials is available at www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. With further inquiries, contact the International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.

Semester at Sea

• Semester at Sea is a global comparative education abroad experience that traces its origins to the earliest days of study abroad in 1963. Each year, during the fall and spring semesters, approximately 700 students from colleges and universities around the country take an around-the-world voyage on the floating campus, the MV Explorer. Shorter voyages are held during the May and summer term. Over 50,000 students from approximately 1,500 different institutions have studied and traveled to 60 countries through the program.

• The University of Virginia became the academic home for the Semester at Sea program in June of 2006. Semester at Sea students receive credit for their course work through the University of Virginia. The Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs oversees the partnership between UVa and the Institute for Shipboard Education as well as academic administration of the Semester at Sea Program.

• The International Studies Office advises and supports UVa students wishing to participate in a voyage. For information about participating in a voyage and details about the application process, please contact the ISO at (434) 982-3010 or studyabroad@virginia.edu. Non-UVA students interested in attending Semester at Sea should contact the Institute for Shipboard Education at www.semesteratsea.org.

Extensive information on all types of programs, specific study abroad program details, deadlines, costs, study abroad advising hours, as well as the application materials is available at www.studyabroad.virginia.edu. With further inquiries, contact the International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.

January Term offers UVa students a range of unique opportunities: new courses that address timely topics, undergraduate research seminars, overseas programs, and increased student-faculty contact, thanks to intensive formats and small class size. Students who enroll in January Term courses have access to a variety of student services and extracurricular activities. The list of January Term courses can be viewed at www.virginia.edu/januaryterm.

Students who register for a January Term course pay by the credit; financial aid is available for eligible undergraduate students. For more information, visit www.virginia.edu/januaryterm or contact Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; januaryterm@virginia.edu. 

Each summer, the University of Virginia offers a rich selection of programs and courses to over four-thousand students through its Summer Session. Many of these programs and courses are not available during the academic year, including the University’s well-known Summer Language Institute (SLI). UVa students commonly enroll in the Summer Session to fulfill degree requirements, double major, improve their GPA, shorten time to their degree, or explore new interests. Summer Session students have access to an array of support services and extra-curricular activities during their studies. The list of Summer Session 2014 courses can be viewed at www.virginia.edu/summer after November 22, 2013.

UVa students enrolled in the 20143spring semester and not graduating at the end of that semester may register for Summer Session courses on-line. UVa students who graduate in May, 2014 must first complete the Summer Session application for visiting students. (Note: Any individual who wishes to enroll in the Summer Language Institute must complete the SLI application process).

The Summer Session welcomes visiting students. The majority of these individuals are enrolled at another college or university and come to UVa to complete courses not offered at their home institution. Visiting students must apply for admission to the Summer Session. Rising high school juniors and seniors with distinguished academic records may also apply for admission to the Summer Session. Admission to the Summer Session does not constitute admission to the University of Virginia. Comprehensive information on the University of Virginia’s Summer Session and application materials are available at www.virginia.edu/summer. For more information contact the Office of the Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; summer@virginia.edu.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) offers an intensive language and culture program through the Summer Language Institute. EAP program is designed for non-native speakers of English who have been admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Virginia. Incoming UVa research associates and visiting scholars are also welcome to apply for admission to the program. Participants fine-tune the language skills required for success in U.S. higher education through classes in academic writing, academic reading and vocabulary development, listening comprehension and note-taking, classroom discussion strategies, and presentation skills. A pronunciation assessment is conducted with follow-up work assigned as needed.

The program includes a series of workshops that provides a general introduction to U.S. higher education. Workshop topics include library and research skills, university computing resources and facilities, academic culture, student-faculty relationships, cross-cultural awareness, and student services. Cultural proficiency is developed through a combination of workshops and activities. Activities include social gatherings, sporting events, field trips, and frequent meetings with conversation partners. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), and 79-80 (iBT) is recommended. An overall band score of 6.0 is recommended for individuals who take the IELTS.

For further information, contact CAELC, Dell Building 2, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; caelc@virginia.edu; www.virginia.edu/provost/caelc.

The Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers nine-week programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan. Students attend classes five days a week, six hours a day. Communication skills are developed in a student-centered environment. Participation in evening cultural activities is required five days/week. Individuals who successfully complete the Institute programs in French, German, Hebrew,Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan earn 12 credits, which satisfies the foreign language requirement at the University of Virginia. Participants in the SLI Arabic and Chinese programs earn 8 credits.

The Summer Language Institute also offers English for Academic Purposes. Participants in this 4.5-week program enjoy the intensive learning experience found in other SLI programs.

Information and application materials are available at www.virginia.edu/summer/sli. For further information, contact the Summer Language Institute, Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-6552; uvasli@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia attracts an academically accomplished student body. Over 90% of students graduate in the top tenth of their high school class and many students enter their first year with a significant number of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits. The University has been a leader in creating accelerated programs to help students take advantage of a strong liberal arts education and pursue their professional goals. For instance, the Curry School of Education’s five-year B.A./M.T. program has been cited as a national model. Similarly the Batten School’s accelerated Bachelor/Master of Public Policy program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a M.P.P. in five years. The innovative one-year Master of Science in Commerce degree gives recent liberal arts, science, and engineering graduates fundamental business skills to succeed in the global business environment.

In recent years an increasing number of students have used their advanced standing to accelerate their undergraduate studies and graduate in three years. For students who enter with advanced standing, U.Va. offers an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in four years. This accelerated degree option for exceptionally well prepared students reduces the time it would normally take to graduate with both degrees by a year or more. The shorter time also reduces the cost for students and their family. The “Three Plus One” (3+1) option is intended for students with strong undergraduate records for whom a master’s degree may be preparation for career goals, wish to accelerate their studies, or desire additional preparation before pursuing a professional degree.

Students seeking this degree option will complete their bachelor’s degree in three years and then enter a one-year master’s degree program. In some cases students may begin taking master’s level courses while completing their bachelor’s degree. AP, IB, or other advanced credit is often used toward completing the Bachelor’s degree early. Students may also fulfill degree requirements early through J-term and summer school courses.

This option is not for all students. Interested students should have a clear idea of their goals and enter U.Va. with a substantial amount of advanced credit (minimum of 15 credits). Students are encouraged to plan their course of studies early and meet with an undergraduate advisor to create a plan to graduate in three years. The method of entry into a student’s desired choice of a master’s program varies by program and students should meet with a representative from their intended graduate program in their first year at U.Va. to determine the admissions process.

Currently several programs exist in which students have already completed the 3+1 option. These programs are listed on the 3+1 website: http://www.virginia.edu/provost/3+1/programs.html. This list, however, is not meant to be comprehensive. You may inquire about this option in any field of study, but for some degrees the 3+1 option may not be possible.

The UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled their pre-medical prerequisites as undergraduates and seek the science coursework which will enable them to apply to medical school. This full-time, twelve month program’s focus is the education and immersion of students in the pre-medical science curriculum and the medical field through volunteering and shadowing opportunities. The Program includes an MCAT prep course, and faculty and staff provide individual guidance throughout the medical school application process. The Post-Bac Pre-Med Program is not designed to help students strengthen an otherwise weak academic record or to repeat premedical science course requirements.

Admissions

College graduates from an accredited college or university who seek the requisite science courses for medical school admission may apply.  Program admission is highly selective and competitive. Exceptional academic grades and letters of recommendation, along with strong commitment to and motivation for medicine are characteristic of program students. In addition, the admissions committee will give preference to applicants with work experience and/or relevant volunteer experience in a clinical setting.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following materials:

• A completed on-line application
• Two letters of recommendations

                o  One faculty reference highlighting the applicant’s academic abilities
                o  One work-related or volunteer reference

• Transcripts of all previously attended colleges or universities, which must demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher (GPAs under 3.25 are considered and should be discussed with the program’s director)
• A current resume reflecting education as well as work and volunteer experiences
• Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, if seeking in-state tuition eligibility
• Standardized ACT or SAT scores previously submitted to your undergraduate institution; GRE scores may be substituted–UVa Testing Codes: ACT: 4412 / EST (SAT I and SAT II): 5820 / GRE R5820.

Applications for admission will be accepted annually beginning August 15. The application deadline is February 15. Review of completed applications begins each September 1 and acceptances are issued on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged. The student cohort size is approximately 35 students.

Curriculum

The program curriculum engages students in the pre-requisite science education necessary to apply to medical school as well as to prepare students to sit for the MCAT examination. The program is completed in one year of study, beginning with the summer session, followed by courses in the fall and spring semesters Opportunities for engaging in volunteer experiences are also built into the program.

The core Post-Bac Pre-Med curriculum includes the science courses and labs that are required for application to medical school. This includes two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses, along with associated labs. Post-Bac Pre-Med students will also take the course on the U.S. Health Care System, taught by the medical director of the program.